Have a project I am considering, have about 3 to 5 acres of mostly cedar monoculture and another couple acres getting choked out with honeysuckle. I have been debating between renting a skidsteer and attachments to do the work myself vs. hiring someone. Does anyone know about how long it would take someone who knew what they were doing to clear an acres and about how much per acre they would charge?
DMarley83
DMARLEY83
Rent the machine and give her hell!!!
Only 1 way to learn.
Make sure u get the insurance +!!!
In that scenario is really just depends on how big the cedar trees are.
Once they get too big a dozer is way faster and cheaper than a skid/mulcher.
Post up pics
Once they get too big a dozer is way faster and cheaper than a skid/mulcher.
Post up pics
deerdown
Well-Known Member
I've found that in most, if not all all situations, that I've experienced, a dozer is a cheaper option when hiring it out.
I've run drum mulchers on a t770 and they aren't fast, especially on anything over 6" with me operating.
If you had almost all spindly stuff, is the only time I'd recommend a skid.
Can't talk to renting and diy vs hiring.
Depends on what you are doing. Mulching has advantages too. Way less erosion, ready to plant trees, smooth when done, more finesse (leaving desirable trees and not getting into their root system, less compaction, etc.
Situational.
Mulching large cedars is just not practical cuz of speed and potential cost.
deerdown
Well-Known Member
I guess I'll add - if this area you wanted to clear was 95% of 1-6' tall cedars, a skid with a tree puller would be a pretty good option if there was some mosture in the ground. Most of what I have experience with is a 1/3 1/3 1/3 mix of hardwoods, larger cedars, brush, hence my initial response saying - hire a dozer....
it is situational as 1983 stated.
Working on projects on two different farms right now. Mulching rose & honeysuckle amongst burr oaks on one and mostly 6-8" cedars on the other.
The advantages of mulcher in these scenarios:
1. Finesse- Can mulch a honey suckle 1" from a desirable oak as example.
2. don't get into the root structure of desirable trees
3. near zero soil erosion
4. returning biomass to ground to break down (nutrients)
5. Smooth when done
Downsides:
1. Not super fast- particularly dense cedars
2. Cost if hiring it out.
3. have to treat regrowth with herbicide
One of the typical cedar areas (Devoid of life)
The advantages of mulcher in these scenarios:
1. Finesse- Can mulch a honey suckle 1" from a desirable oak as example.
2. don't get into the root structure of desirable trees
3. near zero soil erosion
4. returning biomass to ground to break down (nutrients)
5. Smooth when done
Downsides:
1. Not super fast- particularly dense cedars
2. Cost if hiring it out.
3. have to treat regrowth with herbicide
One of the typical cedar areas (Devoid of life)
Looks awesome. The patch is am dealing with is similar to last Pic. Going to try and cut a trail through to see how many other species are down in middle. Not my ground so also working about possibilities with the landowner.