Haha, goats are definitely entertaining—I had a neighbor who rented a herd to clear out his overgrown backyard, and it was hilarious watching them climb all over the place. But I wonder how practical they really are long-term...like, wouldn't you still need some cleanup afterward? Plus, what about fencing or shelter? Seems like it could get complicated pretty fast. Has anyone here actually tried goats for landscaping long-term? Curious how it worked out.
I've had a couple of clients who've tried goats for landscaping, and while it can be pretty effective (and entertaining, as you mentioned), it's not exactly a "set it and forget it" solution. One client initially thought goats would save him money on landscaping costs, but he quickly realized fencing was a bigger expense than he'd anticipated. Goats are surprisingly good escape artists, so you'll need sturdy fencing that's regularly maintained. Shelter isn't too complicated—just something basic to protect them from harsh weather—but cleanup afterward can indeed be a hassle. Goats don't exactly leave your yard looking like a manicured golf course...there's usually some uneven patches and leftover debris.
Long-term, it can still be cost-effective if you have a large area that's tough to maintain with traditional equipment. But if you're looking for neatness and precision, goats probably aren't your best bet. Still, they're great for initial clearing or tackling stubborn brush areas. Plus, they're pretty fun to watch—bonus points for entertainment value!
I've actually seen goats do a pretty neat job on smaller areas—my neighbor had them clear out some thick ivy, and it looked surprisingly tidy afterward. Maybe it depends on what they're munching on? Still, fencing costs are definitely no joke...
My brother-in-law tried goats for clearing brush on his property last summer, and honestly, it was impressive how quickly they got things under control. But yeah, the fencing was a real wallet-drainer...he joked that he spent more on the fence than he would have hiring a landscaping crew. I guess goats are cute, but not exactly budget-friendly landscapers unless you've already got the setup.
Yeah, goats can be a bit deceptive that way—seems like a cheap, natural solution until you factor in fencing and upkeep. I've seen similar situations with clients who underestimated initial setup costs. But once you've got the infrastructure in place, it does pay off over time. Plus, goats add some charm to the property...not something you get from a landscaping crew. Sounds like your brother-in-law learned a valuable lesson (and got some entertainment out of it too).
