Rural/Farm Life

but I don't know anything about brush hogging.

I do know that I cut back my bank of azaleas a couple of years ago, cut them down to six inches. I don't even remember why I did it now, but I know now that azaleas will come back from ferocious pruning. It took a couple of years, but they're back.

How awful that all your beautiful trees have been destroyed! And how awful that you can't get someone honest and not creepy to help you figure out what to do. Is there a state extension service you can consult? Is there an association of Master Gardeners--that's a real thing!--who could advise you?

I hope you're able to get some help. I love the fact that my property is sort of wild, with beautiful shrubs and perennials popping up in beds all over the place, and I truly feel for you.

Good luck!