The Texas Ranch Land Challenge
If you own ranch land in Texas, you have likely watched brush slowly take over what was once productive pasture. Cedar, mesquite, huisache, and other brush species have reclaimed millions of acres of Texas grasslands over the past century.
This is not just an aesthetic problem—it is an economic one. Brush-choked pastures support a fraction of the livestock they could. Cedar and mesquite consume precious groundwater. Land values suffer when property is overgrown.
The good news: with the right approach, you can reclaim your ranch land, dramatically increase productivity, and establish a management program that keeps brush under control for years to come.
Problem Brush Species in Texas
🌲 Cedar (Ashe Juniper)
Where: Hill Country, Edwards Plateau, Cross Timbers
Problem: Extreme water consumption, allelopathic (inhibits grass growth), forms dense thickets
Control: Forestry mulching is highly effective. Does not resprout from roots if cut below lowest branch.
🌵 Mesquite
Where: South Texas, Rolling Plains, West Texas
Problem: Deep tap root, resprouts aggressively from roots, thorns damage livestock and tires
Control: Mulching plus herbicide (cut-stump or foliar) is most effective. Mulching alone leads to regrowth.
🌿 Huisache
Where: South Texas, Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Plains
Problem: Forms impenetrable thickets, prolific seeder, resprouts from roots
Control: Mechanical control plus root-killing herbicide. Goat grazing can help prevent seedling establishment.
🌳 Chinese Tallow
Where: East Texas, Gulf Coast
Problem: Invasive exotic, extremely aggressive, displaces native vegetation
Control: Must be completely removed—mulching plus herbicide treatment. Report large infestations.
Ranch Land Clearing Methods
Forestry Mulching
The most popular and cost-effective method for most Texas ranch clearing. A single machine grinds brush and small trees into mulch in one pass.
Excavator-mounted mulcher clearing dense brush - efficient for large ranch projects
Advantages
- ✓ Fastest clearing method
- ✓ No debris to burn or haul
- ✓ Mulch protects soil, prevents erosion
- ✓ Suppresses brush regrowth
- ✓ Can work in wet conditions
- ✓ Single-pass operation
Limitations
- ⚠ Mesquite may resprout (need herbicide)
- ⚠ Not effective on very large trees (18"+)
- ⚠ Thick mulch layer in heavy brush
- ⚠ Cannot remove stumps/roots
Mechanical + Herbicide
For mesquite and other resprouting brush, combining mechanical clearing with herbicide treatment provides the best long-term control.
- Cut-stump treatment: Apply herbicide (Remedy, Triclopyr) to freshly cut stumps
- Foliar spray: Spray regrowth when 2-4 feet tall
- Basal bark: Apply oil-based herbicide to trunk base
Prescribed Grazing
Goats are highly effective for brush maintenance after initial mechanical clearing. They preferentially browse brush seedlings and prevent regrowth from getting established.
Ranch Clearing Costs
| Project Size | Light Brush | Medium Brush | Heavy Brush |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-20 acres | $2,000-$2,500/acre | $3,000-$4,000/acre | $4,500-$6,000/acre |
| 20-50 acres | $1,800-$2,200/acre | $2,500-$3,500/acre | $4,000-$5,500/acre |
| 50-100 acres | $1,500-$2,000/acre | $2,200-$3,000/acre | $3,500-$5,000/acre |
| 100+ acres | $1,200-$1,800/acre | $1,800-$2,500/acre | $3,000-$4,500/acre |
Cost Share Programs for Texas Ranchers
Several programs can help offset the cost of brush clearing on your ranch. These programs recognize that brush management provides public benefits including water conservation and wildlife habitat improvement.
USDA EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program)
The primary cost-share program for ranch brush management. Offers 50-75% cost share for qualifying brush management practices.
How to apply: Contact your local NRCS office to develop a conservation plan and apply during the annual signup period.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Landowner Incentive Program
Focuses on wildlife habitat improvement. Cost share available for brush management that improves habitat for native species.
Best for: Ranches with wildlife management objectives.
Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Many local SWCDs offer brush management assistance, technical guidance, and sometimes cost-share funds for qualifying projects.
Contact: Find your local SWCD at tsswcb.texas.gov
Ranch Clearing Results
Long-Term Brush Management Strategy
Clearing brush is just the first step. Without ongoing management, brush will return within 5-10 years. Here is how to maintain your investment: