Pine Beetle Cleanup

The Southern Pine Beetle, and more recently the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, have created a nightmare for landowners in all Southern states. Infested trees quickly become tangled “deadfall” rendering property unattractive and inaccessible. Furthermore, these pine beetle infestations are threatening to more than just home and property values, they are potential fire hazards, essentially functioning as enormous piles of kindling that last for years.

The Safe and Effective way to Clean up Pine Beetle

Pine Beetle and Adelgid infestations are dangerous and difficult for ground crews to work in.  At V&V we have found that the most inexpensive and thorough method for mitigation is forestry mulching. This procedure generally allows one operator, safely enclosed in armored equipment, to do the work of a dozen or more laborers and chippers. The dead and tangled trees are rapidly reduced to mulch and spread evenly over the entire area in a single step.  The work is done in a safe and cost-efficient manner and the landowner is left with a rich carpet of mulch.

Negative Side Effects of Conventional Beetle Cleanup Methods

Conversely, when infested areas are removed with conventional equipment, such as bulldozers and track hoes, top soils are stripped, keeper trees damaged and enormous piles of debris left for burning or hauling. In addition, some form of erosion control is usually necessary to stabilize the site. We believe, due to burning restrictions and prohibitive hauling costs, this method of clearing will soon be more than just inefficient and expensive, it will obsolete in all but the most rural areas.

Effective Pine Beetle Removal with Mulching Equipment

In the event that we cannot mulch dead or damaged trees we offer comprehensive tree removal services including felling, removal and reduction.  Often a combination of traditional climbing and take-down strategies in conjunction with forestry mulching makes for an effective solution.  Should ground crews be required, mulching equipment vastly improves efficiency and cost-savings by quickly mulching safe “drop-zones” and “staging areas” providing tractable footing and good visibility. We have effectively mulched hundreds of acres of pine beetle and adelgid kill in recent years and developed strategies for virtually every circumstance. If merchantable timber remains standing we will be glad to safely harvest or leave it in a manner congruent with accepted forestry practices and long-term management goals. Give us a call. We will evaluate your site at no charge.  For larger acreages we offer low-altitude aerial photography as a means of fully assessing the scope and scale of your project.