RE-CLEARING A FENCE ROW AND BURNING OFF THE GARDEN

The fence row between the goat pasture and the garden was cleaned and ready for fence over five years ago.  The materials were purchased and the fence was started on the other side of the pasture (the fence between my property and the neighbor).  A series of injuries, infections, recovery time and other factors beyond my control, made it impossible to proceed with the fence project.  Now, I am fully recovered and ready to build the fence.  However, during my down time, the brush and trees grew back, thicker than ever.  It is amazing how fast a cleared area left unattended can become a

thicket.

Last week, I went out with the chainsaw and cut the trees and brush.  It took a couple of afternoons, but it was good to finally see progress.  With lots of brush to burn, I planned to take Sunday and make a day of it. Unfortunately, Sunday was a damp day, making it harder to get a good fire going in green brush.  Progress was slow at best, then it began to rain in the afternoon.  With less than half of the brush burned, I had to stop for the day.

By Tuesday afternoon, the rain was over.  Bright sunshine and some wind dried things out a bit giving hope of finishing this part of the project.  I was not disappointed.  After work, I got the fire started and began dragging brush.  There was a lot of brush remaining so I had to keep moving at a pretty good pace, but by late afternoon it was down to just pushing in the unburnt ends and watching the fire.

Just before sundown,  with a little time on my hands I had the bright idea of burning off the garden.  Amazingly, so soon after several days of rain, the dead grass was dry enough and there was just enough.  The wind carried the fire through it for a fairly quick and reasonably clean burn.

At the end of the day, I was plenty tired, but truly satisfied to have visible signs of accomplishment toward not one, but two projects.  Soon, the fence building and garden tilling can begin.

STORM DAMAGE CLEANUP (part 1)

On the night of November 30, there was a storm and apparently a small tornado.  The large tree near the front of the old house ended up on top even though it had been leaning away.  The first two pictures were taken the next morning.  It really doesn't look all that bad from the outside, but looks are deceptive.  The second picture shows a little different view.

Though the house was only used for storage and was not in shape to be lived in, this mess would have to be cleaned up.  Not only was there a tree to be removed, but the wet ceiling was now on the floor and on top of tools and other things stored in that room.

First thing was to remove the sheet rock off of everything, then start moving power tools and other items that were not already destroyed.  Not pleasant, but necessary.  There was some immediate damage and there will ultimately be quite a bit of loss, but it could be worse.  

Next step was tree removal.  This was a big tree with lots of branches, not an easy task.  With most of the rafters in that room broken, being on top with a chainsaw was a little less than safe but top first was about the only way to remove it, one piece at a time.  

During this time, I was also occupied with fence building, cutting firewood and numerous other necessary activities, so this was not  a quick job.  It is also one that will continue, in one phase or another for quite some time to come.

On January 1, I began the new year by cutting up much of the top and throwing the brush and firewood off.  This was not easy, with the shaky roof and tons of small branches to trip over, but progress was made.


About a week later, I finished cutting the tree from the roof.  In the process, the main part of the tree shifted and took down the porch roof, as was expected.  With the tree gone, it is easier to see the                                                         damage.  The last picture shows how it looks inside.  If you look closely, you will notice a large tree branch hanging in what used to be ceiling joists.  It will have to come out during demolition.

A few days later, I cut up and removed the part that was on the porch roof.  Now there is only the trunk.  I will decide soon whether to try to get it sawed into planks or cut it up for firewood.

Now that the tree is off, it will be time for more inside cleanup and demolition.  This will certainly be posted in multiple parts so watch for part 2.