Brush Encroachment

Brush encroachment on native grasslands and savannas is one of many issues that landowners and land managers try to mitigate. Areas that were historically Post Oak Savanna have been heavily degraded by encroachment of dense woody cover. Yaupon and eastern red cedar are two undesirable species that overtake the understory and form dense thickets in historic savanna grassland sites. Brush control via mechanical alteration can be a good tool to sequester this encroachment and improve the overall habitat. Under the advisement of WHF, a landowner in Austin County, has utilized WHF’s best management practices to mechanically clear areas of thick yaupon and cedar with a mulcher. By clearing the dense understory and opening the canopy, more sunlight is allowed to reach the ground to stimulate herbaceous growth and enhance vegetative diversity. Several of the cleared areas will also be seeded with a native seed mix to establish native plant communities to holistically improve the land for the benefit of wildlife, soil, air, and water.