Transforming Your Mountain Property: A Rugged Land Success Story

Recently, Rugged Land was contacted by a new customer who owned a mountain property and cabin outside Walla Walla along Mill Creek Road. The land had become overgrown with tall dry grass, thick blackberry bushes, cottonwood saplings, and other brush. The owner wanted the property reclaimed so their children could safely play and they could enjoy their land once again.

After discussing their needs, we scheduled a site visit. I walked the property with the landowner to provide an accurate quote.

Assessing the Property

During our walk-through, the owner pointed out several key areas that needed work:

• Tall dry grass covering roughly half the property

• Dense blackberries, saplings, and heavy brush covering the other half

• Rock hazards due to the land being an old creek bed

• Multiple piles of debris they wanted hauled away

  
  

The total area to be cleared measured about 2.5 acres. Because of the blackberry density and the rocky terrain, I estimated the job would take about 7 hours to complete. The customer approved the quote, and we scheduled the work.

Getting to Work Making Mountain Property Usable Again

We arrived early Monday morning with our truck, dump trailer, and skid steer equipped with a brush cutter.

The first task was mowing the tall dry grass. Due to the rocky ground, we worked slowly to avoid damaging the equipment or sending rocks flying. Since a brush cutter is not a finishing mower, each adjustment had to be made manually. This required focus and precision for a clean cut.

Next, we moved into the dense blackberries and brush. This section also had scattered trees, a small pond to avoid, and hidden obstacles. Using the skid steer, we “pancaked” the brush cutter down onto the tall blackberry canes, cutting them from the top down. Rotten logs and small limbs under 5 inches in diameter were mulched up with ease.

The Challenges of River Rock Terrain

Interestingly, the thick blackberry section cleared faster than the dry grass field.

The river rock hazards in the grassy area slowed us down significantly. Rocks not only risk damaging the machine but can also become dangerous projectiles if struck by the cutter. Because of this, we worked methodically to ensure safety while still achieving a thorough cut.

Finishing Touches

After clearing the majority of the vegetation with heavy equipment, we moved into the finishing phase:

• Weed trimmers for edges and tight spots

• Rakes to clean up leftover debris

• Chainsaws for trimming small saplings and low branches

  
  

Finally, we switched the skid steer over to the grapple attachment to load debris into the dump trailer. The grapple made quick work of the larger piles, and the remainder was loaded by hand. All debris was hauled to the landfill, leaving the property open, safe, and ready for use.

Results

By the time we wrapped up, the property looked completely transformed.

What had once been overgrown, unsafe, and difficult to navigate was now clear, open space where the landowner’s children could run and play without risk from dense brush or hidden obstacles.

Rugged Land specializes in brush clearing, blackberry removal, and wildfire mitigation in Walla Walla and surrounding areas. We are dedicated to making your mountain property usable again. If you have overgrown land you’d like to reclaim, contact us for a free quote and see how we can make your property usable and safe again.

Why Choose Rugged Land?

Choosing the right team for your land management needs is crucial. At Rugged Land, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and sustainability. Our services are designed to help you reclaim your land while minimizing environmental impact.

Our Sustainable Practices

We believe in responsible land management. Trees that we remove from your property never go to waste. They are either turned into custom lumber or split into firewood. This ensures that every part of the tree is utilized, contributing to a sustainable cycle.

Wildfire Mitigation

In wildfire-prone areas, maintaining your land is essential. Our wildfire mitigation services focus on reducing fuel loads and creating defensible space around your property. This proactive approach can help protect your home and loved ones.

Custom Woodworking Projects

In addition to land clearing, we offer custom woodworking projects. Whether you need furniture, fencing, or unique home features, our skilled craftsmen can bring your vision to life.

Trail and Land Maintenance

We also provide trail and land maintenance services. Keeping your trails clear and accessible is vital for enjoyment and safety. Our team can help you maintain your paths, ensuring they remain usable for years to come.

Conclusion

At Rugged Land, we are committed to helping you reclaim your land and enhance its usability. Our expertise in brush clearing, wildfire mitigation, and custom woodworking makes us the go-to expert for land management in the Walla Walla Valley. Let us help you create a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for your family. Reach out today for a free quote!