Logging done - now what?

[j-bird]

Logging is done and I have some real nice paths in the woods with lots of daylight. Part of me says to just broadcast some white dutch clover and walk away, but another part of me just doesn't know.

Food is by no means an issue at my place. I want to maintain the access so I don't want to plant trees and shrubs just so they get run over later either. I have a few areas where I could put in a kill type plot if I wanted.

I will plant fescue in areas of erosion concern - mostly around culverts.

The sunlight is going to cause an explosion over the next few years which is great, but I don't want to leave the soil bare either. I will only use the trails with my tractor (CUT) and an occasional pick-up for habitat and maint type work.....no ATV of heavy equipment. What have you guys done in the past?

 

[bueller]

Unless I'm hunting over it I don't want food planted randomly on my trails.

 

[gunther89]

We just had part of our woods logged in May so we are in the same situation as you. We just planted winter rye on all the logging roads they created just to cut down on erosion and where the landing zone was, we will be planting brassicas to loosen up the soil for next year. Next year we plan to plant clover in the landing zone.

 

[chummer]

Same boat. I was left with to many trails. They are in better shape than the plots that were cleared. I am planting the trails that make sense in clover while the acess trails will be left dirt or planted to grass when I get around to it. I know how you feel, many options.

 

[rocksnstumps]

After I had some logging done I went with WR and some white clover. I was mostly concerned with getting the dirt covered so went heavy on the rye. Within several years the trails became more shaded and I think heavy leaf cover smothered out some stuff from growing well in the spring. It's mostly back to whatever grass and weeds is next to it now but at least erosion was reduced. I did lightly disc and drag all trails to get them started. If you want to keep them in clover might have to do a little more maintenance like you would a plot every few years. I just wanted to keep any ruts from getting bigger and get stuff leveled back out initially

 

[Bill]

Do nothing unless you have a spot you want a kill plot.

Come back in a few years and see what Mother Nature gave you. It's amazing what she does that you couldn't even have planned.

 

[Native Hunter]

J, instead of fescue you might consider using Orchard Grass in those spots. It's more quail friendly and grows in the shade well. Some Timothy mixed in would be nice too.

I cut timber 2 years ago and I'm just letting mine grow up into a jungle. I don't want any trails, because they draw predators - especially roaming dogs. I'm staying out and hunting the edges.

I will go back in at some point when necessary and cut some junk trees just to keep the sunlight coming in so it will stay thick. I left a lot of big oaks in mine.

 

[j-bird]

Well I had a tree to or two that I had to deal with and my culvert crossing is still to damp to do much with right now. I am considering bringing in a load of stone for the culvert and then seeding the rest of the trails in a grass mix and calling it good. I may plant a few shrubs/trees or small plots in the "dead ends" as well.