10 hours ago
Evaluating the Land and Setting Goals
Clearing land for pasture is a task that blends strategy, equipment knowledge, and long-term vision. Whether the goal is to raise cattle, sheep, or goats, the first step is understanding the terrain, vegetation density, and soil composition. In many cases, land may be covered with low-value timber—trees too poor for logging but dense enough to hinder fencing and grazing.
For pasture conversion, full clearing isn’t always necessary. Some landowners opt to clear only fence lines and allow animals to roam through partially wooded areas, especially when shade and storm shelter are beneficial. Goats and sheep, in particular, thrive in mixed environments where brush and trees offer natural cover.
Hiring vs. Owning Equipment
One of the biggest decisions is whether to hire a contractor or purchase a dozer and clear the land personally. Contractors typically charge by the acre or hour, with rates ranging from $800 to $1,200 per acre depending on terrain, tree size, and regional labor costs. In areas with flat, dry ground and minimal rock, productivity is higher and costs lower.
Owning a dozer offers flexibility. A landowner can clear 5 to 20 acres at a time, adjust plans seasonally, and use the machine for future projects like pond construction, road grading, or fence line maintenance. However, this requires mechanical skill, time, and upfront investment. A used mid-size dozer like a Dresser TD15C or CAT D6 can be a good fit—especially if it has low hours and a history of government or municipal use.
Choosing the Right Blade for Clearing
Blade selection is critical for efficient clearing. Two common types are:
• KG Blade (Koehring-Gould): A heavy-duty V-shaped blade designed to shear trees at the root line and roll them out of the ground. Ideal for stumps and dense brush.
• V-Type Cutter Blade: Similar in shape but often lighter and used for slicing through smaller trees and pushing debris.
The KG blade is preferred for full clearing jobs where stumps must be removed. It also excels at piling and stacking timber. Rome Industries manufactures KG blades for dozers ranging from D5 to D9, and these were famously used by U.S. military engineers during land-clearing operations in Vietnam.
A contractor using a D8N with a KG blade can clear and pile efficiently, sometimes charging $1,200 per acre. In Mississippi, similar work with a V blade may cost closer to $800 per acre, though productivity and stump removal may vary.
Burning, Burying, or Letting Debris Rot
Once trees are cleared, the debris must be managed. Options include:
• Burning: Fast and effective, but requires permits and favorable weather.
• Burying: Clean but labor-intensive and may require excavation equipment.
• Rotting: Passive and low-cost, but slow and may attract pests.
Burning is often preferred for its speed and simplicity. In Tennessee, for example, landowners can burn cleared timber with a seasonal permit. However, some prefer to bury debris to avoid smoke and ash. Others push it into piles and let it decompose naturally, especially when converting land gradually.
One operator in Georgia noted that he couldn’t tolerate piles of tree trash and always buried it. Another in Indiana used rotting wood for hugelkultur—an agricultural method that uses decaying wood to enrich soil.
Alternative Clearing Equipment
While dozers dominate land clearing, other machines offer unique advantages:
• CAT 963 Track Loader: Combines pushing power with lifting capability. Its elevated bucket provides leverage to uproot trees more efficiently than a dozer blade.
• Excavators with Grapples: Useful for selective clearing and stacking.
• Skid Steers with Mulchers: Ideal for brush and small trees but limited in stump removal.
A 963 loader can push over trees with the bucket raised 15 feet, offering superior leverage compared to a dozer blade at ground level. This method is especially effective in normal soil conditions and can reduce the need for specialized blades.
Planning and Phasing the Project
Clearing 70 acres is a major undertaking. Breaking the project into phases—such as clearing 10 acres per season—allows for better budget control, equipment maintenance, and adaptation to weather. It also gives time to evaluate soil health, drainage, and pasture growth before expanding.
Recommended steps:
• Survey the land and mark trees to preserve
• Clear high ground first to avoid erosion
• Leave low areas and slopes untouched to prevent washouts
• Use GPS or drone mapping to track progress
• Maintain access roads for equipment and livestock
Some landowners choose to clear only the usable pasture and leave wooded areas for wildlife corridors or future timber use.
Conclusion
Land clearing for pasture is more than just pushing trees—it’s a balance of economics, ecology, and equipment. Whether hiring a contractor with a KG blade or buying a dozer for long-term use, success depends on understanding the terrain, choosing the right tools, and managing debris responsibly. With careful planning and phased execution, even a densely wooded 70-acre tract can be transformed into productive pastureland—ready for livestock, fencing, and future growth.
