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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
Hello,
I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 20/09/2016 17:04, SJP wrote:
Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. I would have thought any half decent petrol strimmer with the correct cord, shoulder harness and cowhorn handles would do the job in less than a day (although you may need/deserve a beer after) :~) -- Charlie Pridham, Gardening in Cornwall www.roselandhouse.co.uk National collections of Clematis viticella & Lapageria rosea |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
I invested in DR wheeled trimmer-mower which I find easier and quicker than a normal strimmer. As a small person, wielding a robust strimmer is heavy on the arms and shoulders after a while. This trimmer also has very thick strong cord so it cuts through tough docks etc easily.
Janet G |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 20/09/2016 17:04, SJP wrote:
Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Having read the previous posts, I shall leave experience/expertise on machinery and tools to others, but I did wonder if you might weaken the grass at least with the use of yellow rattle? -- Spider On high ground in SE London Gardening on heavy clay |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 21/09/2016 12:33, Janet wrote:
In article , says... I invested in DR wheeled trimmer-mower which I find easier and quicker than a normal strimmer. As a small person, wielding a robust strimmer is heavy on the arms and shoulders after a while. This trimmer also has very thick strong cord so it cuts through tough docks etc easily. Janet G It would be a good idea to try out a few different options before buying; which the OP can do by hiring. That way he won't end up with a machine that's too weak for the job or one that he finds too heavy or painful. Janet ( Arran) OR get someone in to clear it to stare then he would be able to use a lighter machine to keep it down. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
charliepridham wrote:
On 20/09/2016 17:04, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. I would have thought any half decent petrol strimmer with the correct cord, shoulder harness and cowhorn handles would do the job in less than a day (although you may need/deserve a beer after) :~) NO, not really, the 'under the trees' bit makes it take a *long* time in my experience. -- Chris Green · |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP
wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? snip I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Is the orchard well fenced? 2-4 sheep on 1.5 acres should keep the grass under control, improve the soil and eventually eliminate most weeds. They browse a little on the trees but shouldnt cause any real harm. I do this myself. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:07:22 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote:
On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Sheep? That would be my solution. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Fri, 23 Sep 2016 11:07:46 +1000, Jeßus wrote:
Is the orchard well fenced? 2-4 sheep on 1.5 acres should keep the grass under control, improve the soil and eventually eliminate most weeds. They browse a little on the trees but shouldnt cause any real harm. I do this myself. Any particular favourite? Apple, Pear, a nice bit of Birch for breakfast. G.Harman |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 23/09/2016 02:08, Je�us wrote:
On Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:07:22 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote: On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Sheep? That would be my solution. Sheep don't like long grass. Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
In article ,
David Hill wrote: I've recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I'm struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. ... Sheep don't like long grass. Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. It's the non-grasses that are the real problem for grazing. I don't know whether goats and donkeys will eat those, in real life rather than fiction, but none of sheep, horses or even cattle will. Cattle would do, if the non-grasses were cut down at least a couple of times a year, but only then. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:19:43 +0100, David Hill
wrote: On 23/09/2016 02:08, Je?us wrote: On Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:07:22 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote: On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Sheep? That would be my solution. Sheep don't like long grass. That is true. You would have to get the grass short initially, but after that... Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. Yes, I wouldn't use goats in that situation. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Sat, 24 Sep 2016 07:51:05 Chris Hogg wrote:
On Sat, 24 Sep 2016 11:49:27 +1000, Jeßus wrote: On Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:19:43 +0100, David Hill wrote: On 23/09/2016 02:08, Je?us wrote: On Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:07:22 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote: Sheep? That would be my solution. Sheep don't like long grass. That is true. You would have to get the grass short initially, but after that... Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. Yes, I wouldn't use goats in that situation. I always understood that sheep graze, goats browse. In other words, sheep eat stuff on the ground while goats eat stuff higher up, i.e. shrubby stuff. But I expect there's some overlap. I had some sheep in my meadow a few years ago and they certainly attacked some oak saplings. The saplings were protected up to about 2 - 3 feet high but the sheep continually chewed the tops off. David -- David Rance writing from Caversham, Reading, UK |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
Nick Maclaren wrote:
In article , David Hill wrote: I've recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I'm struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. ... Sheep don't like long grass. Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. It's the non-grasses that are the real problem for grazing. I don't know whether goats and donkeys will eat those, in real life rather than fiction, but none of sheep, horses or even cattle will. Cattle would do, if the non-grasses were cut down at least a couple of times a year, but only then. Any grazing animals in an orchard will be a disaster, they will browse as well as graze. Not only will they eat the fruit, they will damage branches as well. -- Chris Green · |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
