Thoughtful defensible space solutions.
We understand that fire safety is of utmost concern to us all. However, we also know how important the appearance of your property is, as well as the health of the remaining trees.
At the project’s onset, we draft a thoughtful plan to select the proper trees and debris to remove. We see this as a collaborative process. The client shares their specific concerns and desires and we listen carefully. Together we create a well-informed vision for the future of the property. Upon request, we can handle every aspect of the job including permitting and re-inspections.
With keen attention to detail and follow through, homeowners, foresters, fire prevention officials and HOA representatives all recommend Alpen Tree Experts.
Our services include:
Tree removal
Brush removal
Tree limbing
Pine needle removal and raking
Woody debris removal and raking
Roof and gutter debris removal
We service Tahoe Donner, Northstar, Truckee, Martis Camp, Lahontan and Donner Summit.
Maintain defensible space.
Keep your property lean and green to help protect your family and home. Defensible space is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.
Credit: Ready for Wildfire
Defensible Space Zones.
Two zones make up the required 100 feet of defensible space.
Zone 1
Zone 1 extends 30 feet* from buildings, structures, decks, etc.Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds (vegetation)
Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds (vegetation).
Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters.
Remove branches that hang over your roof and keep dead branches 10 feet away from your chimney.
Trim trees regularly to keep branches a minimum of 10 feet from other trees.
Relocate wood piles to Zone 2.
Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows.
Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks.
Create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire, such as patio furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc.
Zone 2
Zone 2 extends 100 feet out from buildings, structures, decks, etc.
Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.
Create horizontal space between shrubs and trees. (See diagram)
Create vertical space between grass, shrubs and trees. (See diagram)
Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches. However, they may be permitted to a depth of 3 inches.
Credit: Ready for Wildfire
Plant and Tree Spacing
The spacing between grass, shrubs, and trees is crucial to reduce the spread of wildfires. The spacing needed is determined by the type and size of brush and trees, as well as the slope of the land. For example, a property on a steep slope with larger vegetation requires greater spacing between trees and shrubs than a level property that has small, sparse vegetation.
Vertical Spacing
Remove all tree branches at least 6 feet from the ground.
Allow extra vertical space between shrubs and trees. Lack of vertical space can allow a fire to move from the ground to the brush to the treetops like a ladder.
Horizontal Spacing
Horizontal spacing depends on the slope of the land and the height of the shrubs or trees. Check the chart below to determine spacing distance.
Other services.
Lot clearing
Stump grinding
Consultation
Tree removal
Tree pruning
Request a free tree service estimate.
We are eager to help you solve all your tree concerns.