Clearing land for pasture is a task that blends strategy, equipment knowledge, and long-term vision. Whether the goal is to raise cattle, sheep, or goats, the first step is understanding the terrain, vegetation density, and soil composition. In many cases, land may be covered with low-value timber—trees too poor for logging but dense enough to hinder fencing and grazing.
For pasture conversion, full clearing isn’t always necessary. Some landowners opt to clear only fence lines and allow animals to roam through partially wooded areas, especially when shade and storm shelter are beneficial. Goats and sheep, in particular, thrive in mixed environments where brush and trees offer natural cover.
Hiring vs. Owning Equipment
One of the biggest decisions is whether to hire a contractor or purchase a dozer and clear the land personally. Contractors typically charge by the acre or hour, with rates ranging from $800 to $1,200 per acre depending on terrain, tree size, and regional labor costs. In areas with flat, dry ground and minimal rock, productivity is higher and costs lower.
Owning a dozer offers flexibility. A landowner can clear 5 to 20 acres at a time, adjust plans seasonally, and use the machine for future projects like pond construction, road grading, or fence line maintenance. However, this requires mechanical skill, time, and upfront investment. A used mid-size dozer like a Dresser TD15C or CAT D6 can be a good fit—especially if it has low hours and a history of government or municipal use.
Choosing the Right Blade for Clearing
Blade selection is critical for efficient clearing. Two common types are:
• KG Blade (Koehring-Gould): A heavy-duty V-shaped blade designed to shear trees at the root line and roll them out of the ground. Ideal for stumps and dense brush.
• V-Type Cutter Blade: Similar in shape but often lighter and used for slicing through smaller trees and pushing debris.
The KG blade is preferred for full clearing jobs where stumps must be removed. It also excels at piling and stacking timber. Rome Industries manufactures KG blades for dozers ranging from D5 to D9, and these were famously used by U.S. military engineers during land-clearing operations in Vietnam.
A contractor using a D8N with a KG blade can clear and pile efficiently, sometimes charging $1,200 per acre. In Mississippi, similar work with a V blade may cost closer to $800 per acre, though productivity and stump removal may vary.
Burning, Burying, or Letting Debris Rot
Once trees are cleared, the debris must be managed. Options include:
• Burning: Fast and effective, but requires permits and favorable weather.
• Burying: Clean but labor-intensive and may require excavation equipment.
• Rotting: Passive and low-cost, but slow and may attract pests.
Burning is often preferred for its speed and simplicity. In Tennessee, for example, landowners can burn cleared timber with a seasonal permit. However, some prefer to bury debris to avoid smoke and ash. Others push it into piles and let it decompose naturally, especially when converting land gradually.
One operator in Georgia noted that he couldn’t tolerate piles of tree trash and always buried it. Another in Indiana used rotting wood for hugelkultur—an agricultural method that uses decaying wood to enrich soil.
Alternative Clearing Equipment
While dozers dominate land clearing, other machines offer unique advantages:
• CAT 963 Track Loader: Combines pushing power with lifting capability. Its elevated bucket provides leverage to uproot trees more efficiently than a dozer blade.
• Excavators with Grapples: Useful for selective clearing and stacking.
• Skid Steers with Mulchers: Ideal for brush and small trees but limited in stump removal.
A 963 loader can push over trees with the bucket raised 15 feet, offering superior leverage compared to a dozer blade at ground level. This method is especially effective in normal soil conditions and can reduce the need for specialized blades.
Planning and Phasing the Project
Clearing 70 acres is a major undertaking. Breaking the project into phases—such as clearing 10 acres per season—allows for better budget control, equipment maintenance, and adaptation to weather. It also gives time to evaluate soil health, drainage, and pasture growth before expanding.
Recommended steps:
• Survey the land and mark trees to preserve
• Clear high ground first to avoid erosion
• Leave low areas and slopes untouched to prevent washouts
• Use GPS or drone mapping to track progress
• Maintain access roads for equipment and livestock
Some landowners choose to clear only the usable pasture and leave wooded areas for wildlife corridors or future timber use.
Conclusion
Land clearing for pasture is more than just pushing trees—it’s a balance of economics, ecology, and equipment. Whether hiring a contractor with a KG blade or buying a dozer for long-term use, success depends on understanding the terrain, choosing the right tools, and managing debris responsibly. With careful planning and phased execution, even a densely wooded 70-acre tract can be transformed into productive pastureland—ready for livestock, fencing, and future growth.
