My way is a little more work, but well worth it in the end. I agree walking it and marking it is step one. Marking paint for whole trees and tp hanging from branches makes for a good visual line of sight indicator. Regarding the small stumps....take a shovel! A mil surplus folding one is all you need. Dig around them a little bit so you can get the stump below grade. As you drive down the trail more and more with your rig and the soil compacts, those stumps cut at ground level, will all of a sudden be a few inches above grade! What you will be cutting will be dirty so use semi chisel chain if sawing, and keep a spare handy along with a file. If they are small enough for loppers, use em! I tend to leave the stumps 12" above ground, paint em up, and the very last step is stumping since it trashes chains with a quickness!
Best way to clear a path into the wood lot ????
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Pics
Pic 1 is where I will start
2 irrigation ditch ,stove ashes in it
3,4 you see where the it gets thick, 30- 40 yards after that it it gets less thick
5 dead apple tree
EDIT:
Third Pic, to the right, is probably where I will go through the thick stuff, there was foot trail there many years ago
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Pic 1 is where I will start
2 irrigation ditch ,stove ashes in it
3,4 you see where the it gets thick, 30- 40 yards after that it it gets less thick
5 dead apple tree
EDIT:
Third Pic, to the right, is probably where I will go through the thick stuff, there was foot trail there many years ago
Here is a couple views of my woods from the deck. Obviously this time of year it looks rather sparse but w/o round-up it gets darn right nasty in the summer and you cannot see beyond the rock wall other than on the trail. When I first moved here there was no trail at all and I wanted a 125yd rifle range off my deck so I went to work on it. Mostly with loppers and hand saws to get the small stuff and a lot of travel at high rates of speed with the quad. the only real trees I have cut this side of the creek(very back of the photo) have been ash and one hollow maple. The monster multi trunk maple in the pic actually leafs out and is a nice tree in the summer although it will be firewood some day I am afraid.
Left to it's natural course this is a poison ivy laden jungle. Round-up is your friend!! And your neighbor will apreciate it when the path is accesible during the summer months.
For the rest of my property and firewood gathering I just work my way into places as I go making through trails to pull the trailer through with the quad. Just think ahead, take your time and you will enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come. It also makes for whitetail super highways so be prepared to see more game animals in the back yard.
BTW - a chipper would be a great addition to my tool box because I could chip the junk and fill in low spots. I may have to do some CL searching for that one
Left to it's natural course this is a poison ivy laden jungle. Round-up is your friend!! And your neighbor will apreciate it when the path is accesible during the summer months.
For the rest of my property and firewood gathering I just work my way into places as I go making through trails to pull the trailer through with the quad. Just think ahead, take your time and you will enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come. It also makes for whitetail super highways so be prepared to see more game animals in the back yard.
BTW - a chipper would be a great addition to my tool box because I could chip the junk and fill in low spots. I may have to do some CL searching for that one
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On our property we have a main trail which was there when we bought the land, so when I need a trail off the main trail I'll always make sure I clear to the area I'm cutting with a loop out before I start, if I can't make a loop for some reason then it's a turnaround.
I always make sure the good trees stay, the majority of my work is picking up dead chit to move out of the way.
I always make sure the good trees stay, the majority of my work is picking up dead chit to move out of the way.
After seeing that mess, I'd be going around the thick stuff. Looks pretty flat too. How long of a trail are we talking here? If it's not that far, ( I mean, its 2 acres-it cant be that far) honestly, in the amount of time it takes to make a trail thru that thick of stuff, I bet I could get a big 2 wheeled wheelbarrow in there, go around the thick crap, and have more than a couple loads in the truck. Recruit some help for pushing it out. Alternate load pushing to conserve energy. Dont forget to give the landowner some beer or something of the like as a thank you.
BTW, you better get on it...one that mess leafs out, you wont be able to see thru it!
BTW, you better get on it...one that mess leafs out, you wont be able to see thru it!
That's what I planed on is a trail kinda through the middle, and go off from there
I have to go through some of the thick stuff, there is a strip of it from front to back of property, and some u can't hardly walk through, for the thorns
When U say loppers U mean these, right ?Here is a couple views of my woods from the deck. Obviously this time of year it looks rather sparse but w/o round-up it gets darn right nasty in the summer and you cannot see beyond the rock wall other than on the trail. When I first moved here there was no trail at all and I wanted a 125yd rifle range off my deck so I went to work on it. Mostly with loppers and hand saws to get the small stuff and a lot of travel at high rates of speed with the quad. the only real trees I have cut this side of the creek(very back of the photo) have been ash and one hollow maple. The monster multi trunk maple in the pic actually leafs out and is a nice tree in the summer although it will be firewood some day I am afraid.
