Meet the masticator

Mastication is one way to reduce fire hazard and brush, at the same time enhancing the soil.

A masticator is a piece of heavy machinery consisting of a backhoe-type vehicle with an articulating arm. On the end of the arm is a device that chops or flails woody vegetation. The machines come in various sizes for different needs and land characteristics.

The masticator turns woody material into a mulch that remains on the ground, protecting the soil as well as adding nutrients. The mulch also inhibits the return of shrubs that need bare soil to germinate, for example, greenleaf manzanita.

Masticators can be used in many types of terrain and can operate on slopes of up to 35%. They are often used to reduce vegetation along access roads and along driveways.

Timing of the work is important to soil protection. Mastication should be done when the ground is dry, generally in late spring or early summer—April, May, and June. Avoid when fire danger is high as the machinery can make sparks in the field. Best timing varies depending on the climate and humidity.

You might consider using a masticator if you have several acres to be worked. According to Cliff Heitz, District Conservationist with NRCS, the cost becomes economically feasible at about 10 acres. ³Mastication initially appears to be costly but in the long term it¹s the least expensive method.²

As always, it¹s important to consider and minimize any negative environmental impacts. The masticator leaves more of a footprint on the soil than hand methods. However, with a skilled operator, damage to the soil can be minimized as the masticator chips the material in front and drives over the chips. In addition, be clear about what you want left in place; once it¹s gone it¹s too late. You may want to leave patches of brush for wildlife or privacy screening.

How do you find out if mastication is a good fit for your needs? Contact your local NRCS office for advice. They will work with you to develop a conservation plan that will address your objectives be they wildlife habitat improvement, reforestation, thinning, or pruning. Many counties, especially in the foothills, provide some cost-share funding for this work.