Page 18 - Waterfall City September Issue 2023

Waterfall City News

CONTROLLED

BURNING IN OUR

GREENBELTS

By Emile Bolton, STM Landscaping

C ontrolled burning in

greenbelts is important
for several reasons.
Firstly, it helps to manage and
reduce the risk of wildfires. Burning
dry vegetation under controlled
conditions significantly reduces the
likelihood of uncontrolled wildfires
spreading and causing damage.

Controlled burning promotes
biodiversity and ecological health.
Many plant species, especially
those adapted to fire-prone
environments, rely on periodic

The fire is ignited along the firebreaks using handheld torches or drip torches. burning for reproduction and
growth. Fire can assist in clearing
away dense vegetation (thatch
build-up), allowing sunlight to reach
the greenbelt floor and stimulate
new growth. It also helps to recycle
nutrients back into the soil.

Controlled burning can be used
as a management tool to control
invasive species. Some non-native
plants can quickly take over an
ecosystem, out-competing native
species and disrupting the natural
balance. Controlled burns can help to
suppress these invasives and create
space for native plants to thrive.

Some plant species in the Egoli

16 Waterfall City Issue 9 2023