VIDEO: Controlled Underbrush Fire

This video was shot in February of 2009 in Levy, South Carolina. To keep wildfire from getting out of control and burning very valuable timber in the coastal South Carolina and Georgia region, it’s advisable to do a controlled burn during the months of January, February and March. During these “cold” months, the level of tree sap is very low, which makes it an advantageous time to burn. The reason for this is because when there’s a fire and trees are full of sap, the sap can potentially boil, killing the tree. In the spring, new tender growth emerges from the ashes and is very rich in nutrients. Burning also helps control pests such as ticks and parasites. If done properly, and following the regulations of each state, controlled burns are a huge benefit to a property owner’s timber.