What is Forestry Mulching?
Forestry mulching is a single-step land clearing method that uses a specialized machine to cut, grind, and clear vegetation.
Unlike traditional land clearing, which often involves hauling debris or burning, mulching leaves a protective layer of organic material behind. This process is faster, more cost-effective, and better for the soil health of your Minnesota or Wisconsin property.
The Mulching Process
From Overgrown to Open
Our primary tool is the forestry mulcher, a high-flow mulching drum mounted on a skid loader. This setup provides the maneuverability needed to work on uneven terrain, whether it’s a steep slope or slightly marshy ground (especially when frozen).
Our 3 Approaches to Forestry Mulching
OPTION 1
Sightline Clearing & Underbrush Removal
If your primary goal is to knock down thick overgrowth and get your views back, this foundational option is for you. The goal is pure efficiency. We quickly shred material and knock down large brush. This approach covers a great deal of territory in a single day, leaving a chunky layer of mulch on the forest floor. This is ideal when your main priority is fast access and initial removal.
The Process: We come in and efficiently mulch down dense, invasive underbrush.
Common Targets: We clear out problematic species like buckthorn, honeysuckle, box elder, and volunteer ash.
Ideal For: Hunters looking to clear shooting lanes, or property owners wanting to open up sightlines to a pasture or pond.
OPTION 2
Detailed Mulching & Refined Finish
This approach delivers the same space-opening benefits as our first option, but with an extra level of precision and cosmetic cleanup. This process takes a bit more time but delivers a superior product. By closing a flap on the mulcher, we cycle the material inside longer, grinding stumps and stubs closer to flush with the ground. This results in a finer, more uniform wood mulch—still a rugged product, but aesthetically much cleaner from a distance.
Targeted Care: We incorporate hand-cutting to safely remove invasive species growing right up against your prized mature trees, such as oaks.
Refined Finish: We use specialized carbide teeth (or “carbide knuckles”) to finely process the debris once it is on the ground.
The Result: Instead of rough debris, you are left with a clean, attractive, chunky wood mulch look across the forest floor.
OPTION 3
Complete Woodland Restoration
Our comprehensive, start-to-finish package designed to transform thick, unusable, and unmanageable thickets into beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes.
Step 1: The Initial Cut: We mulch the area down, utilizing carbide teeth to rip the stumps as low to the ground as possible.
Step 2: Elimination: We allow the stubborn underbrush to experience about 1.5 to 2 feet of regrowth, then apply a specific foliar woody brush herbicide to kill the plant completely down to the roots.
Step 3: Soil Integration: Once the dead stems and debris dry back, we return to re-mulch everything directly into the dirt.
Step 4: Seeding: We broadcast your choice of seed—frequently a low-growth, low-maintenance no-mow fescue—over the prepped ground.
The Final Transformation: We turn dense, hidden spaces into manageable acreage with excellent visibility, showcasing your mature trees and giving you a beautiful view that is easy to maintain down the road.
Restoration Plans
Long-Term Land Management
Invasive species are robust and will attempt to regrow. Our restoration plans are designed to manage this regrowth effectively and provide a sustainable solution.
RESTORATION OPTION 1
Organic & Mowing Maintenance
Invasive species are known to sprout back aggressively. If you prefer an organic, chemical-free maintenance approach, you can manage the regrowth by regularly mowing the cleared area.
Using an old mower or utility tractor, you simply mow down the new sprouts (or “suckers”) as they emerge. By keeping a consistent mowing schedule (e.g., once every other month during the summer), you prevent the sprouts from ever exceeding about a quarter-inch in diameter, making them easy to cut down and eventually exhausting the root system.
RESTORATION OPTION 2
Targeted Chemical Treatment with Triclopyr
For those who want a long-term, “once and done” solution, we utilize specialized herbicides applied by our certified PHC technicians.
We use Triclopyr, a brush-specific herbicide superior to general products like glyphosate (Roundup) for woody stocks. It translocates (moves) effectively through the cut stumps and root systems, achieving an approximate 90% die-back rate on invasive brush.*
We often use a specialized Low-Grow Fescue (also known as a No-Mow fescue). We choose fescue because it is deep-rooted, drought-tolerant, and somewhat shade-tolerant, providing a beautiful, clean turf layer that is excellent for erosion control while allowing your established mature trees to thrive.
Service Options
A Range of Options to Choose From
Choosing the right service depends on your goals for the area and your desired level of long-term maintenance. Our tree care consultants can guide you on the best options based on your requirements. Here’s a quick overview of options:
Note: Swipe table to left for all columns.
