Mowing the wetland buffer

The wetland buffer has always been an eyesore. Formerly the primary field for the horse, it is overgrown with reed canary grass and creeping sedge rush. Both grasses are invasive and toxic to a healthy ecosystem. The canary grass grows even taller than 5 feet, when allowed. The sedge rush reaches to more than 2 feet when it is green, then collapsed into swirls the impede walking through.

Canadian thistle heavily populates this area, replenishing the generous supply of seeds that spread throughout the neighborhood. Maura and I collect seed heads attempting to limit this invasive plants spread, but we seldom manage to harvest the entire area.

I wondered is there is a brush mower for my tractor that might clear out the excess of invasive plants. Mowing the wetland and the buffer is dificult because the ground is uneven and the dying stems defeat a regular mower.

Fortunately, a neighbor, Roger, had an old, well-used brush mower for his ancient Ford tractor. Checking it out with measurements and careful examination I set out one day to see if it would work with my Kubota. Surprisingly, it was a decent fit and Roger and I hooked it up.

So I cleared the standing brush. The result isn't as attractive as a mowed lawn, but overall appearances improved. I continued this central area and extended my work to the edge of the wetland buffer toward to west. I can imagine controlling the growth of the invasives next spring and fall.

Unexpected uses for the tractor continue to reveal its usefulness.

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