How to Prepare Your Trees for California’s Fire Season

California’s fire season is becoming longer and more intense each year, putting homes, landscapes, and entire communities at risk. One of the most effective ways homeowners can reduce fire danger is by properly maintaining the trees on their property. With the right strategies in place, trees can be an asset not a liability during wildfire season.

Here’s how to prepare your trees for California’s fire season and keep your landscape safe.

1. Start with an Assessment of Your Property

The first step in wildfire tree maintenance is evaluating your current landscape. Identify trees that are too close to your home, power lines, or other structures. Pay special attention to:

• Dead or dying trees

• Low-hanging branches

• Overcrowded vegetation

• Trees with dense canopies

A certified arborist or tree care expert can provide a fire risk assessment and recommend safe practices for your specific area.

2. Prioritize Tree Trimming for Fire Safety

Tree trimming for fire safety is essential to create defensible space around your property. Here are a few guidelines:

• Trim branches at least 6–10 feet from the ground to prevent flames from climbing into the canopy (a process called “laddering”).

• Clear branches within 10 feet of your home, roof, and chimney.

• Thin out dense canopies so there’s at least 10 feet of space between individual tree crowns.

• Remove dead limbs and leaf debris regularly, especially during dry months.

This not only reduces fire risk but also promotes healthier tree growth.

3. Remove Hazardous and Highly Flammable Species

Certain tree species are more flammable than others. Eucalyptus, pine, and juniper trees, for example, contain oils and resins that ignite easily. Consider removing or replacing these species with fire-resistant alternatives like:

• Coast live oak

• California sycamore

• Red maple

• Olive trees

If removal isn’t an option, diligent maintenance becomes even more important to manage risk.

4. Maintain Proper Spacing Between Trees and Structures

Creating defensible zones is key to fire season tree care. According to Cal Fire recommendations:

• Maintain a 30-foot zone of lean, clean, and green space around your home.

• In the next 70 feet (up to 100 feet total), reduce fuel by thinning trees and pruning shrubs.

Proper spacing prevents fire from spreading rapidly and gives firefighters a safer area to work if needed.

5. Keep Trees Hydrated and Healthy

A healthy, well-irrigated tree is more resilient to fire. Drought-stressed trees are more likely to ignite and act as fuel. Water your trees deeply and infrequently, focusing on the root zone. Also, apply mulch around the base but keep it away from the trunk to reduce ignition risk.

Pest infestations and diseases can also weaken trees, so inspect regularly and treat issues early.

6. Dispose of Tree Debris Safely

Don’t let your cleanup efforts go to waste. Improper disposal of tree limbs, leaves, and branches can increase fire hazards. Use green waste bins, chip larger debris for mulch (used safely), or take it to a certified disposal facility.

Avoid burning debris during fire season, it’s dangerous and often illegal in high-risk zones.

Fire season in California demands proactive landscape management. By focusing on fire season tree care, tree trimming for fire safety, and long-term wildfire tree maintenance, you can significantly reduce your property's risk and contribute to a safer community.

If you’re unsure where to start, consult with a local tree service professional who understands California’s fire regulations and can help you implement a custom safety plan.

Need Help Preparing Your Trees for Fire Season?
Golden State Tree Care offers expert fire-safe tree trimming and maintenance services across California. Contact us today for a risk assessment and personalized tree care plan.