Forest landscaping

[jmfox]

Rather than scorched earth grinding, has anyone considered a woods grooming service? I have noticed that many governmental parks and private woods are ruined by poor drainage, tree damage and debris. What a difference could be realized by some thoughtful machine work. A little foresight could enhance the a woods for animals and intelligent bipeds alike.

jmf

 

[coopers]

What do you mean exactly by 'woods grooming?'

Blake
WA

 

[jmfox]

An untapped market. Like a lawn mowing service but for timbered areas of a customers property. Probably only needed annually or longer, the overgrowth would be cut and the woods generally revitalized by removing dead trees, suckers and new growth that impedes the health of wooded portions. Many lots in my area are wooded and failing because of poor drainage and random growth (a feature of any natural system). Many mature trees are lost because of washed out roots (not to mention trail damage) and over growth that competes for sunshine. Grading, and selective grinding would improve the canopy and generally enhance a forests ability to thrive while allowing access and enjoyment by owners and critters alike. It would allow customers to see the trees and the forest.

jmf

 

[Terra Firma Scott]

I like your terminology "Woods Grooming"...Sounds a bit better than "Selective Land Clearing"...Just the basics and gets the point across....i plan on attempting this market also soon.....My machine is due back this week!!.New engine......My timber ax awaits here at the hacienda...Looking for hary the home owner with property needing GROOMING....

 

[KentT]

I like your terminology "Woods Grooming"...Sounds a bit better than "Selective Land Clearing"...Just the basics and gets the point across....i plan on attempting this market also soon.....My machine is due back this week!!.New engine......My timber ax awaits here at the hacienda...Looking for hary the home owner with property needing GROOMING....

I think the generally recognized of "woodscaping" may also help describe the service:

Be Woods Wise - Woodscaping, Landscaping Wooded Property

NC State University - Extension Forestry: Woodscaping Home Page

Woodscaping deals not only with clearing, shaping and grooming, but with the design and planting (often with native plants indigenous to the area)...

Seems to me that this broader service might also give you a much larger market....

 

[jmfox]

Thanks for the references. It seems like an interesting service for landowners who see themselves as stewards. I can start on my backyard. Some before and after pictures might be helpful. I plan on remediating all the drainage, and removing all the rotting and diseased wood, but will leave some vegetation wild and untouched. I will keep the canopy intact so I will never need to mow it. The ASV is my brush.

jmf

 

[coopers]

I LOVE the idea. There are so many ways to keep a forest alive and healthy after construction of a new home and the continual maintenance needed to assist the forest in staying healthy.


Blake
WA

 

[California]

Out here, you could call it Fire Prevention Grooming and probably make a fortune.

You may have read about the recent devastating Tahoe fire. Some homes were defensible, with adequate clearing. Most were not, and were lost.

Everyone had been saying for years a big fire was inevitable with summer homes crowded into poorly groomed bone-dry forest. The fire awareness was so great that everyone knew to run like **** as soon as it started and nobody got injured while 200+ homes burned up. (But after it was nearly contained 2 firefighters were nearly lost.) The publicity from that will bring new attention to fire-resistant grooming all up and down the Sierras.

A related issue is the impact of the fire on Tahoe's famous water clarity. The various government agencies are sure to require new runoff-control strategies that could be another market alongside fire resistance.

 

[jmfox]

Sounds like a service that the government would support. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a subsidized program available. A friend of mine makes a good living draining farm fields. He gets his rate, the customer cultivates more of his land, and the government picks up the tab.

jmf

 

[Willl]

failing

The only time I seen a forest "fail", was when it was f'ed up by people before hand.