When people hear the term “forest fire,” they often think of disasters that put lives, the environment, and properties in danger. However, when fires are intentional and controlled — known as prescribed burns — forests can experience a wide range of benefits that support continued growth and health of the land. If you’re curious about this forest management technique, here are a few ways that prescribed burns can help your land thrive.

Why You Should Consider Prescribed Burning

1. Reduces Wildfire Damage

Over time, needles, twigs, leaves, and other natural debris will collect and build-up along the forest floor. As these materials dry out, they will become more combustible.

When wildfires happen, the flammable biomatter can cause the flames to spread and increase the total damage. Prescribed burns, however, can safely eliminate these fuels to prevent wildfires from gaining ground in the future.

2. Replenishes Soil Nutrients

When trees and other forest plants die and decompose, it will typically take years for their nutrients to return to the soil. When the land is subject to a controlled burn, the resulting ashes can breakdown faster to replenish the soil’s vitality.

3. Spurs Vegetation Growth

New vegetation is necessary within a forest to feed grazing animals and support other functions of the ecosystem. Prescribed burns help sustain new growth by not only improving soil health but also by clearing out invasive plants that can harm biodiversity.  

4. Promotes Wildlife Diversity

When the understory — or ground level — of a forest is overgrown, it becomes more difficult for many species to seek shelter, feed, or migrate through the area. The longer this forest management problem goes uncontrolled, the more likely it is for overstory species to dominate the land and contribute to imbalanced wildlife. By clearing away obstructive understory matter, prescribed burns can make forests more accessible and allow many species to thrive in the area.  

5. Stops the Spread of Pests

Many insects and plant diseases — often referred to as forest pests — can compromise the health of trees and vegetation. Prescribed burns offer a favorable alternative to chemical treatment, as they kill sources of the pests to prevent them from spreading without the use of toxic components.

While prescribed burns can offer numerous benefits, they are solutions that require special techniques and safety practices. If you own land in the Camden, AR, region, Neely Forestry Service can assist with all aspects of controlled fires — such as determining where they are necessary and how to achieve results in a safe and legally-compliant manner. Visit these forest management experts online to learn more about these and other services, including wildlife management and timberland appraisals. To discuss your needs with an experienced forester, call (870) 836-5981.