Prescribed Fire Preparation

How Prescribed Fire Preparation Works

Prescribed fire is the most cost-effective land management tool in the Southeast, but most properties need mechanical preparation before a burn can happen safely. Dense midstory vegetation creates dangerous fuel ladders that carry ground fires into the canopy, turning a controlled burn into a crown fire. TreeShop provides the essential pre-burn preparation: firebreak installation (NRCS Code 394), mechanical fuel load reduction, midstory removal, and site preparation that gives your burn manager clean lines and manageable fuel loads. Our CAT track loaders create wide, clean firebreaks and selectively thin midstory vegetation so fire stays on the ground where it belongs.

We provide a free on-site estimate to confirm acreage and scope before any equipment rolls. No surprises, no hidden costs.

Ideal For

Properties that haven't been burned in 5+ years
Firebreak installation and maintenance (NRCS Code 394)
Fuel load reduction before first prescribed burn
Midstory hardwood removal to prevent crown fire
Pre-burn site preparation for wildlife habitat restoration

Our Process

01

Free Estimate

We walk your property in person — evaluating terrain, vegetation density, and equipment access to deliver an accurate quote.

02

MSA Agreement

Clear scope, timeline, and expectations documented in our Master Service Agreement before any equipment rolls. No surprises.

03

Production

CAT large-frame track loader with forestry mulcher head mobilizes to your site. Most residential lots are completed in a single day.

04

Final Walkthrough

Owner Jeremiah Anderson walks the finished project with you to confirm every detail meets expectations before we close out.

Equipment

TreeShop deploys CAT large-frame track loaders equipped with high-flow hydraulics and purpose-built forestry mulcher heads including Fecon and Diamond attachments. This isn't a skid steer with a brush cutter bolted on — it's production-grade iron designed specifically for forestry mulching work.

Large-frame CTLs provide low ground pressure (critical for Florida's soft soils), serious pushing power for dense vegetation, and the hydraulic capacity to drive mulcher heads at full RPM through 8-inch hardwood. The result: faster clearing, finer mulch, and cleaner results than undersized equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I just burn without mechanical preparation?

If your property hasn't been burned in several years, the accumulated fuel load — especially dense midstory vegetation — creates fire behavior that's dangerous and uncontrollable. Mechanical prep removes the heavy fuels so fire stays on the ground, moves predictably, and achieves your management objectives.

What width firebreaks do you install?

Standard firebreaks are 12-20 feet wide, depending on fuel loading adjacent to the break. For properties with very heavy fuels or tall pines, we may recommend wider breaks. All breaks are mulched to bare mineral soil.

How soon after mulching can I burn?

Generally 3-6 months. Fresh mulch needs time to settle and cure. Green mulch won't carry fire well and can smolder unpredictably. Your burn manager can advise on the optimal timing based on your specific conditions.

Does TreeShop perform the actual prescribed burn?

No. TreeShop provides the mechanical preparation — firebreaks, fuel reduction, and midstory removal. You'll want a certified prescribed burn manager for the actual burn. We can refer you to experienced burn managers who work in your area.

Is prescribed fire preparation eligible for EQIP funding?

Yes. Firebreak installation (Code 394), fuel break construction (Code 383), and brush management (Code 314) are all EQIP-eligible practices. Many landowners fund their entire pre-burn mechanical prep through cost-share programs.

How do I know if my property needs mechanical prep before burning?

If you can't easily walk through your understory, if midstory vegetation is thick enough to block sunlight from the forest floor, or if your property hasn't been burned in 5+ years — you almost certainly need mechanical prep first.

Free on-site estimate for properties across Central Florida. 500+ projects completed.

Get Free Estimate Call (386) 843-5266

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500+ Projects Completed

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Coverage

Prescribed Fire Preparation Across 32 Counties

Click any county for local terrain info and project details.

Get a Free Prescribed Fire Preparation Estimate

Fill out the form and we'll respond within 24 hours with a detailed estimate for your property. No pressure, no surprises.

(386) 843-5266

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office@treeshop.app

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New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Serving 32 counties across Central FL

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Prescribed Fire Preparation · Per Project