Protecting Your Trees from Wildfire with Defensible Space Pruning
By Luke Rider, ISA Certified Arborist #WE-13812A
If you’re like me, you may have received a notice from your local fire department regarding the current defensible space regulations from CalFire. When I reviewed these requirements, I had to wrestle with the choice of saving a plant or tree—or choosing to save my home in the event of a potential fire.
As an ISA Certified Arborist, I have a deep love for trees and plants, which makes implementing these necessary steps for defensible space pruning around our home very difficult. Ultimately, I have chosen to protect my home and family and will be removing some trees around my property. We will responsibly repurpose them as much as possible and replant appropriate species in the correct locations to stay compliant with CalFire’s defensible space guidelines.
Key Defensible Space Tree Trimming Requirements
- Tree limbs over streets and driveways must have a minimum clearance of 13’ 6” to allow fire department truck access.
- Remove flammable plants and trees in a 5-foot perimeter (Zone 0) around your home.
- Remove all tree limbs within 10 feet of the chimney.
Zone 1 Pruning Guidelines (30–50 feet from structures):
- Regular yard cleanups of fallen leaves and debris
- Remove lower limbs to a minimum of 6 feet above ground to reduce fire ladder risk
- Reduce shrubs to minimize fuel
- Thin out canopies and ensure proper branch spacing
- Separate tree canopies and bushes by at least 10 feet
- Remove dead or dying trees and plants
Are Your Trees a Fire Hazard?
Speak with one of Tree Barber’s ISA Certified Arborists to determine if your trees pose a fire risk. We inspect both horizontal and vertical spacing on flat land and hillsides. Some trees like Italian Cypress and Junipers, may seem harmless but can accumulate dangerous dead material inside their branches.
Have you seen the damage an unpruned fan palm can cause? In high wind, these trees spread embers and increase wildfire risk around your home and neighborhood. These are just a few examples of species that benefit from annual pruning to reduce fire fuel.
Call Tree Barber today for expert defensible space pruning in North County.
Serving North County for Over 40 Years
Tree Barber has provided expert tree care and fire safety pruning services in North County for over four decades. Keeping vegetation near your home properly maintained is critical. A fire needs fuel to keep burning—don’t let your landscape be part of the problem.
We can help you pass a CalFire defensible space inspection. Don’t leave it to a gardener—speak with an arborist who understands the risks.
Call Tree Barber for a free defensible space pruning estimate.
We’ll review your local regulations, inspect your property, and help you create a safer, more fire-resistant landscape.