Clearing Ground with Household Chemicals

By Ann4 (Guest Post)

I would definitely use vinegar. I wouldn't put round-up in my yard, no matter how cheap. Some soils are naturally acidic, so if the vinegar causes this, you could just use whatever the county extension agent suggests for acidic soil if you plan to plant.

By Coreen (Guest Post)

Please remember that whatever you put on the soil will end up in your water supply.

By

valleyrimgirl

Get someone with a tractor and a front end loader to come and clear out the trees and shrubs or rent a tractor/bobcat yourself. Fast way of cleaning it up.

As for the poison oak and ivy, after the area is flattened, see that comes up and then ... round-up works great. It doesn't remain in the soil like salt would. We buy the large 10 litre jug for use on the acreage. Cost is very minimal per litre then when I mix some up to spray an area of weeds/grass. Plus, it is very safe to use, just follow the directions. So much easier than boiling water and cheaper than vinegar. Vinegar is an acid, I believe, and if you would pour it onto your soil...what effects would that have? Lye would also cost a lot, effects that are lasting in the soil?

Poison ivy likes the bush and when we cleared a path down to the river, by mowing it each spring and once in the summer, the poison ivy did not come back. I don't know about poison oak though.

By

thriftybug

I used to keep my gravel drive clear with boiling water.