Left to it's natural course this is a poison ivy laden jungle. Round-up is your friend!! And your neighbor will apreciate it when the path is accesible during the summer months.
For the rest of my property and firewood gathering I just work my way into places as I go making through trails to pull the trailer through with the quad. Just think ahead, take your time and you will enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come. It also makes for whitetail super highways so be prepared to see more game animals in the back yard.
BTW - a chipper would be a great addition to my tool box because I could chip the junk and fill in low spots. I may have to do some CL searching for that one
Most of the Ivy around is on other side adjoining property.
![[Hearth.com] Best way to clear a path into the wood lot ????](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/96/96872-5c255a81a992db6db641dc9cf1234967.jpg?hash=abmiJdykcC "[Hearth.com] Best way to clear a path into the wood lot ????")
No, I was just talking about making my loop out before I started cutting the tree, I do carry those in the back of the Rhino. We always have small stuff leaning in towards the trail I'll cut with that instead of a chainsaw.
A few years back we went for a ride in late spring, we came upon two auctions so we stopped at both, I picked up some for $5.00 which are still going strong.
Loops,loopers ,loppers, yupersvery similar words
Third Pic, post #27 to the right, is probably where I will go through the thick stuff, there was foot trail there many years ago
Let me clarify something about the property owner.
The only reason that I have never asked to cut anything on that property is because, I only burned part time, this year the first year I have heated with wood and no other heat source.
Unfortunately my neighbor has recently passed away, if I had asked he would have let me cut the dead stuff out.
The permission I got it from his brother and sister, the main reason I asked in the first place is because of two big dead oak trees close to my house, that are on that property, but will pose a danger if they're not taken down, and I need permission anyway, but also for whoever I hire to drop the oak trees down, it is not in my skill level to take those out, especially one leaning a little toward the house.
The house and that lot plus the wooded area is now all for sale, how long will it take for it to sell? And what will happen after that, I don't know, hopefully someone will buy it all, live in the house on that lot and leave the woods alone, because that's a big reason I bought my property 19 years ago, no neighbors across the street no neighbors on either side, apartment complex quite far away in the back.
I will be communicating further with the sister by phone, apparently she has fruit trees on her property and said this lot should have been kept Cleared for the fruit trees to thrive, anyway, as of right now I have permission to make a pathway takeout brush and cut the dead trees.
The only reason that I have never asked to cut anything on that property is because, I only burned part time, this year the first year I have heated with wood and no other heat source.
Unfortunately my neighbor has recently passed away, if I had asked he would have let me cut the dead stuff out.
The permission I got it from his brother and sister, the main reason I asked in the first place is because of two big dead oak trees close to my house, that are on that property, but will pose a danger if they're not taken down, and I need permission anyway, but also for whoever I hire to drop the oak trees down, it is not in my skill level to take those out, especially one leaning a little toward the house.
The house and that lot plus the wooded area is now all for sale, how long will it take for it to sell? And what will happen after that, I don't know, hopefully someone will buy it all, live in the house on that lot and leave the woods alone, because that's a big reason I bought my property 19 years ago, no neighbors across the street no neighbors on either side, apartment complex quite far away in the back.
I will be communicating further with the sister by phone, apparently she has fruit trees on her property and said this lot should have been kept Cleared for the fruit trees to thrive, anyway, as of right now I have permission to make a pathway takeout brush and cut the dead trees.
Yes - those are the "Loppers" I am talking about. Amazing how fast and safe you can work with a pair. Anything up to 2" will, well, Lop right off. I use them all the time making deer trails, quad trails, and yard clean-up. With a decent pair you can get through that jungle you see. Just work it back to the stuff they cannot handle and go get a bigger tool. Even a nice fiskars or equivent pruning saw will get you a trail started and cut quicker than a chainsaw in certain situations. When running a chainsaw in jungle stuff it can be a pain.
I think the whole process is fun - but then again, I am a bit of a weirdo!! I make trails through stuff like you showed all the time without power tools to passively control deer movement. Unless disturbed deer are like water and take the path of least resistance. Make a trail through seamingly impenetrable junk and 24hrs later deer will treat it like it was a highway.
I think the whole process is fun - but then again, I am a bit of a weirdo!! I make trails through stuff like you showed all the time without power tools to passively control deer movement. Unless disturbed deer are like water and take the path of least resistance. Make a trail through seamingly impenetrable junk and 24hrs later deer will treat it like it was a highway.
