DEFENSIBLE SPACE & MASTICATION IN THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS

Why Defensible Space & Mastication Matter

Stops Wildfire Spread: Grinding ladder fuels reduces the chance of flames climbing into tree canopies.

Creates Defensible Space: Meets CAL FIRE and local Fire Safe Council requirements for the 100-foot zone around structures.

Protects Homes & Families: Gives firefighters safer access and better odds of defending your property.

Reduces Long-Term Costs: One mastication project can replace years of manual brush clearing.

Soil Friendly: Mulch layer helps retain moisture, prevent erosion, and recycle nutrients.

Every property in the foothills is unique. The cost of mastication depends on factors like slope, brush density, tree size, and accessibility. To help homeowners and HOAs understand what to expect, here are typical ranges for our area:

Flat to Gentle Slope, Light Brush

Standard Terrain

$1,200–$1,500 per acre

Ideal for oak understory cleanup, grassland edges, and light manzanita stands.

Fast, efficient mastication with minimal equipment wear — great value for large parcels.

Hillsides, Heavier Brush

Moderate Terrain

$1,600–$2,000 per acre

Typical for Auburn, Meadow Vista, Colfax, and Nevada City parcels with mixed oak, pine, and brush

Balances speed and thoroughness — creates clear, defensible space while leaving a mulch layer to protect soil

Steep Slopes, Dense Manzanita, Rocky Access

Challenging Terrain

$2,200–$3,000+ per acre

Required where conditions push equipment and operators harder.

Often needed for insurance requirements, fire rebuild properties, or steep Sierra foothill parcels

We provide free on-site estimates to give you a firm price for your land

BUNDLE AND SAVE

When combined with our Wildfire Sprinkler Systems, mastication offers complete wildfire protection — treating both the land and the structure. Ask about combo discounts for homeowners, HOAs, and large parcels..