Land clearing carries numerous advantages, one of its prime roles being the mitigation of threats as an integral part of how to prepare for a bushfire. Bushfires are some of the most destructive natural disasters in Australia. Reducing bushfire risk involves reducing fuel loads in forested areas anticipating fire season. Targeted fuel sources are usually small trees, underbrush, and debris accumulating on the forest floor. If a fire starts, the lack of fuel will inhibit its spread, protecting communities and ecosystems.
There are different ways to remove this vegetation. The most promising is forestry mulching which has advantages that counteract the problems of other methods.
Key takeaways 
- Land clearing is essential to fire mitigation.
- Prescribed burning is commonly used but has its disadvantages.
- Forestry mulching resolves the drawbacks of prescribed burning and provides several benefits.
- Forestry mulching contributes to fighting climate change through carbon storage.
- Have a bushfire plan, especially if you’re in an at-risk area.
Fire mitigation practices for bushfire season
Prescribed burning is one of Australia’s key strategies when considering how to prepare for a bushfire. Controlled fires are set that burn off unwanted vegetation, robbing potential bushfires of any fuel. Various safety measures are implemented to prevent the fires from spreading beyond the project’s scope. These measures include water lines, fire breaks and input from emergency services.
Prescribed burning has several benefits. Firstly, fire is part of a natural cycle in Australian bushland. Naturally occurring fires have kept fuel loads in check and prevented large-scale fires. Also, the resulting ash provides nutrients for new growth. Prescribed burning mimics this process.
However, prescribed burning has certain drawbacks. Regardless of what safety protocols you follow, fire is always a danger to surrounding communities and infrastructure. The smoke generated also poses health risks and contributes to climate change. When wood is burned, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It’s crucial to weigh these factors when deciding how to prepare for a bushfire.
Forestry mulching
Forestry mulching is a superior land clearing technique for fire mitigation. It provides significant benefits while resolving the issues associated with prescribed burning. Forestry mulching is a safe and effective way to remove vegetation. With limited required machinery, it is also affordable.
Mulching benefits
When vegetation is shredded and spread on the ground, the mulch layer protects the environment in various ways. Mulch regulates soil temperature and maintains the earth’s moisture. This helps to reduce fire risks.
Mulching provides the additional benefit of contributing to soil fertility as the mulch decays. When the vegetation is mulched, the roots are preserved, which helps keep the soil together. This prevents the soil from eroding and keeps the land fertile. By shredding vegetation on the spot, there’s no need to create burn piles and produce toxic smoke.
Climate change
One key aspect in fighting climate change is carbon sequestration, taking atmospheric carbon and storing it in the ground. Prescribed burning reverses carbon storage by releasing the carbon bound up in trees. Mulching can also release carbon over a longer period as the mulch decomposes. However, mulching also has the potential to contribute to sequestration.
Research shows that when mulch is integrated into the soil, it can improve carbon storage properties. One way it does this is by fostering microbial fauna. As bacteria break down organic matter, the matter is bound to minerals and held for extended periods.
How to prepare for a bushfire survival plan
If you live in a bushfire-prone area, you must take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your property as part of your strategy on how to prepare for a bushfire. Stay aware of the fire danger rating in your area. You will avoid fuel buildup on your roof with fine metal mesh screens shielding your gutters. Installing metal gutter guards as part of your house repair can help protect your home.
Have an emergency kit and first aid kit on hand, and stay informed on bushfire alerts from emergency services. If you have shrubs overhanging buildings, clean away debris and reduce vegetation. A fire sprinkler system can create a barrier preventing a fire from approaching your house if possible. It is important to consider all of these steps when considering how to prepare for a bushfire.
Work with us
East Coast Mulching has the experience and local expertise to assist you with your land clearing project. Whether you are clearing for development, fire mitigation, storm cleanup or any other reason, we can help.
Contact us today for a free quote on your clearing job.
