Reasons To Mow CRP Fields

• Invasive trees and shrubs are non-native plants that can reduce property values, damage the environment and harm human health.
• Native woody plants also can be aggressive when they spread into areas where they are not wanted.
• Common woody invasive species in Minnesota:
• Amur Maple
• Buckthorn
• Norway Maple
• Honeysuckles
• Multiflora Rose
• Black Locust
• Japanese Barberry
• Russian olive
• Siberian Elm
• Siberian Peashrub
• Mulberry

Controlling Woody Plants

Non-chemical treatment options may vary with species and age of the woody plant.

Mechanical Control Methods

• Pulling- Removing the root crown by pulling is effective. Success depends on the species. Hydraulic pulling tools are very successful.
• Frequent mowing or burning- Repeated mowing may kill woody broadleaf plants. Burning can be effective on some woody plants.
• Burning every 3 years in a grass CRP or native grass/forb planting is recommended. Larger stems will not be controlled with fire.
• Cut and cover stumps- Covering stumps with plastic or material that excludes light for two years can reduce sprouting.
• This can be effective on species that stump sprout. Not effective on species that sucker or spread from lateral roots.
• Grazing- Grazing livestock, particularly goats, in a concentrated area of plants will reduce foliage and stems in the area. Herbicide treatments may be necessary.
• Note: Livestock will also eat desirable trees and shrubs.



---

Equipment

Equipment for controlling undesirable woody plants varies from inexpensive tools to large power equipment.

Select tools according to your budget, size of plants, number of plants, and size of the site being managed.

---

Re-establishing Native Vegetation

Many native species can re-establish from existing seed banks and roots if undesirable plants are controlled. Desirable plants can also be seeded or transplanted after controlling invasive species.

Planting grasses can reduce buckthorn seedlings while allowing desirable native species to establish. To prevent erosion, plant a grass mix of creeping red fescue, oats or Virginia wild rye after removing buckthorn.



---

Firewood

Firewood is a great renewable resource that can be used for something as simple as a campfire on a Minnesota evening or to heat our homes during a blistery Minnesota blizzard. In the last 10 years the number of Minnesota homes that have installed a supplemental, wood burning heat source has sky rocketed.

Overn Land Restoration has the answer to all of these scenarios. I can deliver metal caged “IBC totes” stacked with split and dried wood to your home, cabin, or campground location. I can simple place the tote where you want it and when it is empty either replace with a full one or remove the empty one. These totes hold approximately 42 cubic feet of wood which is equal to 1-face cord or also 1/3 of a full cord. As a comparison, most bundles you buy at a gas station or campground is equal to 1 or 1.25 cubic feet of wood. This would calculate to a tote being equal to a minimum of 34 store bundles yet at a much cheaper price!

Call Overn Land Restoration for pricing and delivery options.



---

Skid Loader Work

Overn Land Restoration has the ability to put in shooting lanes and walking trails through the thickest of woods. I can utilize a tree puller, tree shear, grapple bucket and a brush hog to place trails and shooting lanes where you want them. I can also take care of downed trees of any size, redefine your field edges, spread dirt and gravel and numerous other things.