Aerial Forestry Spraying & Site Prep
When you have large acreage or rough terrain, nothing beats the efficiency of a helicopter. Our aerial site preparation services deliver precise, high-volume herbicide application to clear logging debris and vegetation without touching the ground. It is the preferred method for establishing industrial pine plantations across the Southeast.
High-Efficiency Vegetation Control
After a clear-cut, a site is often covered in slash, stumps, and rapidly regrowing hardwood brush. Trying to spray this with a ground tractor can be slow, hard on equipment, and sometimes impossible if the ground is wet. Aerial site prep solves this problem by taking the operational overhead.
Woodland Works utilizes forestry helicopters equipped with advanced GPS guidance and flow control systems. This allows us to treat hundreds of acres in a single day, ensuring that your site is sprayed during the optimal biological window. We deliver a uniform application that kills the root systems of competing vegetation, ensuring your future seedlings have a clean start.
Want to know more about herbicides? Penn State Extension provides helpful information in its guide on herbicides and forest vegetation management.
Saving Your Soil Structure
One of the biggest advantages of aerial application is zero ground disturbance. Heavy skidders can cause rutting and soil compaction, especially in the hills of Alabama or the wetlands of Florida. A helicopter leaves the soil structure intact, preserving the macropores required for new root growth.
Technologically, we utilize nozzles specifically designed to create droplets of the correct size, large enough to minimize drift but small enough to provide overlapping coverage on the leaf surface. Combined with shape files that map your property boundaries, we place the chemical exactly where it needs to go, skipping over creeks and non-target areas automatically.
For landowners comparing application methods, our guide on mechanical site preparation explains when ground-based equipment may be preferred.
The 'Brown and Burn' Strategy
Aerial prep is the first half of the most common site prep prescription in the South: 'Brown and Burn.' We fly the tract in late summer (July–October) with a tank mix of herbicides like Imazapyr and Glyphosate. This translocates to the roots, killing the brush and turning the foliage brown and dry.
Once the fuel is cured (usually 6-10 weeks later), a prescribed fire is introduced. Because the vegetation is dead and dry, the fire consumes the debris much more completely than it would on a green site. This leaves a clean, black tract that is easy for planting crews to navigate in the winter.
Our Aerial Process
GPS Mapping & Setup
We digitize your stand boundaries and load them into the aircraft's navigation system. This establishes the flight lines and exclusion zones (SMZs) before the rotor ever turns.
Prescription Development
We assess the target vegetation. A site full of waxy Gallberry requires a different mix than a site full of Oak and Sweetgum. We adhere to all label rates to ensure an effective kill.
Batching and Loading
Our ground support crew utilizes batch trucks to mix the herbicide, water, and surfactants on site. This keeps the helicopter in the air with minimal downtime between loads.
Application & Reporting
We fly the tract, monitoring wind and humidity constant. After completion, you receive a spray map verifying exactly where the product was applied.
When to Use Aerial Prep
Large Cutover Tracts
Ideally suited for blocks of 40 acres or more where high production speed lowers the cost per acre compared to ground machines.
Rough or Steep Terrain
For Southern Appalachian slopes or ravine lands where operating a skidder is dangerous or would cause severe erosion.
Mid-Rotation Release (Canopy)
Spraying established pine stands (ages 3-5) to release them from hardwood competition when the pines are too tall for ground tractors to clear comfortably.
Aerial Spraying FAQs
Is there a minimum acreage for a helicopter?
Typically, yes. Due to the cost of bringing the support truck and aircraft to the site, aerial spraying is most cost-effective on tracts of 40-50 acres or larger. For smaller tracts, our skidder-mounted ground sprayers are usually the better value.
What about drift affecting my neighbor?
Drift control is our top safety priority. We use drift control additives (thickening agents) and specific nozzles to keep droplets heavy. We strictly monitor wind speed and direction; if the wind is blowing toward a sensitive neighbor or crop, we shut down the job.
Does this replace mechanical site prep?
It can on some sites. On land with light debris, a good aerial spray and burn is often all you need before planting. However, heavily logged sites or wet ground may still need mechanical raking or bedding after the aerial spray to physically prepare the dirt.
Efficient Prep for Big Acreage
Secure your place on the flight schedule before the season fills up. Contact Woodland Works to plan your aerial herbicide application.
What Our Customers Say
Discover why landowners, developers, and timber investors across Georgia, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle trust Woodland Works for professional tree planting, chemical site preparation, forestry mulching, land clearing, excavation, and comprehensive forest management services. Our commitment to quality and professional forester-led expertise speaks through every project we complete.
Roberta K.
3 months agoWoodland Works is a great company. We originally hired a company that ended up walking off the job. Brad and his crew showed up and got to work clearing our 9 acre property. It was incredible to watch them work. Our property looks amazing. Can't recommend them enough!
