Brush cutting is one of the tools available to you for adapting your property to the specific uses and pastimes you enjoy. The possibilities are almost endless, but for most people it boils down to creating and/or maintaining one or more of the areas below. Most likely, you'll want a combination of these for different areas of your property.

Lawns

When it comes to creating lawns, brush cutting comes in the preparation phase, since, once it's established, you'll maintain your lawn with a normal lawn mower. But first, you need to knock down overgrowth including canes, vines, saplings, invasive shrubs and weeds. Sometimes, with heavily overgrown property, you need to do take this step just to see the "lay of the land", and then determine how large an area you want to groom. (Your brush cutting may indicate other tasks too, such as removing or thinning trees, landscaping, or tilling and planting.) An important consideration when clearing a lawn area is to understand how much regular lawn mowing and other lawn maintenance you are signing up for.

Second Cuts

Many country property owners enjoy having an expanded open area around their homes, without necessarily creating an enormous "lawn" that needs weekly or biweekly mowing. Making a second cut, either a perimeter or border adjacent to the main lawn is a good way to expand your views with a lower maintenance rough cut area. Depending on the look and feel you want, a second cut can be mown as little as twice a year (spring and fall), or more frequently.

A second cut can be just slightly rougher than your lawn, or you can let it get grow quite tall. Either way, using a brush cutter is a good way to maintain second cuts, as the thicker and longer growth, with more woody content, is likely to overtax your lawn mower. Note that, in areas that are at high risk for fires, having an expanded area around you home may well be a safety consideration and not just an aesthetic one.

Trails

If you live in a wooded area, or just want to selectively clear discreet areas of your property, trails are a great way to connect to those areas (while also creating recreational paths for walking, biking, or off-roading). Mowing a trail to a pond, an outbuilding, or a favorite view, allows you maintain a wilderness feel without making you fight your way to your destination.

There are infinite ways to shape your property and optimize your land for your life, and a DR Field and Brush Mower can help you get there. In addition to our legendary walk-behind models, we offer towable models and tractor-mounted models. Check them out, and see how they can help you create the property you're dreaming of!

Firebreaks

Brush cutting a firebreak can significantly reduce the chances of a wildfire reaching your home. Simple and effective, a firebreak is essentially an open space that lacks sufficient vegetation (fuel) for a fire to take hold. Examples of natural firebreaks are streams and canyons, while most manmade firebreaks include roads, driveways, and trails.

Guidelines for firebreaks vary from state to state, so we recommend checking with your local fire department for firebreak requirements in your area. Once cleared, keep the area adequately irrigated and well-trimmed, as healthy, green grass is one of the most effective barriers against ground fires.

Additional fire-prevention measures include planting high-moisture, fire-resistant shrubs, storing combustible sources (woodpiles, stacked lumber, etc.) away from your house and outbuildings, and keeping your roof and gutters free of pine needles, dead leaves, and overhanging branches. NOTE: Always comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and consult your local fire department regarding fire safety requirements and best practices.