The Walk Through News - Winter 2004 Issue

Winter 2004 Issue

Clearing, Thinning and Pruning:

Trees and large shrubs often create a canopy that allows fire to quickly spread and threaten nearby structures.

A key purpose of clearing, thinning, and pruning is to reduce the potential for fire spread.

Clearing or thinning is the cutting down of plants to reduce flammable material and increase the distance between groups of plants so flames are less able to travel. Plants may be cut to a height of six inches. Root systems should not be disturbed.

Pruning is the removal of branches and dead or dying wood to reduce the amount of flammable material. Trees and large shrubs must be pruned so 40% of the flammable material is removed. Dead and excessive twiggy growth must also be trimmed and removed.

FIRE SAFETY CHECK LIST

Landscape:

On steep slopes trim flammable vegetation a safe distance from structures.
Canopies of large trees should not form a continuous planting mass.
Choose ornamental landscaping plants that are fire resistant and non-invasive.
Maintain all plants by regularly removing dead branches, leaves and needles.

Keeping Your Property Safe From Fire By Creating the Defensible Space (Fire Break)

Property owners should create a defensible space between unmaintained canyon vegetation and any structures. Creating this fire break is critical to safeguarding structures from wildfires. If your home or business adjoins a canyon, these guidelines should be followed.

Understanding the Zone System

The defensible space is made up of three zones. The total width of these three zones is between 85 and 110 feet, depending on location. The following chart provides general guidelines about the size of the zones along the coast and inland.

ZONE 1. Plants adjacent to structures should consist of irrigated, ornamental species. This vegetation should be kept in a well-watered condition and cleared of dead material. In this zone, no more than 10 percent of the native, non-irrigated vegetation should be retained. Requires year-round maintenance.

ZONE 2. Work in this area should consist of selective thinning and pruning of native plants or the introduction of low-growing, fire-retardant shrubs and ground covers. In this zone, no more than 30 percent of the native, non-irrigated vegetation should be retained. Requires inspection and periodic maintenance.

ZONE 3. This area is the first defense for fire safety. It involves the selective thinning and pruning of native vegetation that preserves the natural appearance of the area while reducing the amount of burnable vegetation. In this zone, no more than an average of 50 percent of the native, non-irrigated vegetation should be retained. Requires inspection and periodic maintenance.

Randy Newhard is President and Founder of New Way Landscape & Tree Services, a full-service landscape maintenance and tree care contractor serving commercial, industrial and multifamily housing in San Diego County for 23 years. (858) 505-8300 • www.newwaypro.com

Submit questions, thoughts and tips to Editor@WalkthroughNews.com at 8170 Ronson Road, Suite R, San Diego, CA 92111.