Acreage Living

Considering living on an acreage? We are here to give you some tips and tricks when considering to make that leap – whether you’re building or buying a pre-existing home!

Maintain Your Property

• Regular Lawn Care: An acreage often requires more lawn care than an urban yard. Keeping grass trimmed and managing invasive weeds will help keep the property looking neat.
• Fencing & Boundaries: If you have animals, good fencing is essential. Check regularly for weaknesses, especially after storms or winter.
• Tree and Brush Management: Trim any overgrown branches or fallen trees. Fire safety is key, especially if you live in areas prone to wildfires.

How to use your land:

• There are many ways to utilize several acres of land. Gardening, farming, or raising livestock are a few options.
• There are many facebook groups and communities to join that can get you started on any one of these things!
• You may also have to learn to coexist with many types of wildlife.

What will you need?

• Even if you choose to not garden, farm or raise livestock, chances are that you are going to need several tools and pieces of equipment to maintain your land. If you have a large grass area, consider a ride-on lawn mower.
• Other items that may be essential:
  • chainsaws for tree maintenance or fallen trees after a storm
  • a vehicle or tractor that can plow a large or long driveway

If you’re building, you will want to consider these 2 factors:

• Zoning: Decide how you want to organize your space. A clear separation between your living area, workspaces (barns, sheds), and recreational areas (gardens, fire pits) can help keep things organized.
• Water and Power: Make sure you understand where the water lines, electricity, and any other utilities are located and how to manage them. Consider rainwater collection or solar power if you’re off-grid.

In case of emergency…

• Emergency Plan: If you live in a remote area, have a basic emergency plan in place. This should include access to first-aid kits, knowledge of the nearest hospital, and a fire escape route.
• Vehicle Access: Ensure you have a reliable vehicle that can handle rough or dirt roads, especially in bad weather.
• Security: If your property is isolated, consider installing security cameras or a motion-sensor alarm system to protect your home and outbuildings.

This can be a full-time job!

• Prioritize Tasks: Caring for an acreage can be a full-time job, so learn to prioritize tasks based on seasonality and importance.
• Seasonal Adjustments: In summer, you may need to water and mow frequently, while in winter, snow removal and heating are a concern.
• Self-Care: Take breaks and don’t overwork yourself. The work on an acreage is never done, so pacing yourself is key to avoiding burnout.

Living on land doesn’t have to mean no community!

• Get to Know Your Neighbors: Living on an acreage often means being somewhat isolated, so it’s important to build a good relationship with nearby neighbors. They can be a great resource for advice, help during emergencies, and sharing tools or equipment.
• Join Local Groups: Consider joining local farming, gardening, or homesteading groups for support and to learn new skills. Many areas also have online forums for acreage owners.