Forestry mulching is a land clearing method that uses a single machine to cut, grind, and clear vegetation.
A forestry mulching machine, also referred to as a forestry mulcher, forest masticator, or brushcutter, uses a rotary drum equipped with steel chipper tools ("teeth") or blades to shred vegetation.[1] They are manufactured as application-specific tractors and as mulching attachments (“mulching heads”) for existing tracked and rubber-tired forestry tractors, skid steers, or excavators.
Heavy duty forestry mulchers can clear up to fifteen acres of vegetation a day depending on terrain, density, and type of material.[citation needed] Forestry mulchers are often used for land clearing, right-of-way, pipeline/power line, wildfire prevention and management,[2] vegetation management, invasive species control,[3] and wildlife restoration.[4]
When the growth being cleared is a mix of leaves and grass, a Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher unit, rather than a chipper, offers a choice of gas-powered or powerered by electricity, which can be corded or cordless.[5][6]
- ^ "Mulchers (Also referred to as Masticators or Brushcutters)". Yandram.com. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
- ^ A.E. Araiza (May 6, 2010). "Mechanical grinder quickly creates firebreaks in Oracle". Arizona Daily Star (Azstarnet.com). Retrieved June 28, 2013.
- ^ "Features Vol 49 no 6 - Dwarf Mistletoe – The Quiet Kiss of Death". Landandwater.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
- ^ "Wildlife in "Edge Areas" Thrive When Habitats are Kept in Check". Forconstructionpros.com. January 4, 2011. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
- ^ Doug Mahoney (October 3, 2022). "The Best Leaf Blower". The New York Times. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
- ^ Nancy Spille (December 1, 1997). "Mulch Ado About Chipping In". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 16, 2023.