How to Clean a Swath Through the Slope

Survey the area to ascertain the best route for your swath. Plot a route around large trees and areas of sandy soil that are prone to erosion. Find a path as free of large bushes and vegetation as possible.

Cut away all bush using a machete or shears. Once you cut back the branches and stems, dig the bush out by the roots. Just cutting the branches is a temporary solution, and your swath will be overgrown in no time.

Remove small and large trees. Felling trees is a dangerous job, so have helpers and use appropriate safety gear. Wear gloves and eye protection and only use a chainsaw if you are adept at doing so. Use an ax for small trees and a chainsaw for larger branches and trunks. Dig out the trunks or use a stump grinder to remove stumps.

Clear out vines, grass and small plants with the use of a grass trimmer. When using the grass trimmer, always wear long sleeves, long pants, eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris and rocks. Run the trimmers along the length of your swath to remove all traces of vegetation.

Keep the swath clear of vegetation by trimming it with the grass trimmers once every two weeks.