Apartment Therapy Re-Nest | Using Goats for Land Management (aka Weed Whacking Goats)

We didn't take home any goats (despite our friend's offer...really really tempting) but it got us thinking about those farmland animals and our insane backyard overgrowth. We've made a small dent in the growth, but our furry friends could be much more efficient weed whackers.

one small piece of the backyard mayhem

Using goats to manage overgrowth and weeds is nothing new. We know that Napa Valley and parks 'round the east bay have brought in herds for years now. If you have the need, we can't think of a more efficient and sustainable way to attack overgrowth issues and help with fire protection.

can you imagine the herds here? munch munch...

We stumbled upon goatfinder, a website that helps locate herds for rent...and we found Living Systems, a company based right out of San Francisco.

Anyone have any experience renting goat herds for grazing? Call us crazy but we're adding this our list of home improvement plans....

Get more information here.

Originally posted by Shayna on AT:SF.

I have always wanted a goat (or goats!). These are so adorable, plus they offer so many benefits.

posted by DMartini on March 25th 2008 at 7:40am
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We once tried to rent goats for a very small yard. But because we had no dog to provide protection and couldn't afford the cost of a shepherd we couldn't do it. The problem was that goats are vulnerable to stray dogs when tightly enclosed. sigh.

posted by ebrown on March 25th 2008 at 2:59pm
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I had two pet nubian goats that lived in the barn at my mom's landscape contracting business. They were so much fun as pets and really smart. Perhaps when they are properly managed, they will keep your lawn manicured, but mine ate EVERYTHING. Banana peels, fig newtons, aluminum cans, cigarette butts, and the neighbor's garden. There wasn't a good way to keep them contained as they learned how to open the latch on their door after watching us do it.

posted by raven on March 26th 2008 at 5:51am
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There should be TONS of goats in So Cal to keep the fire danger down. Plus, no weed wacker/mower noise.

posted by kaanswfm on March 30th 2008 at 3:20pm
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