Service Option | Description | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Quick Knock-Down | Simply mulches material, leaving a chunky mulch layer. | Covers a lot of territory quickly, great for opening up an area fast. |
Refined Mulching | Grinds stumps/stubs closer to flush with the ground by cycling material for a finer texture. | Produces a nicer product on the ground, closer to a rugged landscape mulch look. |
Organic Restoration | Post-mulching maintenance by mowing new sprouts (if you have your own utility tractor/mower). | Organic method to manage regrowth of robust invasive species by keeping sprouts small (under 1/4 inch). |
Chemical Restoration | Brush-Specific Herbicide (Triclopyr) applied by Certified PHC Technicians after regrowth. | Highly effective (90% die-back), broadleaf specific (leaves grass/monocots for erosion control), and a responsible spray approach with less chemical and drift. |
Full Restore (Mulch + Spray + Seed) | Mulch, spray (with Triclopyr), re-mulch/scrape for excess wood, prep soil, and seed. | Creates a clean, open woodland area with mature species and a maintained ground cover, often using Low-Grow Fescue for drought tolerance and erosion control. |
The Forestry Mulcher
Perfect for Efficient, Selective Land Management
Note: Swipe table to left for all columns.
Features | Description |
|---|---|
High-Flow Mulching Drum | Carbide teeth on a high-flow skid loader provide maximum cutting power and debris shredding. |
Low-Impact Maneuverability | Our forestry mulcher can navigate steep slopes and get into marshy or wet areas, minimizing disturbance to your land. |
Selective Clearing | We focus on eliminating invasive species (like buckthorn) while protecting desirable natives (e.g., white oaks, white pines, sugar maples) through an extensive pre-mulching flagging process. |
Customized Finish | We offer different mulching techniques to achieve your desired ground product, whether it’s a quick, rough clear or a refined, flush-to-the-ground finish. |
Forestry Mulching & Woodland Restoration Applications
At NWI Tree Service, we take pride in offering top-quality forestry mulching services that cater to a diverse range of requirements. We utilize advanced equipment and techniques to ensure the most efficient and eco-friendly land management solutions. Here’s a more detailed look at the forestry mulching applications we offer:
Land Clearing
Preparing your land for construction, agriculture, or recreational use can be a daunting task.
NWI’s forestry mulching services make the process more manageable by efficiently clearing unwanted vegetation, leaving behind a layer of beneficial mulch. This mulch not only provides soil protection but also speeds up the site preparation process by eliminating the need for additional erosion control measures.
Brush and Undergrowth Removal
Overgrown brush and undergrowth, such as the invasive buckthorn, can mar the beauty of your property and pose a fire hazard.
Our forestry mulching experts can skillfully remove these unwanted elements, including buckthorn, improving your property’s aesthetics and reducing wildfire risks. The mulch created during this process also helps suppress future growth of invasive species, allowing desirable plants to thrive.
Habitat Restoration
By selectively clearing undesirable vegetation and leaving behind nutrient-rich mulch, we create an environment conducive to the flourishing of native species and the overall health of the ecosystem.
Our forestry mulching services can help restore habitats by removing invasive species and promoting the growth of native plants.
Right-of-Way and Utility Line Maintenance
Utility lines and right-of-ways require regular maintenance to ensure their safety and functionality.
Our forestry mulching services provide an efficient and eco-friendly solution to clear vegetation around these areas. By keeping the areas surrounding utility lines free of overgrowth, we can prevent potential hazards, such as fallen trees or branches interfering with power lines, and maintain easy access for utility workers.
Trail and Path Creation
Clearing new trails or maintaining existing paths can be achieved with minimal environmental impact using our forestry mulching techniques.
NWI’s forestry mulching service efficiently clears paths through wooded areas, parks, or nature reserves without causing significant damage to the surrounding ecosystem. The mulch left behind helps to stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, and create a natural, attractive surface for walking or biking.
Benefits of Forestry Mulching
Reclaim & Restore Your Woodlands
Your woodland is an asset, but aggressive invasive species can quickly choke out desirable native growth. At NWI, we specialize in high-impact land clearing with a commitment to low-impact methods, offering a range of services from a simple knock-down to a complete, full-scale ecosystem restoration.
Job of the Month
A ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ Look at Overcoming Challenging Projects
Why Choose NWI Tree Care for Your Forestry Mulching & Woodland Restoration Needs?
Expertise
Our team of trained professionals has extensive experience in forestry mulching and land management, ensuring top-quality results for your project.
Equipment
We use state-of-the-art machinery and techniques to provide efficient and environmentally friendly forestry mulching services.
Safety
Our team prioritizes safety in all aspects of our operations, ensuring the well-being of our employees, clients, and the environment.
100% Satisfaction
We’re committed to meeting and exceeding client expectations, providing exceptional service and support throughout the process.
Professional Land Clearing in the St. Croix Valley
We provide expert forestry mulching services for residential, commercial, and municipal projects throughout:
Washington County, MN: Stillwater, Forest Lake, Marine on St. Croix, and Woodbury.
Western Wisconsin: Hudson, New Richmond, River Falls, and Somerset.
