KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Some lawn work is getting taken care of in Knoxville, but not by traditional landscapers. Knox Goats have arrived at the Cherokee Country Club over the coming days doing what they call "Goatscaping."
The Environmental Protection Agency said hiring goats reduces the amount of fuel needed to power landscaping equipment and eliminates the need for pesticide use. Goats are also useful on hilly or rocky terrain that would be difficult to access with lawnmowers.
According to Knox Goats, multiple businesses, agencies and homeowners rent the company's goats to clear their land.
"This provides a safe and eco-friendly alternative at a competitive price that doesn't cause pollution and is safer than cancerous chemicals produced by machinery and herbicides," the group said.
Knox Goats said the animals are immune to thorns, poison ivy, kudzu and other invasive plant species. Goats love eating plants that cause trouble for the average landscaper. According to the company, a single goat can consume 5% of their body weight in a single day.
That means a 60-pound goat can eat three pounds per day.
"Kudzu produces chemicals that are harmful not only to the environment, but... To you! It causes significant health problems such as... Dizziness, upset stomach, liver damage, and respiratory problems!" Knox Goats said.
The company also said goats are an easy eco-friendly alternative to machinery which can cause issues such as an increase in soul erosion, increase pollution and kill fertile land.
Knox Goats said that putting their animals to work decreases the risk of pollution and promotes land fertilization.
