Prescribed Burning Services
Fire is a natural and necessary force in the Southern landscape. Prescribed burning is the strategic application of fire under specific weather conditions to restore forest health, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and improve wildlife habitat. Woodland Works provides certified burning services that harness the power of fire to protect and enhance your land.
Safe, Controlled Fire for Forest Health
For decades, total fire suppression was the norm, leading to dangerous buildups of underbrush and forest litter. Today, we know better. Prescribed burning (or controlled burning) mimics nature's cycle, cleaning the forest floor while leaving the canopy trees unharmed. It is the most cost-effective tool available for managing timberland, and the National Forest Foundation explains that low to moderate-intensity prescribed fires play a vital role in reducing forest density, improving wildlife habitat, and strengthening long-term forest health.
Woodland Works employs Certified Prescribed Burn Managers who understand the science of fire behavior. We meticulously plan every burn, monitoring wind speed, relative humidity, and smoke dispersion to ensure the fire accomplishes your goals safely and stays within the firebreaks.
Fire as an Insurance Policy
The primary economic reason to burn is fuel reduction. Accumulated pine needles and dead branches act as a tinderbox. If a wildfire strikes during a summer drought, that heavy fuel load creates an inferno that kills mature timber.
Regular winter burns consume this fuel under cool, controlled conditions, acting as an insurance policy against future disaster. To further reduce heavy fuel loads and lower wildfire risk, our forestry mulching services help eliminate dense underbrush before it becomes a hazard.
Biologically, fire releases nutrients locked in the leaf litter back into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. It also exposes mineral soil, which is essential for the germination of native legumes and grasses that quail and turkey rely on. A burned forest is a living, productive forest.
The Burn Process
A successful burn starts long before the match is lit. It begins with establishing heavy firebreaks (harrowed dirt strips) around the burn unit. We then write a formal Burn Plan that dictates the required weather parameters (wind direction, humidity levels) to ensure smoke does not smoke out highways or neighbors.
On burn day, we use specific ignition techniques—such as 'backing fires' that creep slowly against the wind or 'spot fires' for intensity—to control the heat. This precision allows us to scour the ground of scrub brush without scorching the crowns of your pine trees.
Our Burning Services
Firebreak Installation
Using bulldozers and harrows to create clean, bare-dirt perimeters around the burn unit. Good firebreaks are the foundation of a safe burn.
Burn Plan Development
Creating the legal prescription that details firing techniques, contingency plans, and smoke management strategies required to get a permit from the Forestry Commission.
Understory / Maintenance Burning
Conducted in standing timber (usually mid-rotation or mature stands) to reduce fuel loads, control hardwoods, and improve aesthetics.
Site Prep Burning
A hotter, more intense fire used after a harvest and chemical spray (Brown and Burn) to clear heavy logging slash before planting new trees.
Applications for Prescribed Fire
Hazard Reduction
Keeping the fuel load low so that if a wildfire occurs, it stays on the ground and is easily suppressed, protecting your timber investment.
Wildlife Habitat Management
Promoting the growth of 'early successional' plants. Fire stimulates fresh, high-protein browse for deer and creates the open bugging habitat turkeys need for their poults.
Aesthetics and Access
Opening up the woods. Burning removes the visual clutter of dead brush and briars, creating the classic 'park-like' appearance of a managed Southern pine forest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prescribed Burning
Will burning kill my pine trees?
Southern pines (Loblolly, Slash, Longleaf) have thick, insulating bark designed to withstand fire. As long as the trees are of adequate size (usually 15+ feet tall for Loblolly) and the weather conditions are correct to prevent 'crowning,' the trees thrive after a burn.
How often should I burn my property?
For timber protection, a 2-3 year cycle is common. For intensive quail or wildlife management, many landowners burn on a 2-year rotation. We help you establish a rotation schedule based on your specific goals.
What happens if the fire jumps the line?
Our Certified Prescribed Burn Managers carry liability insurance and follow strict protocols to prevent escapes. We also have heavy equipment (bulldozers/water tanks) on-site or on standby to immediately contain any spots that cross the break.
Restore the Natural Balance
Reduce wildfire risk and improve your habitat with professional fire management. Contact Woodland Works to discuss a burn plan for this season.
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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