Best method for site prep on steep ground before replanting?

[JustJoe]

Got about 15 acres that needs replanting after a salvage cut. The problem is it's pretty steep terrain, maybe 20 to 25% grade in spots and that's too steep to safely run equipment for traditional site prep, someone made me start thinking my options are either hand plant through the slash or do controlled burn first then plant. The slash is thick though, mostly hardwood tops and branches, I'm just worried about seedling survival either way

 

[yo.kerry]

Got about 15 acres that needs replanting after a salvage cut. The problem is it's pretty steep terrain, maybe 20 to 25% grade in spots and that's too steep to safely run equipment for traditional site prep, someone made me start thinking my options are either hand plant through the slash or do controlled burn first then plant. The slash is thick though, mostly hardwood tops and branches, I'm just worried about seedling survival either way

Have you looked into having a excavator with a thumb come through to windrow the slash? even on steep stuff, a good operator can push it into piles downslope without tearing up the ground too bad, gives you cleaner planting spots and you can burn the piles later when it's safer. Costs more upfront but your seedling success goes way up

 

[cur1ouscat]

Got about 15 acres that needs replanting after a salvage cut. The problem is it's pretty steep terrain, maybe 20 to 25% grade in spots and that's too steep to safely run equipment for traditional site prep, someone made me start thinking my options are either hand plant through the slash or do controlled burn first then plant. The slash is thick though, mostly hardwood tops and branches, I'm just worried about seedling survival either way

use a roller chopper. I usually use it for a less intensive slash reduction before hand planting, it's less disruptive to the soil

 

[What]

20 to 25 percent grade is nothing for a good dozer operator. Have it cat piled, and winter burn it. I just did a 26 acres plot, much of which was 30 percent, with my D7.

 

[What]

By the way, if not obvious, you push straight downhill, and backup with blade up. Don't side hill a 30 percent slope. Also I keep the oil level right to the full mark, so when you hit those occasional steeper spots, say 50 degrees, you don't starve it for oil. If you get sliding, just apply extra down pressure to the blade. If its snowy or icy, stay off it, steel tracks on frozen slopes are more like a bobsled run.