How to Manage Wood Clearings & Undergrowth

Managing a wood clearing and undergrowth is a constant battle. If left alone, a clearing can quickly become swallowed up by the nearby trees and vegetation. The best way to maintain a clearing is to remove undergrowth and thin out the clearing so that the area stays open. Depending on the level of overgrowth, different tools and techniques are necessary. For best results, work in cooler temperatures to avoid insect bites and the presence of snakes.

Backhoe
Work gloves
Sturdy pants
Long-sleeve shirt
Safety goggles
Chainsaw
Machete
Metal rake
Trash bags
Weed eater
Goats or other undergrowth-eating animals

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the area before starting any management clearing. Note any obstructions in the clearing or woods such as fallen trees, overgrown bushes, leaf piles or tangled trees or vines. Determine what equipment is necessary to maintain the area from the obstructions. The larger the obstruction, the larger the necessary equipment.
- 2
  Wear sturdy work gloves, long pants, safety goggles and long sleeves when clearing out underbrush.
- 3
  Remove the largest obstructions first. Use a backhoe to remove fallen trees, tree stumps and large bushes. Make sure to pull any plants out by the roots so that they cannot grow back.
- 4
  Cut back any overgrowth with a combination of a chainsaw and machete. Dispose of the undergrowth in a recycling center or by burning the items in a controlled fire.
- 5
  Rake any fallen leaves and undergrowth with a metal rake. Place the leaves in trash bags for disposal.
- 6
  Use a weed eater to cut down tall grasses, vines and other small plants and weeds.
- 7
  Chop off any broken, diseased or unsightly branches from trees in the area. Discard the cut limbs.
- 8
  Maintain the work throughout the year to prevent the clearing and woods from becoming overrun in the future.

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