Mick,

In regards to your Woodsman's Pal hurting your hand: Can you re-shape the handle with your grinder to better fit your hand?

Or, look into some tennis/racquet handle grip/overgrip tape (or similar) to cushion, grip and shape the handle better. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> (Tourna-Grip, Yonex, Babolat, Dunlop, Head, Wilson, etc.)

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I am not familiar with English Privet. I don't think they are common around Houston (???)

Is this what you are describing: Ligustrum Vulgare - Wiki aka: Wild Privet, Common Privet or European Privet ????

Privets are typically various variety of shrubs also referred to as a Ligustrum.

The generic term Ligustrum is commonly used around here to describe a very common evergreen ornamental that people actually like around here called a Wax-Leafed Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum) Ligustrum japonicum - wiki


Again, I can't speak for the "English Privet", but the Wax-Leaf is appreciated here. However, the Wax-Leaf is not invasive - and it sounds like the English Privet you are describing is - which is a signficant difference.

With the Wax-Leaf Lugstrum, you plant it or transplant it and it grows into a very nice evergreen ornamental that is commonly trained or maintained into a shape or let grow wild into a small tree or hedge. I have about 5 Wax-Leaf Lugustrums myself and have owned and maintained MANY over the years. But, again, it doesn't grow wild or invasive. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


Sounds like you have experience with a situation that is somewhat unique in tool needs and application... and if describing wild and envasive sucker type growth, your chore doesn't sound like a chore I envy. Woody type sucker growth can be a PITA! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

I am big on believing and saying "use the right tool for the job". Experience often dictates the right tool. So, sounds like you are on top of it.

But, if "I" were maintaining "TWELVE" acres! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />, I would be using a POWER TOOL. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> .... err... scratch that: Power "Tool"S"! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Again, I don't know about the English Privet, but our privet can get pretty thick and woody pretty fast. A stout machete, hedge-trimmer, to axe can be needed. But, if mostly dealing with sucker growth at the ground and dealing with 12 acres and "Volumes" of growth, I would look into a heavy duty straight shaft weed-eater/brush cutter type tool.

I have had a lot of GOOD experience with Echo brand Weed-Eaters in the past. Most professional landscaping crews around here use Echo brand Weed-Eaters. But, Stihl is another company with a good reputation for quality 2-stroke motor tools - especially with chain-saws.

I would look into:




Echo - SRM-410U

Or

An option from Stihl: Stihl - Brushcutters






You are correct that most any bladed tool that gets chopped into the soil will often hit rocks and become dull quickly. If needing to clear vines and sucker growth at ground level and with the volume you describe, a specialty scythe sounds like a possible option. But, it sounds like something with POWER would be the way to go. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I spouted off based on "my" personal preferences and needs. But, my uses, needs and preferences are ENTIRELY different than what you seem to be describing.
12 acres worth of what you seem to be describing sounds like a PITA. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

So, good luck with that.

Good luck with those low hanging branches as well.... sounds like "possibly" (????) a good call for a gas hedge-trimmer. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.