With the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires still fresh in our memory, now is a good time to review some basic guidelines regarding proper tree spacing and maintenance tips to reduce wildfire risks. The fact is that trees planted too close to a home or too close to each other can pose a significant fire hazard. In Southern California, with wildfires raging virtually every year, that warning is doubly important.
First, Some Basics
Before we get to “tree spacing,” let’s cover the basics. Spring is a good time to remove dead vegetation around your home and trim grass to under four inches. During fire season, beginning around June, it’s time to clear leaves, needles and debris on a weekly basis. Take a look at your trees. There should be about 10–15 feet between canopies, so make a note of what needs to be trimmed. Then check out how close tree limbs are to your home — limbs should be kept 10 feet away.
Tree Spacing
A handy reference guide is the Zone Model. See the video below for an informational, five-minute description of Zones and the space required between trees and shrubs in each Zone. Also, take into consideration any trees planted on slopes. On slopes steeper than 20 percent it’s recommended that you increase spacing distances by 50 percent.
- Zone 0: 0 – 5 feet from your home.
- Zone 1: 5 – 30 feet from your home.
- Zone 2: 30 – 100 feet from your home.
Fire-Safe Pruning
To reduce fire risks start by removing dead, diseased or damaged branches, and trim lower limbs to at least six feet above the ground to prevent “fuel ladders.” Also remove any underbrush beneath the tree canopy.
Note, though, that you should avoid removing more than 25 percent of the live crown in a single season. Also, make precise cuts at branch collars to promote healthy regrowth. Once you’re done pruning, clear away any ground-level or vertical fire hazards to complete the creation of your defensible space.
Other Tips
- Get rid of vines and other ladder fuels that can carry fire upward.
- Limit mulch to three inches or less and replace organic mulch within five feet of structures with gravel or other nonflammable materials.
- Make a habit of inspecting your yard. During fire season, inspect your yard weekly. Pay extra attention to spots where leaves and needles tend to pile up, such as along fences or in corners. Remove debris promptly to keep the area safe.
Although do-it-yourselfers may feel comfortable or even enjoy basic pruning, there are many times when bringing in an arborist is highly recommended. Give us a call when you have:
- Branches hanging over your roof or touching your home’s siding.
- Thick clusters of trees or shrubs that pose a hazard to trim.
- Trees that are diseased, decayed or structurally unstable.
- Concerns about tree spacing on slopes or uneven terrain.
Take these precautions and you’ll go a long way toward reducing fire hazards year-round, but especially during fire season.
Watch This Video For A Description of Defensible Space Zones