Are you searching for a quick, easy, and eco-friendly way to fix your overgrown landscape? Lawns with too many weeds and vegetation can pose fire hazards, but clearing them out is often a laborious and environmentally unfriendly task. Fortunately, there’s an innovative solution that’s both effective and adorable: goat grazing. In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey, introduces us to this unique approach to landscape management. He visits a San Francisco homeowner who’s enlisted the help of a herd of goats to tackle his overgrown property — let’s break down the benefits of this weed-whacking method.
The Problem with Overgrown Landscapes
Tackling overgrown lawns can be tedious. Here are some of the downsides of traditional methods:
- Labor-intensive work
- Potential use of harmful chemicals
- Disposal of large amounts of plant material
- Carbon emissions from equipment and transportation
This is where goat grazing offers a compelling alternative.
The Benefits of Goat Grazing
Goat grazing is an environmentally friendly and efficient method of landscape management that offers numerous advantages over traditional clearing methods.
Natural and Chemical-Free
Goats are a completely natural solution to overgrowth, and they eliminate the need for potentially harmful herbicides or gas-powered equipment. They can consume a wide variety of plants, including many invasive species that are difficult to control through other means.
Environmentally Friendly
Unlike mechanical clearing methods, goat grazing doesn’t require carbon emissions or disposal of plant material. The goats process the vegetation on-site, completing the natural cycle of organic breakdown. As Trethewey explains in the video, this approach integrates composting, which enriches the soil naturally.
Soil Enrichment
The goats’ digestive process not only clears the land but also enriches it. Their manure is biodegradable and replenishes the soil with nutrients, creating a fertile base for future plantings. This natural fertilization process helps prevent erosion and promotes healthier plant growth in the long term.
Seed Sterilization
An often-overlooked benefit of goat grazing is the sterilization of seeds. As the goats digest the plants, they also process the seeds, preventing them from spreading and potentially causing future overgrowth issues.
How Goat Grazing Works
The process of using goats for landscape clearing requires some preparation and understanding of the goats’ needs and behaviors. Before the goats arrive, homeowners must do the following:
- Install temporary fencing to contain the goats
- Remove any potentially hazardous items from the area
- Ensure a water source is available for the goats
- Clear their schedule for about a week to accommodate the goats’ work
The Grazing Process
Once on site, the goats begin their work immediately, eating almost continuously throughout the day. They take synchronized breaks to rest and digest, allowing them to return to their task efficiently without getting too tired.
The goats typically clear about 60%–70% of the visible vegetation during their stay, according to City Grazing’s goat-grazing expert, Genevieve Church. They instinctively avoid toxic plants, focusing instead on invasive species and overgrown brush. Their selective grazing supports a balanced ecosystem while preventing the spread of unwanted plant species.
Duration and Effectiveness
The goats usually remain on a property for about a week, depending on the size of the area and the density of vegetation. Their effectiveness can vary based on factors such as the types of plants present, weather conditions, and the size of the herd. In hot weather, the goats may adjust their schedule, resting during the day and eating at night to avoid the heat.
Goat Grazing Considerations for Homeowners
While goat grazing is an effective and environmentally friendly solution, there are a few things homeowners should keep in mind.
Plant Selection
While goats eat a wide variety of plants, they may not consume everything. Some ornamental or native plants may benefit from the pruning, while others might be left untouched. Discussing your specific vegetation with the goat grazing service can help set appropriate expectations. This dialogue is key in aligning the homeowner’s goals with the goats’ natural behavior.
Noise and Odor
Goats are generally quiet animals, but they do make some noise. Their droppings are typically not offensive and quickly break down into the soil, but homeowners should be prepared for some natural animal odors during the goats’ stay.
Cost Considerations
The cost of goat grazing services can vary depending on factors such as the size of the property, the number of goats needed, and the duration of the project. While it may seem more expensive upfront compared to traditional landscaping methods, the environmental benefits and soil enrichment can provide long-term value. Homeowners may find that investing in this sustainable method pays off through healthier plant growth and reduced need for future interventions.
Enriching Your Landscape Through Goats
Goat grazing is not merely a solution—it is part of a holistic approach to landscape management that encourages biodiversity and sustainability. By choosing goat grazing, homeowners support eco-friendly practices that protect the environment while resolving common landscaping challenges.
Choosing goat grazing can have additional benefits for the local community as well. Nonprofit organizations that manage these goats often take in unwanted animals, providing them with a meaningful purpose. This system not only optimizes landscape management but also contributes positively to animal welfare, ensuring that goats are cared for and valued.
