Note that these recommendations are general. Check with your local fire marshall for defensible space requirements in your area.
Within the recommended defensible space distance, conduct the following activities:
*Remove dead vegetation (i.e., dead trees and shrubs, dried grass and flowers, dead branches, fallen leaves, etc.).
*Remove lower branches from mature trees to a height of eight feet from ground level. Also remove small trees and shrubs growing under mature trees.
*Remove tree branches within 15 feet of a chimney or stove pipe. Keep vegetation clear of power lines and decks.
*Remove the majority of native shrubs and trees within 30 feet of the house. Retaining a few well maintained native shrubs and trees within the 30 feet is acceptable. Avoid leaving native trees in front of large windows and adjacent to decks.
*Beyond 30 feet away from the house, thin native shrubs to provide a separation between shrubs of approximately three times the shrub height (i.e., if shrub height is 2 feet, then 3 X 2 feet = 6 feet separation). Thin mature native trees to provide a separation of at least 10 feet between tree crowns.
*Selectively thin and maintain remaining native vegetation at a shorter height through pruning.
*Ornamental plants within the defensible space should emphasize herbaceous plants (i.e., non-woody plants such as turfgrass, perennial and annual flowers, etc.) over shrubs and trees, shorter growing plants over taller plants, and deciduous plants over evergreens.
*Avoid extensive plantings of coniferous plants (e.g., junipers, pines, and spruce).
For more detailed information, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service office.
