How is removing a bunch of vegetation considered “restoration”?

Fire is a natural component of the Sierra Nevada forests. It is generally accepted that historically, fire returned approximately every eight years. This pattern of regular low-intensity fires helped to reduce accumulated fuels and promote overall forest health.

Now due to a variety of factors, fire has been removed from the region for some time. With fire removed, the only “thinning” that has taken place has been due to competition, disease, and insects. The result is a densely stocked forest, with a major increase in both live fuels (mostly small shade-tolerant and fire-sensitive species) and dead fuels.

YFR Tree & Land Management offers services that manage the understory and restore the forest to a state closer to what it would be naturally if the natural cycle of fire was present. The final product is a much healthier forest that lacks the “ladder” fuels that support damaging crown fires.

I enjoy the wildlife on my property. what about their habitat?

YFR Tree & Land Management’s services leave only the most desirable vegetation, and the forest will thrive with reduced competition for light and water. In addition to allowing more diverse species to grow, the forest will also be more resistant to future drought and insect outbreaks (ex bark beetle).

Forests that have not been maintained often see near 100% tree loss in the event of a fire due to the intensity from high fuel loads. These areas are often then recolonized by invasive or undesirable species which degrades the habitat for wildlife.

In addition, many of our customers find that having a more open understory allows them to view wildlife that typically would have been obscured by vegetation. It also facilitates travel by foot and you may find yourself enjoying portions of your property that you never had before!

What areas does YFR Tree & Land Management Service?

YFR Tree & Land Management is based in Grass Valley, CA. From this location, we are able to economically serve the following communities:

Nevada County

• Nevada City

• Grass Valley

• North San Juan

• Penn Valley

• Alta Sierra

• Truckee