Frequently Asked Questions: Hydro-Mechanical Obliteration

Q: What about regrowth?
A: Regrowth depends on a number of factors: the season, timing, type of vegetation (perennial or rhyzomous) and the pre-existing seed bank. Generally speaking, unwanted regrowth is best discouraged by using HMO early in the season/growth cycle of the targeted plant. In some cases the regrowth consists of desirable natives.  With any treatment follow-up management is key.

Q: How is it different from the hot water steamers?
A: Since we don’t heat our water there is no damage to the soil from heat.  Steam starts at 212ºF.  Instead of trying to kill the tops of the plants by a cooking method, we physically mulch the plant material on-site. 

Q: Does it cause erosion?
A: No. Our employees are certified in safe application of this technology. HMO does not cause erosion. See conclusions from M. Alvarez paper (link to paper). In fact HMO is used effectively to manage erosion.

Q: How much water does it use?
A: On average 3 gallons per minute.  For comparison the volume from a typical fire hydrant, which could cause significant damage comes out at 1,000 gallons per minute.

Q: Can the technology use reclaimed water?
A: Yes.  Any water that is legally available and appropriate for the situation can be used.

Q: Who provides the water?
A: The client, we can use any legal water which includes, drinking water, reclaimed water and if we are working near a water body such as a lake or river, we can use that source as well. 

Q: When is the best time of year to use?
A: HMO can be used all year. Limits to operations are based on critical habitat access restrictions.

Q: How fast does it take to clear an acre?
A: The terrain and vegetation type is the major factor in clearing. For example: For fire prevention/maintenance purposes, a single technician can clear dry annual grasses on clear flat land at a rate of approximately 20,000 sq ft (1/3 acre) in 1.5 hours and use about 325 gallons.

Q: Can your HMO service be used during Red Flag Fire Weather?
A: Yes. Because we do not use mechanical cutting blades there is no risk of ignition from sparks.  Our equipment however is transported on a truck which would as a precaution  stay on pavement.

Q: How does your system compare to off-the-self units from my local hardware store?
A: Those low powered units yield limited results and end up causing a mess rather than a benefit. Our system uses industrial grade components built to last hundreds of hours and deliver around 7,000 PSI pressure.  Because of the high pressure safety and maintenance is an important issue. Years of research and experience now yield a consistent and safe level of results. Lastly, because the application is patented we are the only service provider within Northern California