I bought a place that is on an acre of land. Unfortunately, the backyard is overpopulated by the unsightly, thorny bushes. Any suggestions on easy removal?

I've been cutting them down with a chainsaw but have no idea about how to get them shaped down so i can mow over them.

And... I do not want all of the branches I'm cutting down if there are any serious cookers interested in free mesquite.

easy way? not on your life. I'd ask the outdoors board - those guys know everything.

In the meantime, I'll be glad to take the wood off your hands. I could come by this weekend.

I work this weekend but I'm sure I can make something work. Shoot me an email.
aggiecrystal2005 at yahoo

if you cut them down, treat the stump with mixture of Remedy and Diesel.

or you can buy this:

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dow/indepth/labels/remedy%20rtu.pdf

The CO-OP in Bryan should carry it or try Tractor supply. Do not need a applicators license to buy this product.

Cutting it alone will not kill it, it re-sprouts from the roots, have to tread with chemical.

another good option is a 1:1 mixture of Pastureguard and diesel. Spray or paint it on the trunks 6" and less in diameter. Believe me, you do not want any of those around, and cutting them without killing them first will just create small saplings later on.

I agree on the Remedy + Diesel. I've heard this recommendation from extension and the NRCS both. After you spray the trees, be sure and give it while for it to completely soak in and die. Just because the leaves have fallen off doesn't mean it's dead yet.

Mesquite trees can sprout up from the stumps. They can also send out runners, IIRC.

Plus, the seeds go EVERYWHERE. So you will be battling this problem for a bit (not an issue if you keep mowing).

If you want...you can take the "scorched earth" policy. Might help.

~egon

We used to paint the remedy/diesel mixture on the trunks and let it sit for a few days, then cut the trees down, and soak the stump with the remedy/diesel mixture. Then everytime you see a sapling start to come up, cut it down with some pruners and soak the stump with the same mixture.

Of course, if you want the quickest method, you can hire out someone to come in and doze the land making sure they get all of the roots out. There were a few people who specialized in this in the Caldwell area, but they were pricey....guess it depends on how much effort you want to invest in clearing them out.

Don't forget that if you chop the trees down...take care to get all of the branches..those thorns get harder over time and will stab through just about anything when you aren't expecting it.

[This message has been edited by Cabrito Loco (edited 4/23/2009 3:02p).]

I'm more than clear on the stabbing of the thorns. Aside from the few *****s along my body, I also have a scratch that runs from my ankle to the top of my calf... yet another reason I want those *******s gone!!

drill some good sized holes in the stump and fill with rock salt. Keep filling the holes as the rain dissolves it away.

Or just keep them, they're sooo pretty!

Also sounds like Huisache (pronounced wee-sach). Whatever you do DO NOT shred them they will only spread and you will definitely have a bigger mess. We sprayed Grazon, Tordon, & Remedy and had a 95% kill after 1st treatment. Spray the foilage and leave them alone let them die and rot, then they can be shredded or use front end loader of tractor to break off. Remember all of the above chemicals are restricted to pesticide license only. Good luck!!

Get a bbq out there to do it for you.

1. Cut the trees as close to the ground as possible.
2. Rent a stump grinder and grind stumps below grade.
3. Paint the stump with remedy diesel mixture.

You could turn each stump in to a romantic campfire with your main squeeze.

My wife and burned stumps down below ground as a way to sit around and enjoy the stars at night.

It takes awhile but heck, really good quality time with your spouse!