James Mitchell
2 months agoBrad Powell and his team at Woodland Works did an outstanding job with forestry mulching on our 15-acre property in North Georgia. They cleared dense underbrush while preserving the mature trees we wanted to keep. Professional, efficient, and great communication throughout.
Sarah Thompson
4 months agoHired Woodland Works for land grading and site preparation for our new home build near Atlanta. Brad's expertise as a professional forester really showed. The laser-guided grading was perfect, and they completed everything on schedule. Highly professional team!
David Harrison
5 months agoOutstanding land clearing service! Woodland Works cleared 20 acres for our agricultural development in Alabama. Their modern equipment made quick work of the project, and they were very conscious of erosion control. Fair pricing and excellent results.
Jennifer Collins
6 months agoBrad and his crew built a beautiful pond on our property in the Florida Panhandle. From excavation to final grading, everything was done professionally. The attention to detail and knowledge of land management was impressive. Love our new pond!
Robert Williams
7 months agoWe needed selective land clearing for our timber property in South Georgia. Woodland Works used their forestry mulcher to create fire breaks and improve access roads while maintaining the health of our forest. Brad's forestry expertise made all the difference.
Emily Davis
8 months agoWoodland Works transformed our overgrown property into a beautiful homesite. The forestry mulching left a natural mulch layer that's already helping with erosion control. Brad was great to work with - very knowledgeable and responsive. Highly recommend!
Michael Patterson
9 months agoNeeded emergency land clearing after storm damage on our Georgia property. Woodland Works responded quickly and handled everything professionally. Their CAT equipment made short work of the downed trees. Great service during a stressful time.
Lisa Martinez
10 months agoBrad Powell is the real deal - a professional forester who truly cares about the land. His team cleared our hunting property while enhancing wildlife habitat. The combination of technical expertise and environmental stewardship sets Woodland Works apart.
Thomas Anderson
11 months agoExcellent excavation and grading work for our commercial development. Woodland Works handled a complex site with challenging terrain. Their laser-guided technology ensured precise grading. Professional crew, modern equipment, and fair pricing.
Amanda Richards
1 year agoWe hired Woodland Works for land management services on our family timber tract. Brad created a comprehensive forest management plan and executed the initial clearing perfectly. His knowledge of Southern forestry is exceptional.
Christopher Lee
1 year agoOutstanding forestry mulching service! Woodland Works cleared our property line and created beautiful trails through our wooded acreage. The mulch left behind enriched the soil naturally. Brad and his team were professional from start to finish.
Rebecca Turner
1 year agoWoodland Works did an amazing job clearing land for our horse pasture in Alabama. They worked efficiently, communicated clearly, and the final result exceeded our expectations. The grading was perfect for our needs. Very impressed!
Daniel Foster
1 year agoBrad and his crew are the best in the business. Professional land clearing with attention to environmental impact. Their Fecon mulcher is impressive - cleared dense brush and left nutrient-rich mulch. Great experience working with Woodland Works!
Roberta K.
3 months agoWoodland Works is a great company. We originally hired a company that ended up walking off the job. Brad and his crew showed up and got to work clearing our 9 acre property. It was incredible to watch them work. Our property looks amazing. Can't recommend them enough!
James Mitchell
2 months agoBrad Powell and his team at Woodland Works did an outstanding job with forestry mulching on our 15-acre property in North Georgia. They cleared dense underbrush while preserving the mature trees we wanted to keep. Professional, efficient, and great communication throughout.
Sarah Thompson
4 months agoHired Woodland Works for land grading and site preparation for our new home build near Atlanta. Brad's expertise as a professional forester really showed. The laser-guided grading was perfect, and they completed everything on schedule. Highly professional team!
David Harrison
5 months agoOutstanding land clearing service! Woodland Works cleared 20 acres for our agricultural development in Alabama. Their modern equipment made quick work of the project, and they were very conscious of erosion control. Fair pricing and excellent results.
Jennifer Collins
6 months agoBrad and his crew built a beautiful pond on our property in the Florida Panhandle. From excavation to final grading, everything was done professionally. The attention to detail and knowledge of land management was impressive. Love our new pond!
Robert Williams
7 months agoWe needed selective land clearing for our timber property in South Georgia. Woodland Works used their forestry mulcher to create fire breaks and improve access roads while maintaining the health of our forest. Brad's forestry expertise made all the difference.
Emily Davis
8 months agoWoodland Works transformed our overgrown property into a beautiful homesite. The forestry mulching left a natural mulch layer that's already helping with erosion control. Brad was great to work with - very knowledgeable and responsive. Highly recommend!
