County Brings in Goats To Clear Vegetation From Vacant Home

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Release: Prince William County

Images: In the first two photos, a herd of goats from Scapegoats LLC clears an abandoned property in Triangle of brush and weeds.

The second two photos show the property on the first day the goats began grazing, and the same property a week later, after the goats cleared it of weeds and brush (Prince William County).

In a pilot program last month to determine whether goats can effectively bring properties with overgrown yards into compliance, the Prince William County Department of Public Works recently hired a herd of them to do the work of tidying up a cited property in Triangle.

Charlotte Del Duca of Scapegoats LLC turned her little herd of goats out on the yard of an abandoned house on Corby Street so they could eat vines, which were climbing head-high to the top of a chain-link fence, as well as thigh-high grass, ground-covering weeds and all manner of vegetation.

Prince William Public Works spokeswoman Deb Oliver said Del Duca’s herd was new to the business of clearing lots for the county. “It’s their first government job,” Oliver said of the goats’ starting day on June 18.

Paul Lynch, chief of Neighborhood Services, said a local contractor placed the cost to clear the property at $2,400. Del Duca priced the job at $1,865, so the department hired her and her goats.

“It’s less money and it helps us fulfill some of our environmental initiatives,” Lynch said. “It’s a good way to handle areas that are difficult to mow.”

Barbara Gion, who lives next door to the abandoned property, watched from her screened-in porch as Del Duca put up a temporary fence to keep the goats in check and then turned them loose to eat.

Gion, whose well-maintained lawn has a garden in the side yard, said she was pleased that the county was cleaning up the brush next door, even if the method was a little out of the ordinary. “It’s fine with me if it gets rid of it. It’s a good thing.

A week after their start date, the goats were finishing up and Gion said she was happy with the progress. “They’re doing a good job over there. I’m very pleased with it.”

Oliver said the goats drew some attention while at the property.

“The neighbors were wonderful,” she said. “They were all bringing ice water up to Charlotte, making sure the goats had water and offering to refill jugs for the goats. The neighbors seemed to really appreciate what she was trying to do.”

The department learned that using goats is a good way to get rid of brush and weeds, Oliver said.

“It really is a good way to clear overgrown stuff as opposed to bringing in a lot of gas-powered equipment,” she said. “We’ve learned that it’s a very viable option. It takes a little bit longer, but as long as there’s not a pressing deadline, it’s a good option.”