Frequently Asked Questions

Prescribed burning (also known as prescribed fire or controlled burning) is the carefully planned and controlled application of fire to wildland fuels under specified weather conditions. It's used to achieve natural resource management objectives including ecosystem health, wildlife habitat improvement, hazardous fuel reduction, and site preparation. Unlike wildfires, prescribed burns are conducted by trained professionals with safety protocols in place.

Yes. Prescribed fire is a widely used land-management tool when conducted under appropriate conditions with proper planning and trained personnel. CALS prescribed burn operations are led by an Alabama Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and follow documented procedures that account for weather, smoke management, firebreaks, property conditions, and burn objectives.

The ideal time depends on your objectives, but in Alabama, late winter/early spring (February-March) and late fall (October-November) are typically the best windows. These periods often have the right combination of temperature, humidity, and wind conditions. We'll work with you to schedule burns during optimal weather windows to achieve your specific land management goals.

Pricing varies based on acreage, terrain, fuel load, accessibility, and your specific objectives. We offer competitive rates and provide free property assessments to give you an accurate quote. Contact us for a personalized estimate — there's no obligation, and we'll walk you through all costs upfront before any work begins.

Requirements vary by county and burn type. In Alabama, most prescribed burns require notification to the Alabama Forestry Commission, and some areas may require burn permits. Don't worry — we handle all permitting and notifications as part of our service. We'll ensure everything is properly filed before your burn date.

We'll provide you with a detailed preparation checklist before your burn, but common steps include: clearing debris from around structures, informing neighbors, having water sources available, removing livestock if needed, and ensuring firebreaks are in place. We'll walk you through everything during your initial consultation.

When properly planned and executed, prescribed burning should not damage mature trees. The fire intensity is carefully controlled based on your objectives and fuel conditions. We take extra precautions around valuable timber and legacy trees. Young seedlings and some understory plants may be affected, which is often the desired outcome for habitat management.

CALS defines brush mulching as the cutting and processing of brush, saplings, woody vegetation, and small trees generally 4 inches in diameter or less, measured near the base. This includes common understory vegetation such as sweetgum saplings, pine regeneration, privet, briars, vines, shrubs, and similar material.

Trees larger than 4 inches are not automatically included as brush mulching. Larger trees may require separate tree-removal work depending on their size, location, site conditions, and the objectives of the project. Any additional tree removal should be discussed during the estimating process so the scope is clear before work begins.

Our equipment and approach are intended primarily for selective land improvement rather than industrial-scale clearing of mature timber. This allows us to work around desirable trees, trails, food plots, field edges, hunting areas, and other features landowners want to preserve.

Stump grinding is not automatically included with tree removal and must be specifically requested and quoted when needed. Likewise, debris from separately removed trees may be piled on-site or hauled away depending on the agreed project scope.

The goal is to establish clear expectations before work begins. If you are unsure whether particular trees, stump work, or debris handling are included in your project, we will clarify those items during the estimating process.

CALS is based in Greenville, Alabama. Our primary service area includes Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Lowndes, Monroe, Pike, and Wilcox counties, with broader coverage available throughout Central and South Alabama based on project location and scope.

Burn frequency depends on your land management goals and vegetation type. Generally, pine forests benefit from burning every 2-4 years, while grassland and wildlife food plot areas may need annual or biennial burns. We'll help you develop a long-term burn plan tailored to your specific objectives and ecosystem.

Yes. CALS prescribed burn operations are led by an Alabama Certified Prescribed Burn Manager. Owner/operator Christopher Slagley also holds Georgia Certified Burn Manager certification, OSHA 30 training, and CPR certification. We're happy to provide applicable credentials and references upon request.