Creating a fire-safe yard
Vegetation management plays a critical role in reducing wildfire risk to our community.
It is important to take time every year to prune plants and clear debris before fire season.
Use the information on this page to prepare your property in early summer, then review it again in September.
On this page:
Create Space
Maintaining adequate space between plants, structures, and other objects on your property makes it harder for a fire to spread.
- Trim trees so that the lowest branches are at least 6 feet from the ground, or 3 times the height of any shrubs beneath the tree.
- Trim trees so that branches are 10 feet apart from other trees.
- Remove branches within 10 feet of your chimney. Remove branches that hang over your roof.
- Remove or prune plants and shrubs near windows.
- Move patio furniture, wood piles, etc. away from plants.
Clear debris & flammable materials
- Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from roofs, gutters, and the ground.
- Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds around your property.
- Remove plant debris and other flammable materials, such as propane containers and paint from under decks.
Keep plants well maintained
Whether you have natives or non-natives, the most important thing is to keep all plants in your yard watered and well-maintained.
- Trim any dead or dying material from plants.
- Keep plants watered - especially any plants located within five feet of your home.
- If you have Eucalyptus trees, removing any shedding bark and leaves.
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