HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY FROM WILDLAND FIRES
Living in the foothills where ponderosa and lodgepole forests are prevalent mean that more properties are close to ecosystems that are fire-prone. Fire is unpredictable and homeowners can take steps to reduce the risk of wildfire damage.
Hollar Tree Company can help you create wildfire-defensible zones around your property that reduces the risk of spreading wildfires.
Wildfire-defensible zones are a buffer that is created between a building on the property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire and assists in protecting the building from catching fire - either from direct flame contact of radiant heat. This defensible zone also assists in the protection of firefighters defending your home.
Hollar Tree Company can help you create wildfire-defensible zones around your property that reduces the risk of spreading wildfires.
Wildfire-defensible zones are a buffer that is created between a building on the property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire and assists in protecting the building from catching fire - either from direct flame contact of radiant heat. This defensible zone also assists in the protection of firefighters defending your home.
How to Create a Defensible Space:
There are three zones that need to be created for an appropriate defensible space.
Zone 1 → is the area closest to the home and other structures, within 0 - 30 feet.
Zone 2 → is a transitional area of fuels reduction between Zones 1 and 3, within 30 to 100 feet.
Zone 3 → is the area farthest from the home. It extends to the edge of Zone 2 to your property boundaries.
Zone 1 → is the area closest to the home and other structures, within 0 - 30 feet.
Zone 2 → is a transitional area of fuels reduction between Zones 1 and 3, within 30 to 100 feet.
Zone 3 → is the area farthest from the home. It extends to the edge of Zone 2 to your property boundaries.
Plant and Tree Spacing:
The spacing between grass, shrubs, and trees is crucial to reduce the spread of wildfires. Stressed, diseased, dead or dying trees and shrubs should be removed as it creates a large amount of fuel for fires.
Trees and shrubs should be removed so that at least 10 feet between crowns is created.
Trees and shrubs should be removed so that at least 10 feet between crowns is created.
Hollar Tree Company's Process for Creating a Defensible Space:
We take the time to meet with each client to examine their property and determine their personalized needs. During the assessment, you will meet with an ISA Certified Arborist to examine your property and discuss your concerns. Given that this is your home, we understand that your goal will be to maintain the integrity and beauty of your property, while working to mitigate the risk of a wildfire spreading to your home. This is accomplished by selective thinning and not a general clear cut. Dead, dying and diseased trees are selected for removal first and then healthy trees if we determine there is an additional need to remove those. We then follow up with a written, itemized estimate that details the scope of the project. If you have any questions or concerns, you can discuss them directly with the ISA Certified Arborist to determine if the plan can be adjusted. The work is then completed with the ISA Certified Arborist on site.
