11 hours ago
Mesquite as a Persistent Land Management Challenge
Mesquite trees, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, are notorious for their resilience and aggressive regrowth. In Texas, they dominate pastures and rangelands, often forming dense thickets that choke out native grasses and reduce grazing capacity. Their deep taproots and lateral root systems make mechanical removal difficult, while chemical control often results in multi-stemmed regrowth. Despite their value as barbecue wood, mesquites are considered a pest by most landowners.
Terminology Notes
Skid steers offer maneuverability and versatility for mesquite removal, especially in areas where larger equipment like dozers cannot operate near fences or structures. Operators in Texas have adapted machines like the Mustang 940 and Bobcat S175 with custom grubber attachments to tackle mesquites ranging from saplings to mature trees with trunks up to 2 feet in diameter.
The key to success lies in soil moisture. In dry conditions, mesquite roots resist extraction. After rains, the soil softens, allowing the grubber to penetrate and sever roots more effectively. Operators often test a tree by pushing it gently to check for movement. If the canopy sways, the root system may be compromised enough for removal.
Designing an Effective Grubber Attachment
One operator built a grubber using elevator counterweights salvaged from a scrapyard. The vertical blades were spaced 16 inches apart, with a horizontal crossbar for strength and leverage. A cedar grinder blade was welded backward across the bottom—not to cut, but to catch and pull the tree. Sharp blades risk slicing small mesquites, leaving stumps that sprout aggressively.
Later modifications included fork extensions to reach under fences and tackle prickly pear and turkey pear. The added weight improved traction when grubbing uphill. If redesigned, the operator suggested narrowing the vertical spacing to 12 inches for better control and reduced power demand.
Soil Types and Their Impact on Grubbing
Texas soils vary widely, from fine sandy loam to clay and shallow rocky substrates. Mesquites in sandy loam are easier to extract, while those in clay or rocky soils require more force and strategic digging. In shallow soils, root systems may spread laterally rather than vertically, complicating removal.
Operators recommend:
One retired math teacher from the Texas Hill Country shared that he had been clearing mesquites since 2001 using his Mustang 940. He emphasized that mid-sized trees (1.5"–6" diameter) are the most difficult—too large for brute force, too small for leverage. His strategy involved digging around the base, breaking lateral roots, and pushing the tree until it exposed more roots.
Another operator noted that spot spraying mesquites conflicted with his farming schedule. Between October and March, the land only needed rain, but spraying required time he didn’t have. He resorted to using a JD 750 dozer for large trees and a grubbing hoe for house pastures.
Safety Considerations and Wildlife Hazards
Operators must be cautious of underground wasp nests, which often form near mesquite roots. One incident involved a D5 dozer operator who was forced to abandon the cab after disturbing a nest. The machine had to be recovered hours later using a loader. Protective gear and pre-inspection of grubbing areas are essential.
Alternative Methods and Global Comparisons
In South Australia, boxthorn removal presents similar challenges. A local inventor developed a mechanical puller that grips and extracts the plant without cutting. While mesquite differs in root structure, the concept of non-cutting extraction aligns with Texas operators’ goals.
Recommendations for Mesquite Control
Mesquite removal is a long-term commitment requiring mechanical ingenuity, timing, and persistence. Skid steers, when equipped with well-designed grubbers, offer a practical solution for landowners managing invasive growth. By focusing on root extraction and adapting to soil conditions, operators can reclaim pastures and reduce mesquite regrowth. In the battle against this tenacious tree, the right tool and the right moment make all the difference.
Mesquite trees, native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, are notorious for their resilience and aggressive regrowth. In Texas, they dominate pastures and rangelands, often forming dense thickets that choke out native grasses and reduce grazing capacity. Their deep taproots and lateral root systems make mechanical removal difficult, while chemical control often results in multi-stemmed regrowth. Despite their value as barbecue wood, mesquites are considered a pest by most landowners.
