Brush Chipping and Removal

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:

Brush and small trees cut during a hazard reduction can be chipped and removed from the project, but Firestorm suggests that if possible, use those chips! Chips can be used around trees and in the garden to assist suppressing weeds, conserve soil moisture and decrease soil compaction.

The other option for the by-product of a project is to leave a few piles (in safe locations away from structures or trees) for wildlife habitat. Birds will be using the piles within minutes of construction to hide from predators and forage for food and are amusing to watch.

Tips for a Wildlife Brush Pile:

• Choose an area with good drainage; near a forest edge, along a stream, or at the edge or back corner of a property; and close to existing food sources and shrubs.
• Ideal piles are 3 to 5 feet tall and from 5 to 10 feet in diameter.
• Brush piles are flammable. Keep them away from buildings and trees. 100 feet at a minimum.
• On larger properties with little natural cover, create three or four brush piles per acre.
• Plant native vines such as wild grape, honeysuckle, and trumpet creeper as an attractive cover for the brush pile, or border the pile with wildflowers.

Rot and decay are a normal process of brush piles. As they rot, they attract more insects, providing additional food for birds. The piles should be inspected yearly to see if the state of decay is such that a new brush pile should be added when needed. Add the brush and limbs cut during the maintenance period for your defensible space.