Mastication & Forestry Mulching

Mastication & Forestry Mulching – San Luis Obispo County

At 4th Generation Tree (4G Tree), we specialize in forestry mulching and mastication services that combine power, precision, and environmental responsibility. Our heavy-duty mastication equipment clears dense vegetation, chaparral, oak understory, and deadfall — reducing wildfire fuel loads and improving land access while protecting the soil and root systems that keep slopes stable.

With over 70 years of experience in San Luis Obispo County, we deliver mastication and vegetation management solutions that meet CAL FIRE, Fire Safe Council, and PG&E vegetation-management standards — protecting properties from wildfire while restoring natural habitat.

What Is Mastication (Forestry Mulching)?

Mastication, also known as forestry mulching, uses specialized equipment with rotating drum-style heads to grind brush, shrubs, and small trees into mulch-sized material.

Unlike traditional dozing or burning, mastication:

• Leaves nutrient-rich mulch on site to prevent erosion and promote native regrowth.
• Reduces fuel loads by shredding and distributing vegetation evenly.
• Minimizes soil disturbance, protecting tree roots and microhabitats.
• Provides immediate fire-risk reduction with an eco-friendly finish.

Our Mastication & Forestry Mulching Services

• Large-Scale Fuel Reduction – Mastication for ranches, vineyards, and fire-safe zones around homes and structures.
• Oak Woodland & Chaparral Management – Clearing dense, high-fuel vegetation common in the Central Coast foothills.
• Slope & Hillside Mastication – Steep-terrain work using compact track loaders and Fecon mulching heads.
• Access Road & Utility Corridor Clearing – Opening fire roads, driveways, and right-of-ways for equipment and emergency access.
• Fire Break & Perimeter Creation – Establishing defensible zones to slow or stop wildfire spread.
• Vegetation Thinning & Habitat Restoration – Balancing ecosystem health while reducing wildfire risk.

Our Equipment & Capability

4th Generation Tree operates a modern, contractor-grade equipment fleet, including:

• CAT 299D3 Compact Track Loaders with Fecon BH74 and Seppi mulching heads
• Excavators with masticating attachments for steep or selective work
• Brush cutters, chippers, and tractors for mixed terrain
• Support trucks and hauling equipment for debris transport and cleanup

This fleet allows us to handle everything from one-acre residential fire breaks to multi-hundred-acre fuel-reduction projects for agencies, HOAs, and private landowners.

Why Choose Mastication Over Traditional Land Clearing

• Environmentally Friendly: Leaves mulch in place, preventing erosion and improving soil health.
• Cost Effective: Clears large areas faster than manual crews or dozer work.
• Immediate Fire Protection: Reduces ladder fuels and flammable vegetation instantly.
• Minimal Ground Disturbance: Preserves native root systems and prevents erosion runoff.

Trusted Across San Luis Obispo County

We proudly serve:

Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, Creston, Santa Margarita, Cambria, and surrounding Central Coast communities.

Our work supports local Fire Safe Councils, municipal fuel-reduction programs, PG&E vegetation management, and private ranch owners seeking long-term wildfire protection.

Why 4th Generation Tree Is the Central Coast’s Leading Mastication Contractor

• Licensed & Insured (CSLB #906700) – Certified for vegetation management, excavation, and site prep.
• Fire Safe Council & PG&E Approved Vendor – Trusted for compliance-level wildfire mitigation.
• Locally Owned, Technically Driven – San Luis Obispo County family business since 1959.
• Arborist-Led Oversight – Certified arborist ensures proper tree retention and ecosystem balance.
• Modern Equipment, Proven Results – Clean, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Get a Mastication or Forestry Mulching Estimate Today

Protect your property and reduce wildfire risk with professional mastication and forestry mulching by 4th Generation Tree.

Call 805-462-2020 or info@4gtree.com to request a quote or site assessment.