Whoa
! This is not on his own property so no spray! Besides, I've never seen any need to spray roundup in the woods trails. Much better to do some mowing rather than spraying. If one really wants to do some good he could plant something like ryegrass or every fall plant some wheat. No to the spray.
HD, years ago when I cut trails through our woods I did most of it with a large weed whacker that has a brush blade and also a saw. Saved a lot of bending for sure and made the job go rather quickly. In fact, if you would like to borrow that thing you are welcome to it.
I appreciate the offer BW but I got that covered with a Ryobi, I have a bunch of different attachments ,that I have used a lot, and it came with a four wing blade that, I have never used, it does have bike handle and strap.
Got another thread here about blades Edit; Oh I see U been over there
yeah Bob I have cut a footpath with a machete and loppers , and it was fun
I wonder if the yoopers use loppers up there
Well, it's a 2 acre lot. A chainsaw and a machete should have you across that sucker in no time. The hardest part will be getting rid of the brush since you won't be able to just throw it out of the way. I'd probably make a small side trail (or two) that splits off and extends a little ways off your main trail. Drag the brush into the side trail and pile it up there. It'll be a nice spot for wildlife and will get it out of your way. Wear thick clothing and good gloves. Should only take a couple hours. I would personally skip using your tractor, or multiple power tools. Sometimes things are faster and easier if you just keep it simple.
With all due respect, I'm not going to explain all the reasons why ,a chainsaw and a machete alone would not be a good choice for me, cheers
And no matter, I do value your opinion, that's what it's all about here.It is about taking care of the physical abilities so you can go out and do it again tomorrow.
scooby074
Feeling the Heat
Do I understand that the property where you're cutting the trail is up for sale? If so, then this could very well be a short lived trail. Honestly I'd probably hold off until you find out if it sells. Maybe make an offer yourself? Id hate to see you invest time and money in something that you wont even get to use.
That said, I like my clearing saw to make tails. I can cut trees up to 5"+. Smaller stuff like 1" I can cut almost as fast as I can walk. If it was me, Id look at renting one for a weekend. In the pics above, I could blow through that stuff in no time. Its not packed tight and there are no leaves. Once everything greens up, it makes trail making that much harder. A true spacing/clearing saw is not like your Ryobi. Considerably more powerful. Bike style bars are a must. If you dont have them on your Ryobi, I would NOT use any sharpened metal blades.
That said, I like my clearing saw to make tails. I can cut trees up to 5"+. Smaller stuff like 1" I can cut almost as fast as I can walk. If it was me, Id look at renting one for a weekend. In the pics above, I could blow through that stuff in no time. Its not packed tight and there are no leaves. Once everything greens up, it makes trail making that much harder. A true spacing/clearing saw is not like your Ryobi. Considerably more powerful. Bike style bars are a must. If you dont have them on your Ryobi, I would NOT use any sharpened metal blades.
scooby074
Feeling the Heat
One last thing, can you borrow or do you have an ATV? In my experience garden tractors are almost useless in the woods, particularly if they have a mower deck and turf tires.
Mower deck means that your going to have limited mobility anywhere that is not smooth. You will get hung up. You can remove the deck, I suggest that you do that as a minimum, but that still leave turf tires unless you buy Ag style tires. As soon as you start getting a path beat down, your going to have mud. That means you will pack the tires and have no traction at all. Turfs get slick REAL easy. I could get stuck on my lawn with my old GT without even trying hard:D
A typical snow plow is of not much use in the woods, 1. because the mower cant get traction and 2. because the plow is probably spring loaded, meaning it will likely trip if you do happen to find any traction.
Mower deck means that your going to have limited mobility anywhere that is not smooth. You will get hung up. You can remove the deck, I suggest that you do that as a minimum, but that still leave turf tires unless you buy Ag style tires. As soon as you start getting a path beat down, your going to have mud. That means you will pack the tires and have no traction at all. Turfs get slick REAL easy. I could get stuck on my lawn with my old GT without even trying hard:D
A typical snow plow is of not much use in the woods, 1. because the mower cant get traction and 2. because the plow is probably spring loaded, meaning it will likely trip if you do happen to find any traction.
Sorry ! I just had to ,but wow ! U can take the mower deck off ???
The tractor is custom weighted, and with the chains ,well
If I had my way , when I am dead n gone, all 4 acres would have no buildings, and be designated as small animal refuge, and left as such for ever ,with life giving oxygen.
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