An Introduction to Goatscaping-Goat Landscaping
What is Goatscaping?
Goatscaping is a unique approach to land management that uses goats to clear unwanted vegetation such as invasive plants, poison ivy, brush, and more. Instead of relying on machinery or manual labor, goats naturally graze through overgrown areas, consuming even the most stubborn plants. These animals have a strong appetite for a variety of vegetation, making them perfect for clearing land that’s difficult to manage by traditional means. All of our goats, along with the livestock guardian dog, are fully vaccinated and receive regular health checks, ensuring they are safe to be around and able to work effectively on your property.
How Does Goatscaping Work?
1. Assessment: We begin with a thorough assessment of your property to determine the size, type of vegetation, and specific areas to be cleared.
2. Fence Setup: We set up temporary electric fencing around the designated grazing area. This fencing creates a barrier that keeps the goats in the intended space, away from areas you want to protect. It also serves as a security measure, keeping predators out.
3. Bringing in the Goats: Once the area is ready, we bring in a herd of goats, along with a trained livestock guardian dog. The dog’s primary role is to protect the herd from potential predators while the goats graze. While the goats can be friendly and enjoy being petted, we prefer that household pets be kept away to avoid spooking the goats or distracting the guardian dog. This helps maintain a calm and focused environment for the animals as they work.
4. Low Noise, High Efficiency: Goatscaping is a quiet method of land clearing compared to noisy machinery. The goats quietly graze through the vegetation, often taking only a few days to clear a large area, depending on the size and density of the plants. Plus, their digestion ensures that seeds from the plants they eat won’t be spread in their droppings, so you won’t have to worry about invasive species returning.
5. Finishing Touches: We monitor the goats' progress and ensure the job is completed to your satisfaction. Once the grazing is done, we remove the fencing and goats, leaving you with a cleared, naturally fertilized landscape. However, please note that the goats may leave behind woody branches, as they do not prefer to eat them.
Why Choose Goats Over Traditional Landscaping?
- Effective for Invasives: Goats are highly effective at consuming tough, invasive plants that are resistant to traditional methods like weed whackers or herbicides. They can easily manage overgrown areas, steep slopes, and rocky terrain.
- Cost-Effective: Goatscaping is often more affordable than hiring a landscaping crew, and it eliminates fuel costs and the need for waste disposal.
- Natural Fertilizer Without Seed Spread: As the goats graze, they naturally fertilize the soil with their droppings. Their unique digestive systems prevent the seeds of the plants they consume from being spread, reducing the risk of regrowth.
- Fun and Educational: Watching the goats at work is both fun and educational, making it a great option for public spaces, schools, and family properties.
- No Damage to Land: Unlike heavy machinery, goats don’t damage your property. They can easily navigate tricky terrains without causing harm to the land.