Mowing creates an artificially open forest in areas that cannot carry a fire. A bushhog is a heavy-duty mower pulled and powered by a tractor. It can cut saplings and shrubs up to several inches in diameter. Areas where the ground is covered with oak or wax myrtle leaves are good bush-hogging candidates.

Bush-hogging is usually best done before the growing season (February-March). This timing allows for a quick recovery of the habitat, minimizing the negative effects on wildlife and the aesthetics. In certain cases, meadows may be bush-hogged in June to promote habitat for fall flowering perennials and grasses.

Unlike fire, mowing does not reduce the vegetation biomass (fuel) in a management area because it is scattered on the ground. Prescribed fires consume the vegetation and release nutrients back into the soil.