Once a shelterbelt has been trimmed or trees have been topped, the clean-up can be a bigger job than expected. Branches, bulky timber and tangled slash take up space, restrict access and make the next stage of property work difficult.
NEXT Earthworks + Construction helps North Canterbury property owners plan the machinery side of these clean-ups. That can include collecting and sorting cut vegetation, moving and stacking material, preparing access and tidying the area afterwards. Where burning is suitable and permitted, we can discuss the work needed for your site.
Shelterbelt trimmings and tree toppings
A long row of trimmed trees can leave material spread across paddock edges, fence lines and access tracks. Before bringing machinery in, it helps to identify what needs moving, where machines can travel and which fences, services and standing trees need to be protected.
This work starts with material already on the ground. If tree cutting or specialist arborist work is still required, let us know so the timing and clean-up can be planned together.
Plan the clean-up before the burn
We look at the amount and type of material, how spread out it is, ground conditions and machinery access. Wet or soft ground can affect when it makes sense to bring equipment onto a paddock. The position of roads, neighbours, buildings, overhead lines and nearby vegetation also matters.
A good plan considers the full job: moving material, the proposed disposal method and the condition you want the site left in. Tell us if the area is going back into pasture, becoming an accessway or being prepared for another project.
Check the current burning rules
Burning is not suitable or permitted on every property. Environment Canterbury's outdoor burning rules depend on factors including property size, location, material and smoke effects. Check those rules and Fire and Emergency New Zealand's current fire season and permit requirements before planning a burn; a fire permit does not replace the regional air-quality rules.
Only suitable dry vegetation and other specifically permitted material should be considered. Keep rubbish, plastics and treated or painted timber out. Weather, smoke direction, supervision and access to firefighting resources also need to be assessed.
Read Environment Canterbury's outdoor burning rules
Check the current fire season and permit requirements
When burning is not the right option
Depending on the material and site, chipping, mulching, retaining useful timber or removal may make more sense. Talk to us about the result you need so we can help plan a workable approach instead of assuming every pile should be burnt.
Send us a few photos
For a shelterbelt or slash clean-up quote, send the property location, photos of the material and access, and an idea of the amount involved. Let us know whether the cutting is complete and what you would like done afterwards.
We work across North Canterbury, including Oxford, Cust, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Ohoka and Amberley. Call 027 227 2312, text the team or email team@nextearthworks.co.nz.