Have you recently purchased a new lot that the previous owner neglected to cut all the vines and undergrowth? If your land is tightly intertwined with tree branches, vines, weeds, and telephone lines, you may be wondering how to clear up the mess.
You could use a large chain saw to cut the branches out one by one, but is there a better way to clear your land quickly? Let’s look at the best ways to clear brush vines and undergrowth.
The Best Ways To Clear Brush Vines and Undergrowth
There are several techniques that can be used to cut and clear out brush vines and undergrowth. Some are more labor-intensive than others, but all will do the job pretty quickly.
What is the Best Time of Year to Clear Brush Vines and Undergrowth?
The best time of year to clear brush, vines, and undergrowth is just after the last freeze in the spring or just before the first freeze in the fall. The reason for this is that when you cut woody materials during the height of summer, it will open up the pores and create a moisture pocket that will draw moisture out of the soil. This is very hard on plants and can lead to transplant shock, which will kill plants.
Also, this is a good time of year to cut vines and undergrowth because they have not yet gotten established or gotten very large, making it easier to cut.
What Tools are Required to Cut Brush Vines and Undergrowth?
While many tools can be used to cut brush, vines, and undergrowth, there are five basic items you will need. They include;
1. Brush Mower
A brush mower is a type of mower that has very sharp teeth on the underside of the deck that will cut through vines, underbrush, and other tough materials. There are two basic types of brush mowers, those that you push and those that you ride on.
If you can afford one, buy the riding model. They are faster, more powerful, and will do a better job of cutting thick brush vines undergrowth.
If you are on a budget, buy a push model. They are slower, but they will do the job.
2. Stump Grinder
A stump grinder is a powerful tool that attaches to the end of a drill. It has a series of sharp teeth on the edge that will quickly grind up tree stumps.
While it is designed to be used on tree stumps, if you attach a brush mower blade to the end of it, it will cut up brush vines and undergrowth quickly.
3. Chainsaw
A chainsaw is a must-have tool for cutting brush, vines, and undergrowth. While it is possible to use the other tools discussed here to cut up everything, a chain saw is faster and more efficient.
It is also crucial for safety reasons since it is less likely to bind up or kick back at you.
4. String Trimmer
A string trimmer is yet another tool that will make this job a lot easier. While a brush mower has teeth on the underside of the deck, it only cuts from one direction. This makes it difficult to cut out vines and branches running in different directions.
A string trimmer with a brush blade can cut in any direction and is a great tool to have after you have used a brush mower to get rid of the bulk of the vines and underbrush.
5. Brush Grubber
A brush grubber is a weed eater with spades on the end of it. While they are designed to be used for clearing out small brush-like vines and small saplings, they work pretty well for medium size vines. They can be pulled by hand or attached to a tractor.
How to Cut Brush, Vines, and Undergrowth?
Whether you are cutting brush, vines or undergrowth will determine how you do it.
Cutting Brush and Undergrowth
If you are only dealing with small bushes and undergrowth, a string trimmer with a brush blade is the best tool for this job.
To use it, you simply attach a brush blade to the end of it and trim down anything taller than a few inches.
Make sure you wear protective clothing and eye protection when using this tool, so you don’t get hit in the face by debris.
Cutting Vines and Bushes
If you are dealing with vines and bushes taller than a few inches, it is best to use a brush mower as the first step.
Attach a brush mower to the end of your drill and use it to cut down vines, bushes, and undergrowth that are taller than a few inches.
Wear proper clothing, eye protection, and ear protection when using this tool.
Using a Stump Grinder
If you are dealing with stumps of small trees, it is best to use a stump grinder. Attach a brush mower blade to the end of it and grind up small stumps.
Not only will this make it easier to pull out small stumps, but it will also make them much smaller.
Using a Chainsaw
If you are dealing with larger stumps and there is no way you can pull them out, it is best to use a chainsaw and cut the stumps into logs.
Step when using a chainsaw:
1. Put on your protective clothing and eye protection
2. Mark the cutting path on the tree with chalk
3. Put the chainsaw in your dominant hand and stand to one side of the tree facing it
4. Put the chainsaw in a low power setting and cut from bottom to top
5. As soon as you start cutting, step away from the falling tree
6. Run out of the way as quickly as you can to avoid being hit by falling branches and debris
7. If you are using this tool yourself, it is best to have someone nearby just in case you get hurt.
The Best Ways To Clear Brush Vines and Undergrowth: Wrapping it Up
Cutting up brush, vines, and undergrowth can be a lot easier if you use the correct tools for the job.
Whether it is cutting brush and vines with a string trimmer, grinding stumps with a stump grinder, or cutting up small trees by hand, each method has advantages and disadvantages. Just remember that safety should always come first!