Where Goats Clear the Way!

Goatscaping is a sustainable approach to vegetation management that utilizes goats to naturally clear unwanted plants, including invasive species, brush, and weeds. By grazing in specific areas, goats effectively control vegetation without relying on heavy machinery or harmful chemicals, offering an environmentally friendly landscaping option.

Our process begins with a consultation to assess your land and understand your goals. If we determine we can assist you, we’ll provide an estimate and a projected timeline. Prior to introducing the animals, we prepare the area by creating a pathway and installing temporary electric fencing. Once everything is ready, the goats are brought in to do their job. After the vegetation has been effectively cleared, we remove both the goats and the fencing.

We use temporary electric fences powered by solar chargers. This serves the dual purpose of keeping the goats safely within the designated area while protecting them from predators outside. Our animals are well-trained to respect the fences, which act primarily as psychological boundaries rather than physical ones. The voltage on the fencing is carefully set to deter interaction without causing harm.

Goats are primarily browsers that thrive on vegetation such as leaves, grass, and shrubs, it's essential to stick to their natural diet and avoid overfeeding grains or unfamiliar foods. Proper feeding ensures their health and well-being while they perform their vegetation-clearing duties. We kindly request that our goats only consume the vegetation they are brought in to clear. 

Depending on the specific area, we can either exclude it from the goats' workspace or put fencing around it to protect it.

After goatscaping, vegetation will naturally begin to regrow. The amount of time this takes depends on the time of year and the type of vegetation. In general, you’re likely to notice fresh leaves beginning to sprout in about 2 weeks. Fortunately, goats' digestive systems neutralize the seeds they consume during grazing, preventing them from becoming viable. This makes goats effective natural herbicides, reducing the spread of weeds and unwanted plants. To maintain cleared areas, it's crucial to have a follow-up plan in place. Here are some options:

• Goats: Let’s collaborate to develop a maintenance plan with repeat grazing tailored to your needs.
• Manual Removal: Cut and remove trees, roots, and vines by hand, or hire a landscaping professional.
• Herbicides: Use carefully applied herbicides to control regrowth, ensuring thoughtful and minimal chemical usage.
• Solarization: Place a clear tarp over the soil to trap heat and eliminate weeds through high temperatures. 

The health and safety of our goats are our top priority. Every goat receives outstanding veterinary care, ensuring they are microchipped, fully vaccinated, and routinely dewormed. They also benefit from regular hoof care and are provided with minerals to support their nutritional needs. On top of that, they are showered with love and attention to ensure their happiness and well-being while they work!

When our goats are not hard at work, they enjoy their time grazing in a spacious pasture. They share their serene surroundings with a lively mix of sheep, chickens, ducks, geese, and guinea fowls. It's a peaceful and happy environment where they can relax and thrive, receiving plenty of care, companionship, and fresh air!

Absolutely! Goatscaping can address multiple areas on the same property. During your consultation, simply outline all the sections you'd like cleared. The process will involve moving the goats and fencing between these spots, and the associated costs for relocation will be factored into your estimate.

Please ensure your dogs are kept on a leash and remain at a distance from the goat fence while our animals are on-site. Even the friendliest dog may unintentionally cause stress to goats and sheep, as these prey animals naturally perceive dogs as predators. Additionally, while the fence delivers a mild shock that isn’t harmful, it’s still uncomfortable for your pet. Keeping dogs leashed and away from the fence helps maintain a calm and safe environment for everyone.

If you live in a neighborhood, we request that you inform your nearby neighbors about the upcoming goat grazing project before we begin. Goat grazing is a fantastic way to foster community spirit, but giving a heads-up helps ensure everyone is prepared and comfortable.

For residents in HOA-managed communities, it’s important to check with your HOA board about any rules or requirements related to goatscaping. Taking these steps ahead of time helps everything run smoothly and fosters a positive experience for all.

Based in Granville County, we serve the greater Triangle area.

The time required for goats to clear land depends on the thickness and type of vegetation, along with the size of the herd assigned to the job. For instance, a dedicated team of of 10 goats can clear a 1/2 acre in 7 to 10 days.

Since every project is different, we provide an on-site consultation for each location. Contact us to get a personalized estimate tailored to your unique needs!