Defensible space

Defensible space refers to a safety zone created around a property that’s designed to reduce the risk of damage from wildfires. This concept is especially significant in wildfire-prone areas where homes are located near or among areas of combustible vegetation.

Creating a defensible space involves two key zones. The first zone, typically within 30 feet from the home, requires the most careful vegetation management. This could mean selecting and maintaining fire-resistant plants, removing dead or dying plants, and regularly cleaning roofs and gutters of debris. The goal is to create a lean, clean, and green area that does not easily ignite from flying embers.

The second zone, typically 30 to 100 feet from the home (or to the property line), is about fuel reduction. Here, the focus is on creating horizontal and vertical spacing between plants to slow the spread of fires and reducing the total number of potential fuel sources.

Creating a defensible space does not mean a completely barren landscape devoid of plants. It’s a strategic setup where trees and shrubs are carefully selected, strategically placed, and properly maintained to not only beautify the surroundings but also reduce fire hazards. It provides a necessary buffer to protect human lives and properties, and it gives firefighters a better chance of defending a home against an approaching wildfire.

In essence, defensible space is a critical component of wildfire preparedness and a key part of living safely in or near wildfire-prone landscapes.

• Expertise: Arbor Pros are experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of creating a defensible space, ensuring top-notch service.
• Safety: Our priority is your safety. We effectively clear your property of combustible materials, reducing the risk of wildfire spread.
• Compliance: We stay updated on local regulations and ensure your property is compliant with state defensible space requirements.
• Customized Plans: We provide tailored defensible space solutions based on the unique needs of your property and vegetation.
• Eco-conscious: We balance safety needs with environmental consideration, preserving healthy trees and promoting local biodiversity.

PRC 4291, also known as California Public Resources Code Section 4291, outlines the law in California requiring homeowners in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) to maintain a defensible space of 100 feet (or to the property line) around structures to reduce the risk of wildfire. This defensible space must also be maintained by the property owner to a distance of 10 feet from the edge of a road or driveway.

The law provides detailed requirements for tree and vegetation clearance, including maintaining a minimum horizontal and vertical spacing of trees and shrubs within the 100-foot area. For instance, it requires that trees be trimmed so that branches are a minimum of 10 feet from other trees, removing lower branches to a height of 6 feet from the ground, and maintaining a maximum height of 18 inches for any grass and weeds.

This code is essential for managing fire-prone landscapes and reducing the risk of wildfires damaging properties or causing harm to individuals. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines or other penalties.

Choose Arbor Pros for reliable, expert services that ensure your property is fully compliant with PRC 4291, safeguarding your home against wildfire risks.