Addressing trip hazards in the orchard

Mrs ERJ noticed that the orchard floor is not a very friendly place from the standpoint of trip hazards.  The picker is focused on moving around the tree.  The picker's eyes are looking upward, identifying apples and plotting a path to get to them.  They are not looking at the ground.

This is the specific hazard that prompted Mrs ERJ's observation.  It is a Box Elder stump that has been cut back many times.  Box Elder has a strong will to live.  Unfortunately, I have many of these scattered about the orchard.

 Particularly hazardous is when the picker is backing out of the tree while carrying a fully loaded basket.

Holes are another hazard.  This is where a tree was grubbed out.  Other holes are caused by woodchuck dens.

This is a apple trunk from a tree that was culled.  I sprayed glyphosate around to facilitate mowing.

Mrs ERJ suggested that I step up and deal with all of these hazards.  Addressing them is not glamorous but it is work that needs to be done.

Apple trunks were cut flush with the ground with the chainsaw.

Trash was thrown into the holes and covered with dirt.

The fill was slightly mounded to account for future settling.

Box Elder coppice were trimmed down short and a fire was lit.

This fire is still burning.  Those coals are much like a thoughtless, unkind word; they will burn long after the flames are not visible.