In article , Chris Green wrote:
In article , Any grazing animals in an orchard will be a disaster, they will browse as well as graze. Not only will they eat the fruit, they will damage branches as well. That's not so. All you have to do is to ensure that the branches are higher than the browsing height or the tree is protected to that height. Yes, the animals will prune the trees to keep it that way, but that's not a big deal. Goats might be a problem, as they will also eat bark, but cattle, sheep, horses and their related species aren't. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 21/09/16 08:07, Chris Hogg wrote:
On Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:04:09 +0200, SJP wrote: Hello, I’ve recently taken on the management of a somewhat overgrown 1.5 acre orchard and I’m struggling to keep the thick hill-grass, docks, nettles and thistles under control. I’ve used a mixture of a medium-powered strimmer and an Austrian scythe, but it’s a good 6-8 day job with either. Is there something that I can buy that can cut this in a day or so? I don’t have a tractor, van, fork-lift, or the like, and the access is poor. As such I need something that is both small enough to fit in a car-boot and light enough to lift, push, etc. I want a tool that can cut 4-6 months growth of this grass, etc. 2-3 times a year. Does anyone have some recommendations? Am I correct in thinking that a power scythe would be to bulky, heavy and expensive? I was considering a very powerful second-hand Stihl brushcutter or a wheeled trimmer, but, whilst quicker that what I’m currently using, would either be a sufficient enough upgrade to warrant buying one or the other? Ultimately, the machines I’ve ended up considering are the following: SHERPA Paddock Master Drum Mower SHERPA Bravo Rough Cutter I would be delighted to hear any advice. Many thanks. Sheep? Sheep are used in a local commercial apple orchard, near Bristol. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Sat, 24 Sep 2016 10:45:06 Nick Maclaren wrote:
In article , Chris Green wrote: In article , Any grazing animals in an orchard will be a disaster, they will browse as well as graze. Not only will they eat the fruit, they will damage branches as well. That's not so. All you have to do is to ensure that the branches are higher than the browsing height or the tree is protected to that height. Yes, the animals will prune the trees to keep it that way, but that's not a big deal. Goats might be a problem, as they will also eat bark, but cattle, sheep, horses and their related species aren't. Sheep do eat bark as I know to my cost. (No, it wasn't rabbits or voles!) David -- David Rance writing from Caversham, Reading, UK |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
In article ,
Janet wrote: That's not so. All you have to do is to ensure that the branches are higher than the browsing height or the tree is protected to that height. Yes, the animals will prune the trees to keep it that way, but that's not a big deal. Goats might be a problem, as they will also eat bark, but cattle, sheep, horses and their related species aren't. In my experience when grazing is short in winter, both sheep and horses will eat bark :-( (Hungry horses made a terrible mess of a mature birch wood in the winter before we bought it). Grass stops growing in winter but sheep keep eating; so an enclosed acre does not provide enough grazing all year round to feed a couple of sheep. They would need supplementary feeding which isn't cheap. Well, of course. I was assuming that the stock were not overcrowded and neglected. Except perhaps for goats, no domestic livestock (or even deer, hares and rabbits) will eat bark if any better food is available. Bluntly, domestic animals eating bark is a priori evidence of mismanagement, at best, and animal cruelty at worst. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
In article , says...
In article , Janet wrote: That's not so. All you have to do is to ensure that the branches are higher than the browsing height or the tree is protected to that height. Yes, the animals will prune the trees to keep it that way, but that's not a big deal. Goats might be a problem, as they will also eat bark, but cattle, sheep, horses and their related species aren't. In my experience when grazing is short in winter, both sheep and horses will eat bark :-( (Hungry horses made a terrible mess of a mature birch wood in the winter before we bought it). Grass stops growing in winter but sheep keep eating; so an enclosed acre does not provide enough grazing all year round to feed a couple of sheep. They would need supplementary feeding which isn't cheap. Well, of course. I was assuming that the stock were not overcrowded and neglected. Except perhaps for goats, no domestic livestock (or even deer, hares and rabbits) will eat bark if any better food is available. On the contrary, they will all eat smooth young bark on younf trees as a delicacy even in midsummer when there's ample alternative food. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/infd-6k4kaf Janet. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
In article ,
Janet wrote: That's not so. All you have to do is to ensure that the branches are higher than the browsing height or the tree is protected to that height. On the contrary, they will all eat smooth young bark on younf trees as a delicacy even in midsummer when there's ample alternative food. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/infd-6k4kaf Please read what I posted originally. I don't know how you think smooth young bark can appear at ground level on older trees, except for suckering ones, where the animals will help by pruning off the suckers. The techniques for combining orchards and grazing are both ancient and well-known. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
In article ,
Martin wrote: Janet replied to this Perhaps I shouldn't have snipped anything, though I am not sure that it would have stopped you quoting out of context. Read the WHOLE message that you snipped from. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
In article , says...
