The Main Features Of Forestry Mulching

By Eugenia Dickerson


Forestry mulching is a technique used in land clearing. In this method, a single machine is used to clear, cut and grind vegetation. The machine that is used for this exercise is also referred to as a brushcutter, a mulcher or a masticator. The machine has steel chipper tools that move in rotatory fashion as they shred vegetation. On average, each mulcher can clear up to 15 acres of land per day depending on the nature of terrain and type of vegetation.

This clearing method has a wide range of applications. One of the areas in which it is used is in right-of-way clearance. This is often required for roads, pipelines, highways and other types of utility lines. Mulchers are preferred in such cases because they can remove all standing trees, vegetation and stumps with ease. This ability also makes them a good choice for clearing land that is to be used for creation of commercial and residential projects.

The method is popular among conservationists who use it to preserve riparian habitats and wetlands. Major conservationists known to use the technique include private land owners, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and hunt clubs among others. Clearance helps conserve food, water and shelter for the endangered species of organisms. By clearing invasive vegetation species, new grass and other food sources get room for growth. Access to water is improved as well.

Mulching is also used in managing and preventing wild fires. By reducing the amount of ground cover, the chances of starting and propagating fires is reduced. Materials such as rotten trees, dry leaves and other fuel sources are usually are known to propagate fires once they start. When a fire starts, the process may be undertaken so as to create a fire break and to prevent spread. A clean-up process can also be done using a mulcher so as to control soil erosion after a fire outbreak.

There are a number of benefits that are realised by users of this method. Perhaps the most important of them is the fact that it is a time saving technique. Since the clearing process is done in a single stage, the many steps of conventional methods such as site preparation, felling and cutting of trees are all avoided. Only a single machine is required here and this means that the eventual cost is reduced.

Another great advantage of these machines is that they can be used in very difficult terrains and during harsh climatic conditions. This makes their use possible at virtually any time. Despite the huge strengths that they possess, mulchers cause very little damage to the soil. The fertile component is left intact and productive. This is in contrast to the traditional methods which are associated with high rates of soil erosion.

There some disadvantages that may arise when these machines are used. For instance, only vegetation can be effectively moved. Other debris such as stones and rocks pose a big challenge and even cause damage to the machine. Accessibility of the area by road is a prerequisite and this may not be possible in some cases.

Forestry mulching is a technique that continues to grow in popularity by the day. As a method of clearing land, it is very cost effective. The method has numerous advantages over the traditional techniques. The disadvantages are very few.




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