Land Management After a Wildfire

Managing soils

When wildfire moves across the land it often burns through the trees, plants, and leaf litter that covers the ground. Sometimes leaving nothing behind but the scorched soil underneath and increasing soil erosion.  

Trees, vegetation, and leaf litter generally act as a buffer for the soil, slowing down and decreasing the force of rain as it hits the soil. But when that buffer is burned away, the rain can easily wash away the top layer of soil, where the fertile soil is found.  

This top layer of fertile soil is where seed banks from various plants are found. When this top layer of soil erodes that seed bank is no longer there, making it more difficult for native plants and trees to re-establish. 

Water quality

Soil erosion can also cause problems for water quality. In forests, when soil erodes it flows into water sources, which makes the water cloudy. Cloudy water can be bad for water supply since sunlight will have a harder time getting through. This affects aquatic plant growth and can lead to harmful bacteria.  

On farmland, when soil erosion occurs it can be more troubling because the land has often been treated with pesticides and herbicides, which can flow along with the soil into the water supply.  

Hydrophobic soil

Depending on the intensity of the wildfire, soil properties can be changed. One of those properties is the ability to absorb water. When a wildfire is severe and burns slowly it can cause the soil to become hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. This is caused by a waxy substance from burned plant material that melts and solidifies on the top layer of soil. The hydrophobic layer of soil prevents water from penetrating the soil which increases soil erosion and water runoff. This can also prevent vegetation from being re-established.  

To check for hydrophobic soil, place drops of water on the exposed soil surface. If the water beads up and does not penetrate the soil, then it is hydrophobic. If the soil surface is hydrophobic then remove a one-inch layer of soil. This will break up the water repellant layer which will allow plants to re-establish. 

Prevent soil erosion and stabilize soil 

• Lightly till the soil, no deeper than ¼ inch, and then spread rye seed along with a mix of native grasses and wildflowers to help stabilize the soil. After spreading the seed, compact the soil back down to help hold the seed in place. Mulch can also be placed over the re-seeded area to help protect the seed while it germinates. Rye grass will grow through the winter, but since it is an annual it only survives for one season. But this will help stabilize the soil while the native grasses and wildflowers re-establish and will provide food for wildlife.  
• Fell (cut down) dead trees along the contour of sloped areas – also known as the contour felling of dead trees- and either tie them in with surrounding tree stumps or stake them to create barriers for water as it flows down the slope.  
• Monitor for invasive species. The fire may have killed the top of the plant, but invasives can resprout from the base of the trunk or from the root system and regrow. If invasive species are spotted, herbicide treatments may be needed to ensure they do not take over your property.  

Reforestation 

After a wildfire, trees may need to be replanted to replace those that did not survive. There are a few things that should be considered before planting new trees.  

• Select tree species that are suitable for your land and the ecoregion you live in. You can find a list of native tree species by visiting Texas Tree Selector and creating a custom tree list.  

• Plant trees along the contour of your property and near low lying areas, such as ditches, to help protect against future soil erosion. Do not create straight lines of disturbed soil because water will follow that groove.  

• Don’t plant all of your trees in one year. Spread out your investment into multiple years. This creates a variety of age classes which will help create a healthy forest.  

• Plant a diversity of native tree species. Having species diversity helps decrease the risk of losing all trees due to disease or environmental conditions.  

• When reforesting land after a fire, hand planting is needed because of the stumps and standing dead trees, also known as snags.  

• Plant a manageable number of trees. If your county is in a drought, it will take extra work and watering to get new trees established.  

• You can purchase seedlings through the West Texas Nursery. Also consider what native groundcover vegetation to plant to decrease soil erosion if needed.   

Managing standing dead trees & brush

A standing dead tree, or snag, is a common occurrence in forest. They are even more commonly found after a wildfire has burned through an area. If a snag is near your home, structure, or fence line it is important to take note of these trees because of the potential to cause injuries or damage to property.  

If the snag is a potential hazard, it is best to remove it as soon as possible. If the snag is found further away from your home or in areas of the property that are rarely visited, then it is not as big of a concern and does not need to be removed.  

As a fire moves through the area, it often kills much of the vegetation in its path, especially, younger or smaller woody species. It’s important to watch and manage what grows back. When there is no competition or an area has been disturbed, invasive species can establish.  

• Keep an eye out for invasive species like Chinese tallow, chinaberry, yaupon holly, and eastern red cedar or redberry juniper, which can both sprout and regrow from their root systems.  

• If needed, follow up with herbicide treatments to ensure the invasive species do not take over your property, be sure to follow label instructions.  

• Monitor areas where oak trees are present, looking for an increase in shoots popping up from the root system to ensure you don’t end up with an overpopulated oak forest.  

• As your property recovers from the wildfire, and years after, selectively clear woody vegetation to continue to promote a healthy forest and decrease future wildfire risk by decreasing the potential fuel for a fire.