One of the most effective strategies in fire prevention and management is the use of mulchers to create defensible spaces — buffer zones around properties designed to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
As fire season becomes increasingly severe, homeowners and land managers must take proactive steps to safeguard their properties.
Central to a defensible space approach is forestry mulching, a method that not only helps to clear flammable vegetation but also offers numerous environmental benefits.
Forestry mulching involves the use of specialised machinery to grind vegetation into mulch, which is then spread across the ground.
This mulch layer serves a dual purpose: it reduces the amount of dry, combustible material that could fuel a fire, and it retains moisture in the soil, making it less likely to ignite.
The practice of forestry mulching is gaining recognition as an essential tool in the fight against wildfires.
Lance Mikisch, a farmer from the Hunter Valley, highlights the immediate and long-term benefits of forestry mulching with a Fecon machine.
“The beauty of the Fecon mulching any tree at all is what you get left behind. As a farmer, you look at improving your soil,” he said.
“I mulched this area three weeks ago, and you can already see it starting to break down. You can see new grass and little roots coming through. It actually starts up the organic matter and just builds from there.
“In just a short time, the benefits are clear. This hill never held moisture before. Now, you can dig down, and it’s moist. It’s absolutely amazing.”
Lance’s experience underscores the effectiveness of forestry mulching not only in reducing fire risks but also in enhancing soil health and promoting new plant growth.
Fecon, a leader in land management equipment, offers a range of tools specifically designed for forestry mulching.
The company’s equipment, which includes forestry mulching tractors, hydraulic mulching heads, and excavator-mounted mulching attachments, is instrumental in creating firebreaks and defensible zones around populated areas.
With Fecon’s robust machinery, you can swiftly clear underbrush that may contribute to the spread of fires, helping to protect your property and enhance safety.
Edan Brennan, a forestry and fire mitigation specialist in Victoria, shares the impact of using Fecon mulchers.
“Our work in stump grinding has seen us grind in excess of 2000 stumps along forestry roads, providing a clear path for future maintenance of the roadside vegetation,” he said.
“And the ability to mulch fine fuels in environmentally sensitive areas means we’re able to reduce the risk of bushfires to local communities.”
Edan’s work exemplifies how forestry mulching can play a pivotal role in protecting local communities from the devastating effects of wildfires.
Beyond wildfire prevention, forestry mulching offers several additional benefits:
• Less smoke: Reduced fuel results in less intense fires and smoke, leading to improved air quality and lower health risks.
• Better wildlife habitat: Mulching fosters new growth and biodiversity, creating healthier habitats for wildlife.
• Erosion control: The mulch layer stabilises soil, reducing erosion and runoff, particularly in sloped areas.
Matt Gregory from Beaver Mulching in New South Wales recognised the brand as the pinnacle of mulching technology:
“I choose not to compromise on quality, a decision that has proven invaluable time and again,” he said.
“The efficiency gained by utilising Fecon equipment is unmatched, allowing for remarkable time savings on every project.
“Whether tackling lantana, privet, long grasses, or navigating steep slopes, the Fecon mulcher seamlessly integrates with Beaver Mulching’s excavator, fulfilling a much-needed service in our niche market.
“The productivity achieved with Fecon equipment far surpasses traditional methods, highlighting its superiority in both performance andefficiency.”
For those interested in enhancing their fire preparedness, Fecon Australia provides a range of 100-300 horsepower mulching tractors, excavator mulchers, and skid steer mulchers, including the all-new and highly efficient Disc Hawk mulcher just released in Australia.
These tools are essential for anyone looking to create and maintain defendable spaces, ensuring that properties are better protected during fire season.
For more information contact your local dealer or to schedule a product inspection, visit www.fecon.net.au or call 1300 FECON1 (1300 332 661)