Michael Patterson
9 months agoNeeded emergency land clearing after storm damage on our Georgia property. Woodland Works responded quickly and handled everything professionally. Their CAT equipment made short work of the downed trees. Great service during a stressful time.
Lisa Martinez
10 months agoBrad Powell is the real deal - a professional forester who truly cares about the land. His team cleared our hunting property while enhancing wildlife habitat. The combination of technical expertise and environmental stewardship sets Woodland Works apart.
Thomas Anderson
11 months agoExcellent excavation and grading work for our commercial development. Woodland Works handled a complex site with challenging terrain. Their laser-guided technology ensured precise grading. Professional crew, modern equipment, and fair pricing.
Amanda Richards
1 year agoWe hired Woodland Works for land management services on our family timber tract. Brad created a comprehensive forest management plan and executed the initial clearing perfectly. His knowledge of Southern forestry is exceptional.
Christopher Lee
1 year agoOutstanding forestry mulching service! Woodland Works cleared our property line and created beautiful trails through our wooded acreage. The mulch left behind enriched the soil naturally. Brad and his team were professional from start to finish.
Rebecca Turner
1 year agoWoodland Works did an amazing job clearing land for our horse pasture in Alabama. They worked efficiently, communicated clearly, and the final result exceeded our expectations. The grading was perfect for our needs. Very impressed!
Daniel Foster
1 year agoBrad and his crew are the best in the business. Professional land clearing with attention to environmental impact. Their Fecon mulcher is impressive - cleared dense brush and left nutrient-rich mulch. Great experience working with Woodland Works!
Roberta K.
3 months agoWoodland Works is a great company. We originally hired a company that ended up walking off the job. Brad and his crew showed up and got to work clearing our 9 acre property. It was incredible to watch them work. Our property looks amazing. Can't recommend them enough!
James Mitchell
2 months agoBrad Powell and his team at Woodland Works did an outstanding job with forestry mulching on our 15-acre property in North Georgia. They cleared dense underbrush while preserving the mature trees we wanted to keep. Professional, efficient, and great communication throughout.
Sarah Thompson
4 months agoHired Woodland Works for land grading and site preparation for our new home build near Atlanta. Brad's expertise as a professional forester really showed. The laser-guided grading was perfect, and they completed everything on schedule. Highly professional team!
David Harrison
5 months agoOutstanding land clearing service! Woodland Works cleared 20 acres for our agricultural development in Alabama. Their modern equipment made quick work of the project, and they were very conscious of erosion control. Fair pricing and excellent results.
Jennifer Collins
6 months agoBrad and his crew built a beautiful pond on our property in the Florida Panhandle. From excavation to final grading, everything was done professionally. The attention to detail and knowledge of land management was impressive. Love our new pond!
Robert Williams
7 months agoWe needed selective land clearing for our timber property in South Georgia. Woodland Works used their forestry mulcher to create fire breaks and improve access roads while maintaining the health of our forest. Brad's forestry expertise made all the difference.
Emily Davis
8 months agoWoodland Works transformed our overgrown property into a beautiful homesite. The forestry mulching left a natural mulch layer that's already helping with erosion control. Brad was great to work with - very knowledgeable and responsive. Highly recommend!
Michael Patterson
9 months agoNeeded emergency land clearing after storm damage on our Georgia property. Woodland Works responded quickly and handled everything professionally. Their CAT equipment made short work of the downed trees. Great service during a stressful time.
Lisa Martinez
10 months agoBrad Powell is the real deal - a professional forester who truly cares about the land. His team cleared our hunting property while enhancing wildlife habitat. The combination of technical expertise and environmental stewardship sets Woodland Works apart.
Thomas Anderson
11 months agoExcellent excavation and grading work for our commercial development. Woodland Works handled a complex site with challenging terrain. Their laser-guided technology ensured precise grading. Professional crew, modern equipment, and fair pricing.
Amanda Richards
1 year agoWe hired Woodland Works for land management services on our family timber tract. Brad created a comprehensive forest management plan and executed the initial clearing perfectly. His knowledge of Southern forestry is exceptional.
Christopher Lee
1 year agoOutstanding forestry mulching service! Woodland Works cleared our property line and created beautiful trails through our wooded acreage. The mulch left behind enriched the soil naturally. Brad and his team were professional from start to finish.
Rebecca Turner
1 year agoWoodland Works did an amazing job clearing land for our horse pasture in Alabama. They worked efficiently, communicated clearly, and the final result exceeded our expectations. The grading was perfect for our needs. Very impressed!
Daniel Foster
1 year agoBrad and his crew are the best in the business. Professional land clearing with attention to environmental impact. Their Fecon mulcher is impressive - cleared dense brush and left nutrient-rich mulch. Great experience working with Woodland Works!
Ready to experience the Woodland Works difference?
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