Question 1

Is forestry mulching worth it?

Accepted Answer

Forestry mulching is a very cost effective way to clear overgrown brush and prevent invasive species in wooded areas. The ASV RT-135 PosiTrack is a powerful and fast machine that can clear easily between bigger trees. It replaces other land-clearing methods such as bulldozing and burning. 
When making an economic comparison, forestry mulching clears and removes the material in one step with one operator, where otherwise several workers would be needed to fell the stands, gather, remove and finally dispose of the plant material.

Question 2

How fast can you clear land with a forestry mulcher?

Accepted Answer

Forestry mulching is fast and efficient.

The speed of land clearing depends on many variables like the type of vegetation, the thickness of the vegetation, the lay of the land (how steep it is), the dryness of the ground and the desired end result. Some clients might want a rough mulch to build a fire break whereas other clients want a fine mulch to plant crops.

A forestry mulcher can clear on average one acre of land between 1 and 3 hours.

Question 3

How big of a tree can a forestry mulcher handle?

Accepted Answer

A forestry mulcher can handle trees up to 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) depending on species.

Question 4

Can a forestry mulcher grind tree stumps?

Accepted Answer

A forestry mulcher will grind and push over trees (up to 30cm width) and can grind a stump just below ground level and then mulch the remaining limbs and foliage into fine chips.

Question 5

Is forestry mulching good for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Mulching turns vegetation into fine chips that decompose quickly and return carbon back to the soil. Only working with one machine also limits soil disturbance.

Question 6

Do trees and other vegetation grow back after mulching?

Accepted Answer

Any vegetation that was mulched to the ground may grow back if the roots are still in place. Also, seeds that are already in the ground (seedbank) might germinate and new plants will grow. Typically, vegetation may return around six months. For a long term, weed-free result, for example for grazing paddocks, we suggest getting a professional in to spray off new shoots.

Question 7

Mulching vs. slashing - what are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Slashing is an older form of technology. Slashing initially leaves long lengths of grass, often in windrows, on top of the crop rather than on the soil surface. At this point it is adding no value in terms of organic material (mulch) availability to the soil. It is also affecting growth of plants directly underneath. In the case of a grazing pasture, it compromises availability of premium grass for stock to graze on. Mulching can maximise productivity per hectare, achieving a higher rate of meat on bones or litres in the vat.
 
Mulching as a practice has many advantages over slashing. Slashing creates windrows that can cause a fire hazard. During bushfire season, grass fires are inevitable, and are particularly dangerous as they can spread quickly. The taller and drier the grass, the more forcefully it will burn. The best method  to reduce the fire risk is mulching as it evenly distributes the bi-product, which decomposes quickly and doesn’t leave flammable windrows.

Question 8

Can you come out to do a quote?

Accepted Answer

Because every piece of land is different, we would like to know a bit more about your land before we come out. Please let us know in your initial contact where your land is, how big it is, how steep it is and what kind of vegetation you need removed. Please leave us a phone number so we can ring you.

We then map the land on the LIST. On our following site visit, we typically fly a drone over the land to make sure there are no surprises. We always charge an hourly rate for our work as every job is different.

Question 9

What are your payment policies?

Accepted Answer

Payment is strictly 7 days after the work is done. Cash or direct deposit.