The G.O.A.T. Pruning Crew

Meet our landscape management team members named Aphrodite and Freya.

If it is green, it is lunch.

Why They are Actually Genius

Believe it or not, there is some serious science behind why I let Aphrodite and Freya handle the fence line:

Targeted Grazing: Research shows goats are "concentrate selectors."  This means they specifically target high protein parts of plants like the tips of invasive vines that other livestock, like cattle, ignore. They have been studied at OSU as part of a mixed-species grazing combined with pitch burning to help control invasive red cedars.

A major study between Langston University and six Native American nations in Oklahoma explored using goats for sustainable vegetation management and found some incredible results:

Expert Defoliation: The study found that goats successfully defoliated most woody species and forbs, including winged sumac, greenbriar, and even poison ivy.

Natural Tree Control: Goats in the study were effective at killing invasive species like eastern red cedar and honey locust trees in a short amount of time.

Built-in Health Benefits: Researchers discovered that goats used for vegetation management did not have typical worm or parasite problems as long as they were browsing on taller plants instead of grazing close to the ground.

Soil and Palatability: The research noted that soil and rainfall conditions can change how much goats like to eat certain plants.

Fire Management and Fuel Reduction

Beyond just keeping things tidy, our girls are part of a larger movement in fire safety. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has highlighted how goats are a vital tool for fire management and protecting delicate ecosystems:

Targeted Fuel Reduction: Goats reduce fuel loads by eating invasive understory plants that often lead to more intense fires.

Protecting the Soil: Unlike mechanical clearing which leaves piles of debris on the ground, goats significantly decrease the "fuel base" by grazing near the soil. This protects the earth from being scorched if a fire does break out.

Native Seeding Support: Their hooves create tiny indentations in the dirt that act as natural planters, helping native seeds stay in place and get the water they need to grow.

From the Lab to the Pasture

In my fragrance work at Dendro Apothecary, I am obsessed with the raw, green scents of the Oklahoma landscape. Watching these two work reminds me that a healthy ecosystem is not just about what we plant; it is about how we manage the "wild" parts in between.

They might not have their arborist credentials yet, but they have definitely mastered the art of the "ground level reduction cut"!