Is Forest Mastication Right for you?

With extreme fire danger, everyone in the west is asking themselves to make their home safer these days.

• If you have property that has any brush or trees, then this service is probably for you.

• If you live in Colfax or surrounding areas, then yes, forestry mastication is for you.

  What is Forestry Mastication?

Forestry Mastication, also known as Forestry Mulching, is the practice of removing vegetation from the forest floor that would result in rapid spread of forest fire. Mastication removes and reduces the amount of forest fuels and is and the least disturbing method to the natural soil.

• There are three main types of forest fuels: fine fuels, crown fuels, and ladder fuels. Fine fuels are typically needles, dry grasses, and twigs. Larger branches and logs on the forest floor can also serve as fuels. Crown fuels are typically found in tree canopies and ladder fuels are arranged vertically. Mastication can remedy the fine and ladder fuels that catapult fire up to the treetops.

• In some cases, mastication can also be referred to as mulching and is also a form of vegetation or forest management. Redistributing forest fuels by mastication as mulch is important because it reduces the threat of catastrophic wildfire. But if wildfire were to occur, land that was previously masticated will have a much better chance of sustaining less damage and cause the fire to be less severe, thus protecting property and homes in nearby areas.

How is Forestry Mastication done?

• Forest mastication is done using special mechanical tools called mulchers, although there are many machine forms that can be used for the purpose of fuel reduction.

• Mastication is done by shredding, grinding, or chopping material into smaller pieces. The purpose of mechanical mastication is to reduce vertical fuels and can be used as an alternative to prescribed fire or can also be done before prescribed burning inn addition to shredding or chipping, machinery can be used for removal of crowded trees and shrubs. It is important to consider the physical limitations of this equipment though. This includes tree size, slope limitations, and rocky ground conditions.

What is the benefit of Forestry Mastication?

• The main benefits of forest mastication include improvement of forest health, wildfire reduction, and improving the habitat for wildlife. By removing shrubs, brush and trees that are overcrowding the forest, the remaining trees will no longer need to compete for soil and nutrients. When using mastication as your method of clearing, the advantage over other land clearing methods, is that soil can be left almost intact and without disruption to roots or pose a threat to natural soil in the area while improving the look of the forest.

Importance of Spraying After Mastication

• After the mastication process, it is crucial to follow up with effective spraying to ensure thorough blackberry and Poison Oak eradication. At Run Forest Run, we understand the importance of this two-step approach for optimal results.

• Mastication serves as the initial step, mechanically reducing the blackberry bushes, Poison Oak and other brush to a manageable size. However, mastication alone cannot completely eliminate the problem. This is where our professional spraying services come into play.

• Our team of experts utilizes specialized sprayers and industry-approved herbicides specifically designed to target blackberry, Poison Oak and brush growth. By applying these solutions directly to the remaining stems and foliage, we can effectively kill off any remaining plants and prevent regrowth.

• Through our meticulous spraying techniques, we ensure that every nook and cranny of your masticated area is covered, leaving no space for resurgence. Our goal is to provide long-lasting eradication, allowing you to enjoy a blackberry and Poison Oak and brush free environment for years to come.

• By combining mastication and spraying, we provide a comprehensive solution that tackles the blackberry, poison oak and brush problem from multiple angles. Trust in our expertise and dedication to delivering exceptional results, as we work tirelessly to transform your property into a pristine space, free from the invasive presence of blackberries and poison oak.

• Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how our post-mastication spraying services can effectively eliminate blackberries, poison oak and brush to restore the natural beauty of your land.