Terminology Notes
- Grubbing: The mechanical removal of trees or brush by extracting the root system.
- Sprouts: Regrowth from cut or damaged mesquite stumps, often forming multiple stems.
- Canopy Height: The vertical extent of the tree’s foliage, used to estimate maturity.
- Grubber: A custom attachment designed to dig around and uproot trees.
Skid steers offer maneuverability and versatility for mesquite removal, especially in areas where larger equipment like dozers cannot operate near fences or structures. Operators in Texas have adapted machines like the Mustang 940 and Bobcat S175 with custom grubber attachments to tackle mesquites ranging from saplings to mature trees with trunks up to 2 feet in diameter.
The key to success lies in soil moisture. In dry conditions, mesquite roots resist extraction. After rains, the soil softens, allowing the grubber to penetrate and sever roots more effectively. Operators often test a tree by pushing it gently to check for movement. If the canopy sways, the root system may be compromised enough for removal.
Designing an Effective Grubber Attachment
One operator built a grubber using elevator counterweights salvaged from a scrapyard. The vertical blades were spaced 16 inches apart, with a horizontal crossbar for strength and leverage. A cedar grinder blade was welded backward across the bottom—not to cut, but to catch and pull the tree. Sharp blades risk slicing small mesquites, leaving stumps that sprout aggressively.
Later modifications included fork extensions to reach under fences and tackle prickly pear and turkey pear. The added weight improved traction when grubbing uphill. If redesigned, the operator suggested narrowing the vertical spacing to 12 inches for better control and reduced power demand.
Soil Types and Their Impact on Grubbing
Texas soils vary widely, from fine sandy loam to clay and shallow rocky substrates. Mesquites in sandy loam are easier to extract, while those in clay or rocky soils require more force and strategic digging. In shallow soils, root systems may spread laterally rather than vertically, complicating removal.
Operators recommend:
- Targeting mesquites after rains for optimal soil conditions
- Avoiding cutting small trees—always remove root and stem together
- Using sprouts as indicators of incomplete removal
- Revisiting stubborn stumps during each grubbing cycle
One retired math teacher from the Texas Hill Country shared that he had been clearing mesquites since 2001 using his Mustang 940. He emphasized that mid-sized trees (1.5"–6" diameter) are the most difficult—too large for brute force, too small for leverage. His strategy involved digging around the base, breaking lateral roots, and pushing the tree until it exposed more roots.
Another operator noted that spot spraying mesquites conflicted with his farming schedule. Between October and March, the land only needed rain, but spraying required time he didn’t have. He resorted to using a JD 750 dozer for large trees and a grubbing hoe for house pastures.
Safety Considerations and Wildlife Hazards
Operators must be cautious of underground wasp nests, which often form near mesquite roots. One incident involved a D5 dozer operator who was forced to abandon the cab after disturbing a nest. The machine had to be recovered hours later using a loader. Protective gear and pre-inspection of grubbing areas are essential.
Alternative Methods and Global Comparisons
In South Australia, boxthorn removal presents similar challenges. A local inventor developed a mechanical puller that grips and extracts the plant without cutting. While mesquite differs in root structure, the concept of non-cutting extraction aligns with Texas operators’ goals.
Recommendations for Mesquite Control
- Use skid steers with custom grubber attachments for small to mid-sized trees
- Target removal after rainfall for easier root extraction
- Avoid cutting—always remove the entire root system
- Modify grubber designs for reach, weight, and soil compatibility
- Monitor for sprouts and revisit problem stumps regularly
- Be mindful of wildlife hazards and wear protective gear
Mesquite removal is a long-term commitment requiring mechanical ingenuity, timing, and persistence. Skid steers, when equipped with well-designed grubbers, offer a practical solution for landowners managing invasive growth. By focusing on root extraction and adapting to soil conditions, operators can reclaim pastures and reduce mesquite regrowth. In the battle against this tenacious tree, the right tool and the right moment make all the difference.
