VH Mulcher treatment is easier for the tree planters

Spot treatments takes away the need of planters to concentrate on spacing their tree correctly.  They simply plant each already spaced (by the excavator operator) prepared spot. see photos 2, 5, and 9

Further cost reductions in planting can be achieved while experiencing much higher planting quality.  If the ground is physically easier to place the planting tool in, there will be an increase in productivity and quality should remain at a high level.  The physical exertion required of the planter can be much less.  Reports of 60% cost reduction is not uncommon.

Spot treatment in Heavy slash as a method of Weed Control

Leaving a blanket of heavy slash over the ground (80-90% of the area undisturbed) will deter seeding in, or growth from the forest floor of competing vegetation.  While this is species and sit specific, it can be very effective and used as an alternative to herbicide use. see photos 3, 10 and 15

Spot treatments in grass and cattle foraging areas

In cattle grazing areas forage availability can be maintained by not disturbing 80-90% of the site.  While it may always be wise to limit stock for the first establishment years, integrated use can be done successfully.   If existing stock trails are left undisturbed, mortality by trampling can be reduced.  Small areas of slash can be chosen and a planting spot developed within, allowing surrounding protection by the slash for the seedling.  Foraging by stock can help reduce competition of some weeds and can be an alternative to herbicide use.   The size of the VH Mulcher spot and its other attributes can be all that is necessary for establishment on many of these sites.  Many grass species can be held back from competing for several years.

Selective Logging or protection of other established resources. see photo 6 Riparian Areas

The excavators excellent maneuverability and ability to reach in to prepare spots can make it the only feasible choice on some sites.  The mechanical arm is used widely in thinning operations and can be similarly used for plant spot preparation utilizing the same principles of protecting close proximity resources, such as ripian areas.

Selective destruction of some species to various degrees

Destruction (root removal) of some weed species can be done very successfully.  Removal of undesirable conifer of deciduous regeneration, grasses or woody brush species can be cost effective while simultaneously preparing planting spots.  Exploiting each species' particular weakness can be effective.   Generally plants do not like having their roots rotated out of the ground and exposed to hot dry air.

Duration of weed control by rotary cultivation see photo 7

This may be highly variable dependant on numerous site, species and timing factors.  While in some cases sufficient weed reduction may be obtained, in other cases a follow-up herbicide treatment may be necessary.  Even with poor results and the necessary follow-up herbicide treatment, costs generally can be reduced by selecting only those trees or areas considered higher priority for treatment.   You also increase the total protective time of the herbicide application by taking advantage of the initial cultivation protective time.  "Mixing" can help buffer the negative effects of previous herbicide application.