Areas of Service
As concerns about climate change increase, utility scale solar has become an important component as an alternative to fossil fuels. Permitting often requires invasive exotic vegetation removal, installation of vegetative buffers, upland and wetland restoration, mitigation and more. H&H Development has extensive experience in addressing both required and voluntary activities. Our goal is to save both time and money with a focus on providing natural resource benefits.
We specialize in the following services: planting wildlife corridors, installing vegetation privacy buffers, seeding, controlling erosion, removing invasive exotic vegetation, solar farm site work, storm cleanup, enhancing existing ecosystems and vegetation management in delicate and challenging habitats. Utilizing native plants and selecting the species best suited for site-specific soils and hydrology provides the greatest chance for survival. The large and small scale projects we’ve completed throughout the South speak for themselves with highly successful results.
Transformational Tools & Groundbreaking Methods
As the solar industry rapidly evolves, we have recognized the urgency to shift away from conventional vegetation management tools. Our unique product has proven to be highly successful in the elimination of unwanted vegetation while providing huge cost savings and long-term environmental benefits for solar site managers. It is our goal to revolutionize the industry.
Features of our “Wick Applicator” include:
Application of herbicides through direct contact with targeted invasive vegetation,
Capability to adjust to uneven terrain and height of vegetation,
Significant reduction of recommended concentrations of chemicals,
Ability to turn and access difficult-to-reach areas
BENEFITS OF HERBICIDE APPLICATION THROUGH WICKING:
Within the solar array footprint:
Allows for precise and targeted application of chemicals with achieving desired mortality of invasive species,
Eliminates shading on panels by keeping vegetation under a height of 18”,
Replaces mowing,
Eliminates future seed source of unwanted vegetation,
Reduces chemical contact with beneficial plant species adding natural resource value.
Broader site benefits:
Well-below industry-standard psi compaction requirements,
Keeps chemicals away from wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas,
Operates in wet areas such as marshes to eliminate unwanted invasives plant species, cattails, etc.
Reduces the risk of herbicide drift to adjacent properties,
Minimizes exposure for applicators, wildlife and pollinators,
Eliminates the need for broad herbicide application, reducing labor and chemical cost.
Environmental Considerations
Widespread herbicide application can have devastating long-term effects. Prolonged and indiscriminate use of herbicides can lead to soil degradation, affecting its fertility and microbial balance. It can also harm non-target plants and aquatic ecosystems, disrupting food chains and biodiversity. Persistent herbicide residues can leach into groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water sources and posing risks to human health. Effective and responsible herbicide management is crucial to mitigate these long-lasting environmental consequences. We have seen a reduction of 85% in the amount of herbicide required to achieve the same mortality results.
OUR TRADITIONAL TOOLS
Wildlife Corridor and Natural Vegetation Buffers
Years of growing our own plant material have given us experience in the selection, installation and maintenance of linear buffers, wildlife corridors, and privacy barriers. Florida native plants are adapted to weather cycles and soils and provide the greatest chance for quick establishment. Buffers can provide a visual barrier and increase biodiversity and natural resource value.
Features:
Installation of native trees (up to 50 gallons) and plant material,
Strategic placement of biodiverse islands to regenerate habitat,
Renewal of existing wells where necessary and available,
Mobile irrigation for up to 1 year on installations,
Maintenance for up to 2 years.
Benefits:
Permit compliance,
Successful installations/vibrant thriving trees,
Quick and visually pleasing installation of privacy barriers,
Wildlife benefits will increase as plant material matures.
Invasive Species Eradication
Many permits require the removal of some of the toughest invasive exotic species. Broad application of chemicals maybe be initially necessary to begin to eradicate the biggest offenders. As we come to understand the intricate relationship between plants and insects, we are committed to focus on methods that maintain and increase the biodiversity of these large landscapes.
While the H&H Development research and development department has developed some transformational tools many challenges are best resolved using traditional tools. Targeted application and “hack and squirt” or girdling of unwanted trees can be highly effective.
Features:
Identification of widespread infestations of invasive exotic trees,
Strategic removal individual trees,
Thinning of unnaturally dense monoculture species remnants of silviculture,
Reduction of canopy to allow sunlight for regeneration of native groundcovers.
Benefits:
Opportunity for native species to reclaim areas overtaken by invasive exotics,
Elimination of future seed sources,
Introduction of sunlight to understory allowing for regeneration of biologically diverse ecosystems.
Hydrologic restoration
Historically man has altered the natural landscapes in Florida and the Southern United States to better suit the intended uses such as agriculture, silviculture, citrus groves and improved pasture for cattle, horses, etc. Built systems of canals and furrows quickly removed excess water from wetlands. Simple modification of these constructed systems restores a more natural sheet flow allowing time for aquifer recharge and reduction of erosion and flooding during wet weather events.
How Can we help?
If you find yourself in need of any of the services H&H Environmental Development offers, contact us today to discuss. Take advantage of a free consultation to walk you through your needs, the scope of your project, and your budget.