In article , Janet wrote: That's not so. All you have to do is to ensure that the branches are higher than the browsing height or the tree is protected to that height. On the contrary, they will all eat smooth young bark on younf trees as a delicacy even in midsummer when there's ample alternative food. That was not written in reply to what you quote above it. You have removed what I DID reply to: Here is the exchange; You wrote Well, of course. I was assuming that the stock were not overcrowded and neglected. Except perhaps for goats, no domestic livestock (or even deer, hares and rabbits) will eat bark if any better food is available. I wrote On the contrary, they will all eat smooth young bark on younf trees as a delicacy even in midsummer when there's ample alternative food. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/infd-6k4kaf Please read what I posted originally. I don't know how you think smooth young bark can appear at ground level on older trees, I don't, and haven't said that. Perhaps if YOU paid more attention to what you posted, you wouldn't jump to false conclusions about what I posted. Janet |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
I have to say that this Newsgroup is one of the few left that doesn't
feature sniping and flaming. Could we possibly keep it that way, please? Syke On 25/09/2016 17:20, Janet wrote: In article , says... In article , Janet wrote: That's not so. All you have to do is to ensure that the branches are higher than the browsing height or the tree is protected to that height. On the contrary, they will all eat smooth young bark on younf trees as a delicacy even in midsummer when there's ample alternative food. That was not written in reply to what you quote above it. You have removed what I DID reply to: Here is the exchange; You wrote Well, of course. I was assuming that the stock were not overcrowded and neglected. Except perhaps for goats, no domestic livestock (or even deer, hares and rabbits) will eat bark if any better food is available. I wrote On the contrary, they will all eat smooth young bark on younf trees as a delicacy even in midsummer when there's ample alternative food. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/infd-6k4kaf Please read what I posted originally. I don't know how you think smooth young bark can appear at ground level on older trees, I don't, and haven't said that. Perhaps if YOU paid more attention to what you posted, you wouldn't jump to false conclusions about what I posted. Janet |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On 25/09/2016 21:46, Syke wrote:
On 25/09/2016 17:20, Janet wrote: In article , says... In article , Janet wrote: That's not so. All you have to do is to ensure that the branches are higher than the browsing height or the tree is protected to that height. On the contrary, they will all eat smooth young bark on younf trees as a delicacy even in midsummer when there's ample alternative food. That was not written in reply to what you quote above it. You have removed what I DID reply to: Here is the exchange; You wrote Well, of course. I was assuming that the stock were not overcrowded and neglected. Except perhaps for goats, no domestic livestock (or even deer, hares and rabbits) will eat bark if any better food is available. I wrote On the contrary, they will all eat smooth young bark on younf trees as a delicacy even in midsummer when there's ample alternative food. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/infd-6k4kaf Please read what I posted originally. I don't know how you think smooth young bark can appear at ground level on older trees, I don't, and haven't said that. Perhaps if YOU paid more attention to what you posted, you wouldn't jump to false conclusions about what I posted. Janet I have to say that this Newsgroup is one of the few left that doesn't feature sniping and flaming. Could we possibly keep it that way, please? Can we bottom post as per newsgroup convention? I feel it's unfortunate you felt obliged to reply to Janet. She have her experience and backed it up with a link to a respected website. While there seems a difference of opinion, where one party ups the anti with no link to backup their stance they would normally be called a troll. This is my first and last post in this thread. |
Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
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Managing thick grass in overgrown orchard
On Sat, 24 Sep 2016 07:51:05 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote:
On Sat, 24 Sep 2016 11:49:27 +1000, Jeßus wrote: On Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:19:43 +0100, David Hill wrote: On 23/09/2016 02:08, Je?us wrote: On Wed, 21 Sep 2016 08:07:22 +0100, Chris Hogg wrote: Sheep? That would be my solution. Sheep don't like long grass. That is true. You would have to get the grass short initially, but after that... Goats would do but they would like low branches as well. Yes, I wouldn't use goats in that situation. I always understood that sheep graze, goats browse. In other words, sheep eat stuff on the ground while goats eat stuff higher up, i.e. shrubby stuff. But I expect there's some overlap. Definitely some overlap. My Dorpers love to browse, but they are more like a goat compared to other sheep breeds. |
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