The clearing of undergrowth or brushwood from a plot of land consists of clearing and cleaning a green space of its undergrowth.
The aim is to reduce the mass of vegetation likely to encourage the appearance and spread of a fire (see Article L.321-5-3 of the French Forestry Code).
Moreover, in certain departments such as the Var, brush clearing is part of the preventive measures against fires.
Moreover, clearing undergrowth is both a legal obligation and a necessity to ensure the safety of all. What are the main rules for clearing undergrowth? What equipment is required to carry out this operation? The ROSTAING team tells you everything.
Everything you need to know about clearing brush
The clearing operation involves various tasks such as:
- Eradication of dead trees (more easily combustible);
- Pruning of tree branches;
- Removal of copses;
- Removal of dead leaves and tree cuttings;
- Shaving grass.
Legal framework
The clearing of undergrowth on a plot of land is compulsory when it is located less than 200 metres from a wood, a forest, a scrubland or a maquis.
It applies to individuals, communities and companies. All areas are concerned by this obligation.
Nota bene: To find out about the procedures in your region, consult the town planning code available at your local town hall.
Procedure
Landscape professionals can use several methods to carry out clearing operations.
First of all, it is a question of cleaning up the entire area, i.e. removing dead leaves and branches, and then removing any dangerous vegetation by spacing out the clumps.
Brush clearing can be done manually (with a brush cutter), mechanically (with electric or pneumatic shears) or ecologically (with livestock).
Benefits
Clearing undergrowth on a plot of land or a green space is not just an aesthetic gesture! It also allows you to:
- Limit the risk of fire spreading and guarantee the safety of the inhabitants;
- Lighten and oxygenate the vegetation in order to ensure a more orderly growth of plants.
The tools and PPE needed for brushcutting
As with any landscaping service, clearing brush from a plot of land requires the right tools and the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Brushcutting tools
- Carried brushcutters: slung over the shoulder or in a backpack, they make it easier to work in hard-to-reach areas such as sloping ground.
- The brush cutter: this is a very robust mower that cuts brambles, shrubbery and all kinds of brush (also available as a tractor).
- The lawn edger: as its name suggests, this tool is intended for precision and finishing work.
- The scythe: to make quick and efficient cuts, mainly on large areas of land.
- Serpents and crescents: very effective hand cutting tools for finishing work done with a scythe.
- The machete: very handy and useful for clearing brush and pruning.
Protective equipment
Of course, brushcutting requires some basic PPE specific to landscaping. Here is our selection of gloves and accessories for brushcutting operations:
RONCIER
The RONCIER glove, is particularly well suited to clearing brush. It can also be used for pruning large thorny trees such as Pyracantha. Their thick, puncture-proof leather and their soft, resistant cuff will allow you to work without any scratches.
SOLIDO
The SOLIDO glove is suggested for heavy outdoor work (handling wood, stone and plants, cutting wood, clearing brush…).
Solid on the outside and soft on the inside thanks to its lining, it is highly resistant to perforation and abrasion.
OPTIPRO
This glove is recommended for garden maintenance and brush cutting operations. Particularly suitable for the use of low vibration tools, it is a perfect complement for handling hedge trimmers or edge trimmers.
Comfortable and breathable, this glove has non-slip fingertips and an adjustable wrist closure.
T.70X135
The T.70X135 apron is the essential accessory for all your pruning and clearing activities. Indeed, it is made of cowhide leather, which gives it a high resistance to thorns and a very good durability.
Finally, its length allows for coverage and therefore full protection of the wearer’s legs.
GRIFSTOP
The new GRIFSTOP cuff, developed by the Rostaing R&D department, will complete your total protection. Made from a RIPSTOP® tear-resistant fabric, the cuff will provide you with excellent resistance to scratches. This fabric is also breathable and very comfortable for intensive brush cutting.
The PRONATUR ROSTAING range is wide with an additional offer of 11 products created and validated by landscape and agricultural professionals.
Finally, in addition to its gloves, ROSTAING offers other protective accessories such as the CASQVIS helmet, which protects the face from both plant projections and noise (SNR = 28 dB).
To find out more about our range of technical products to meet your needs, please consult our catalogue. Would you like to place an order or become a Rostaing dealer? Let us know at commercial@rostaing.fr.
For any other question about our products, our product engineers are at your disposal: product@rostaing.fr.
