One of the challenges that we’ve taken on around here is the clearing of our property. California is suffering quite a drought and living a bit out-in-the-sticks, in a canyon no less, can be a bit scary to say the least. So clearing dead wood and brush is always a good idea. It’s been quite a project.
One of the benefits is that the hawks and owls have been hanging around more since it’s easy pickins’… there’s basically nowhere for the rodents to hide. I certainly have no objection, since the varmints have eaten most of what I’ve planted. Yes, what the gophers don’t get from underneath, the chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional deer take care of. There are also mice and rats around these parts. And they’re all pretty cute until your investment in time, effort and money is wiped out basically overnight. And fruit trees ain’t cheap, I can tell ya!
And of course, other benefits are firewood and wood chips. And those certainly come in handy.
