<p>We derive the kinematic numerator factors for heavy-mass effective field theory from the field theory limit of the string theory vertex operator kinematic algebra introduced in [1]. The kinematic numerators are derived as correlators of nested commutators of gluon vertex operators evaluated between massive tachyonic vertex operators. The resulting numerators are given by products of structure constants of the vertex operator algebra which yield gauge invariant expressions. The computation of the nested commutators leads to a natural organisation in the form of rooted trees, endowed with an order that facilitates the enumeration of the various contributions. This kinematic algebra gives a string theory understanding of the field theory fusion rules for constructing the heavy-mass effective field theory numerator of [2, 3].</p>