Certified forestry and arborist services reducing wildfire risk across Bend and Central Oregon.
Axe Contracting helps homeowners, HOAs, and small acreage owners in Bend build safer, healthier landscapes through targeted fuels reduction. Our ISA Certified Arborist (TRAQ) and Oregon-licensed landscape contractor (LCB #100169) lead every project, combining forestry expertise with arborist precision to protect properties in the wildland-urban interface.
We follow Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and City of Bend guidance for defensible space and flammable vegetation management.
Every summer, Central Oregon faces dry conditions and strong winds that can turn small sparks into fast-moving fires. Proper fuels reduction:
Lowers wildfire intensity by thinning ladder and surface fuels.
Improves defensibility for homes, driveways, and access routes.
Promotes forest health by reducing competition among trees.
Helps meet insurance and local code requirements.
We apply the same standards used in municipal and state mitigation projects — adjusted for the Bend landscape’s mix of juniper, sage, and ponderosa pine.
Selective thinning and pruning to raise canopy height slows fire spread from ground to crown
Mowing, mastication, and remote-controlled chipping reduces fine fuels and debris buildup
Strategic thinning along access roads and property lines provides safe zones for firefighting and evacuation
On-site chipping or mulching converts debris into useful moisture-retaining mulch
You can reach us by phone, email, or our contact form. We look forward to discussing your project with you!
Certified Professionals: ISA Certified Arborist #MA-5479A, TRAQ, and OPL-qualified contractor.
Licensed & Insured: Oregon LCB #100169 with verified safety record.
Specialized Equipment: Remote-controlled tracked chipper and excavator-mounted masticator.
Local Knowledge: Familiar with Bend’s flammable vegetation code and Deschutes County grant programs.
Safety-First Culture: Fire-science-driven decisions backed by years of field experience.
Site Assessment — We evaluate vegetation density, slope, and structure clearances.
Planning & Zoning — Define ladder, surface, and crown fuel treatments for each area.
Implementation — Mechanical thinning, pruning, chipping, and mastication as needed.
Cleanup & Verification — Debris processed or reused on-site; final review with our arborist.
Ongoing Maintenance — Optional yearly inspections to maintain compliance and safety.
Most projects depend on slope, tree density, and debris handling needs. Please reach out for a consultation.
It’s the process of removing vegetation that can carry flames from the ground into tree canopies — a key step in preventing crown fires.
Typically not, but city or county requirements may apply for large removals. We confirm before work begins.
Yes. We use both methods depending on site access and goals — mastication for larger acreage, chipping for residential parcels.
Deschutes County’s 2025 Fuel Reduction Grant and OSFM programs can offset expenses. We guide clients through eligibility and application.