What is Forestry Mulching
What is Forestry Mulching and why would I want to have it done?
Forestry Mulching is a process used to remove unwanted vegetation. We quickly clear land by “mulching” up trees, brush, and undergrowth, leaving behind a mulch that can be used to enrich the soil. We here at Majestic Heights Farm use a Multi Terrain Loader or Track Steer and a head machine called a Forestry Mulcher to achieve the results needed. By using a Track Steer we have the ability to use different equipment for different purposes such as a bucket, rake, claw or other attachments that connect to the Track Steer. There are also what are referred to as dedicated units these are only used as a mulcher and nothing else, however they are faster and can mulch larger volumes at a time.
We personally prefer the Track Steers even though they are a little slower for a number of reasons. We can clear small spaces or “manicure” your forest as we can turn and get between trees instead of clear cutting them. We also charge less as the equipment is less expensive to own and maintain and less expensive to get to the site without the need to “Float equipment” saving our customers money wherever we can.
Why would I want to have my forest mulched?
The reasons for having some forestry mulching done can be different based on your needs. Some people are looking to utilizing the land they own more productively and others are looking to make the space more inviting or “cleaner looking”. You may be putting in a new fence or replacing an old broken fence. If you have horses you may want to create a riding trail in the woods or if you sled a trail for winter games.
Also, with the growing concern of Forest Fires, being proactive and removing the “fire fodder” before there are fires in your area to reduce the chances of the fire taking your home and property. This process also reduces the strain on the local Fire Department.
Whatever your reason for having some Forestry Mulching done there are advantages.
What are advantages to Forestry Mulching?
There are many advantages to Forestry mulching. Some are that it is a preventative measure for Forest Fires because we quickly remove large amounts of dead trees and brush mulching it into less combustible material. Forestry mulching can also help establish a fire break quickly to slow down or prevent brush fires from spreading and taking your home.
Forestry mulching will benefit your forests’ soil by returning the nutrients back into the soil, increasing moisture all whilst suppressing new weed growth. This will increase the health and resiliency of the trees you want. The process also largely leaves the ground undisturbed which increases the micro organisms and promotes healthy soil.
We can also remove invasive species while preserving the native species allowing them to thrive and grow as they should.
Also depending on the area we are mulching, native grasses which are an essential food source for birds, Moose and other animals. So when you clear off brush and overgrowth, you can help animals regain water and shelter whilst increasing subsoil growth such as worms, necessary bugs and field mice that feed many animals in the forest.