For some reason, wild grapevines run rampant in this section of woods. There is so much and the vines are so heavy that they're killing trees.
Since our winter has been more like spring this past month, Hubz has been working on removing as much of the grapevine as possible. In the process, he also gets a lot of the brush cleared. Once he starts pulling on a piece of vine he just cut, it gets caught on miscellaneous brush which ends up getting pulled out as well. We've had a lot of rain this winter which certainly makes the brush come up easier.
He's totally going old school using his trusty axe, fireman's hatchet and bow saw.
He's really making good progress and we have several big piles that will need to be burned come spring. This isn't a true before and after, but here is a shot of what he's starting with and how well he cleans it up (just not the same spot).
He's been busting butt out there and it's really shaping up. Like my Mom said last week, "He's as handy as a pocket on a shirt". Apparently, that's one of Grandma's old sayings. :)
I'm linking up with Rural Thursday at Two Bears Farm and
Farmgirl Friday at Deborah Jean's Dandelion House. Check out these blog hops to see what's happening on other homesteads this week.
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First timer! That is a lot of hard work. I know that for sure!
ReplyDeletehttp://theredeemedgardener.blogspot.com/
Thanks for stopping by, Clint!
DeleteLOL!! I love Grandma's old saying, I will have to remember that one!
ReplyDeleteWhat a bunch of work that is! I have heard that the wild grapevines can be very intrusive. Can you salvage any for grapevine wreaths? :)
My Grandma's a hoot. She's 90 this year and I sure hope we get to have her for a little while longer. I think we could salvage a good bit of the vines for wreaths. A lot of it is really thick, but there's quite a bit that's smaller and more pliable. That's a great idea!
DeleteI love that saying! I was thinking the exact same thing as Candy. I'm not sure how it would work to make wreaths from vines that are dormant, but it might be worth a try.
ReplyDeleteHubz said the smaller vines seem pretty pliable right now. I'll let you know how it works out.
DeleteWhen you have woods, it sure grows fast! Thanks for linking up w/ Rural Thursday!
ReplyDeleteWe're hoping a few goats will help keep things under control. :) Thanks for stopping by!
Deleteaw, that is a lot of work!
ReplyDeleteyour photos are wonderful btw.
He comes in drenched with sweat every time, but I think he secretly loves it. I'm glad you like my pics. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI happen to have a tip about making wreaths from these vines -- soak them in water for a few days, and they will be pliable enough to make wreaths. :)
ReplyDeleteNice that the weather is cooperating so that your hubby can get this work done. I bet it looks so much better than before.
Thank you for sharing with us at Rural Thursdays.
wonderful pics!
ReplyDeleteI'm really liking "Grandma's old saying!" Your property looks beautiful. Hope you share if you wind up doing anything with the grape vine.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, ~Lisa