Now And The Past

For decades farmers and ranchers have been removing dense stands of invasive trees and brush by using a bulldozer and “grubbing” the trees.  Chemical spraying and controlled burns have also been used either in conjunction with “grubbing” or as a standalone method.  Chaining is another option that has been around a long time.  All of these methods have been used in the management of Juniper, Mesquites, Salt Cedars, Russian Olive, Huisache and several others.  Have these methods achieved the desired results?  That question probably generates a different answer every time it is asked and more than likely all are correct. Due to the nature of the species, success is largely dependent not only on the method used but the knowledge of the person doing the job.  Operators that are still grubbing have to know their species and what is essential for eradication. For instance, take the Mesquite tree; it can have a lengthy tap root.  The operator would need to be knowledgeable enough to understand that he would have to make his cut below the basal bud zone of the tap root to achieve mortality.

Remember we are talking about two different varieties.  We have root sprouting trees, such as the Mesquite, Red Berry Cedar, Juniper, Huisache, Salt Cedar and Russian Olive.  Our non root sprouting trees are Pinion Pine and Western Cedar.  Right method for the right variety achieves the desired results.

Now And The Future 

Root Crown Extraction is not new. It has just not been widely promoted in Texas in a manner that has attracted the attention of the land owner, the NRCS, the Agriculture Department and others. Once a person observes this method, a light comes on and you suddenly understand the concept and its effectiveness.  Not only does Root Crown Extraction yield a 90% kill rate, it can be used on nearly every species. It’s hard to fathom that a tree could actually be extracted straight up out of the ground with an excavator.  However, under the right conditions and the right tools it can be achieved.  A skilled operator can extract the tap root and most of the lateral roots as well. This is very important especially with trees such as Mesquite, Red Berry Cedar, Juniper and Huisache as this particular pest can re-sprout from the roots left behind.  Salt cedar and Russian Olive are easier to extract due to their smaller root system.  Some re-sprouting can occur but can easily be controlled after the first growing season using a low volume, low cost herbicide via  back packs, or other spraying techniques.  Using the follow-up methods can possibly increase your kill rate up to 98%.  What sets an operator using Root Crown Extraction apart from other operators using excavators with grubbers?  It is the unique extracting tool used with the Komat’su® excavator equipped with additional hydraulics and complimented with a thumb.  This enables the operator to dig down and gently loosen the lateral roots.  At this point he pushes down deeper (about 10”) getting a good grip on the root ball, pulls straight up, and engages the thumb. The tree comes up and most often pulls most of the root system which includes the lateral roots.  It is absolutely critical that the majority of the lateral roots are removed in order to have minimal re-sprout growth. While the Mesquite tree is living it produces a chemical that prevents the lateral roots from sprouting new trees.  Once the tree is killed it no longer produces this chemical and any remaining lateral roots will re-sprout.  Mesquites are by far the more difficult of the invasive species to remove. It is impossible to predict how long it will take to clear a field or pasture as many things have to be taken into consideration.  If the trees have been sprayed or burned it is much more difficult to extract them.  The soil needs to be not to dry and not too wet. If prior grubbing has been done improperly and the tap root was not cut below the basal bud zone then this tree will re-sprout as well. Evidence of trees that have been previously treated can sometimes be determined by the many, many thorns on the branches.  This type of tree will exhibit a much more thorny appearance than a tree that has not been treated. Under ideal conditions a good operator can clear 8 to 12 acres of Cedar and Pinion Pine in an 8 hr day.  Using the special tool and the thumb also increases productivity for Salt Cedar removal. Proper removal of Mesquite, due to their extensive and deep root systems takes twice as long depending upon density and maturity.  The rate of clearing can be as slow as half an acre per hour in heavy thickets.   However, proper removal and a consistent follow-up program can produce desirable results. 

Anyone can clear your pasture land today and it looks beautiful next week but it takes a skilled and educated operator to leave you with a pasture that will still look good next year.