The leaves are slowly changing, the weather is cooling off, and the age-old debate of whether fall is the best season or not is back in full swing. While you may not agree, you can probably admit that it sure is nice to step outside without sweating through your shirt.

Now just hear us out. There are a couple of solid points that back up fall in the “best season” argument. The food is better (i.e. think Thanksgiving stuffing), football is back (well, sort of), and the front yard isn’t so… high-maintenance. 

Our favorite thing about fall? Land management. While it doesn’t sound too glamorous, it’s definitely the prime time to do a proper cleanup of your property. Temperatures have dropped and snakes and mosquitos are slowly backing off, now’s your time to shine.

Why is it important to reclaim your land?

You might be tempted to let Mother Nature run her course, but think twice before you let a couple of years slip by without any management. Whether you want to eventually build a house, set up a deer stand, plant a garden, or just enjoy your land, it’s beneficial to have a clean and accessible area to do so. Plus, good looking land goes a long way. 

Having access to all parts of your land creates a safer environment, and cutting down brush also helps to prevent wildfires. Not only is it safer for you, but it’s also safer for your land and your neighbor’s land. Brush and weeds can infect the area around it, leading to a complete takeover. 

What does cleaning up your land consist of?

Well, it depends. Get your boots on and head outside. What do you see? Take note of anything that seems like it wouldn’t belong in a Southern Living magazine. Brush, undergrowth, maybe even fallen trees or old stumps. 

You’ll want to set up a plan for clearing everything out. It doesn’t have to be a 10 page proposal, but just note where bush and undergrowth has moved in and decide on any trees or stumps that you want gone. We also suggest taking a mental note of any areas that may be hard to access, like fences or rocky surfaces. 

First, you’ll want to go in and take care of any trees you want cut down. Chop the fallen trees up into smaller pieces that you can easily transport to a trailer or dumpster, and then get to work on pulling out and disposing of the stumps left behind. Once the unwanted trees are out of the way, remove any shrubs or vines and clear out the undergrowth. 

Let’s take a closer look at the tools and equipment you can use to accomplish each of these tasks. Both hand tools and tractor implements are fair game!

What tools do you need to reclaim your land? 

Cleaning up never sounds fun, but getting behind the wheel of your tractor might make you a bit more eager. With the help of your John Deere tractor and a couple of common implements, you’ll be on the road to healthier land. 

Whether you are using a small tractor or a utility tractor, you’ll have no problem getting the job done. But the question still remains. There are several different hand tools and implements that can tackle this project, so don’t worry about getting everything on the list.

Best Tools for Removing Tree Stumps and Branches

1. Chainsaw or Ax. Either of these will allow you to cut down any trees that you want to get rid of and will make it easier to chop up old fallen trees or any large limbs. Keep in mind, one of these tools will take quite a bit more energy out of you than the other will.

2. Shovel. It’s always good to have a shovel on hand. Especially when you are trying to clear out a stump. 

3. Backhoe. Save time and energy when you hook a backhoe up to the back of your tractor. This life-saver will allow you to dig up around your tree stump. You’ll need to enlist the help of your trusty shovel and chainsaw of course. Click here for a detailed video on how to remove the stump itself.

4. Root Grapple. Get more done at once by gathering multiple dead tree branches without the hassle. Pile up smaller pieces of debris and carry it to your dumpster pile. Click here for a detailed video on how to use a root grapple. 

Best Tools for Clearing Brush 

1. Rotary Cutter. Adding a rotary cutter to your tool shed is a great idea for any large-property owner because it easily takes care of brush and overgrown weeds, as well as your front lawn. Designed to handle more tough material than a regular mower can, it can take on rough plant material and even small tree saplings. Click here for a detailed video on how to use a tractor-mounted rotary cutter. 

2. Bucket Tooth Bar. Attaching a tooth bar onto your front-end loader will allow you to loosen and dig up gnarly brush that some cutters can’t quite get to.

3. Box Blade. When using a box blade, you’ll be able to catch roots and pull them out with the scarifiers, lessening the chances of any brush growing back. Talk about getting to the root of the problem…

4. Rake. You’re almost back to the home plate, but this time around you’ll have good-looking property. You have a bunch of dead plants lying around, so grab a rotary rake implement, hook it up to your tractor, and get to work.

Some areas require a permit to clear brush from your land, so be sure to double-check with your local planning and development department!

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Our team here at Greenway knows more than a thing or two about cleaning up the land, and we know even more about the proper equipment and tools to do so. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you come up with a plan for reclaiming your land so you can get back to enjoying your property.