Defensible Space Projects

1. Started cleaning up dead branches on trees that should really be removed (especially those that are too close to the home).
2. Not working on clearing the access road to the home which may prevent Fire Trucks from entering.
1. Road is too narrow, with trees on inside and outside edges of curves.
2. Road is too narrow, not allowing adequate drainage or room to plow snow (think emergency access for all 4 seasons).
3. Road has low overhanging branches preventing Fire Trucks from entering.
3. Thinking that Cedar trees provide shade, and not planting some fast growing shade trees to replace the dangerous fire-prone species near the home.
4. Trying to chip the slash with small homeowner chipper (you need a big powerful one if you chose to chip).
5. Leaving more than one or two fire-prone trees within 15 ft. of the home.
6. Not clearing enough trees near outbuildings that could burn and catch the main home on fire.
7. Have mistaken ideas about Defensible Space and protecting your home from wildfire:
1. Thinking that you have to cut down trees over lots of acres to make a difference (you don't).
2. Thinking that Deciduous trees need to be cut down (leafy trees that are in your yard may actually help).
3. You don't have time (we can recommend contractors) or enough money (typically, a Defensible Space project will cost less than $500 of your money).
4. "It looks bad, I love the trees" ( people who complete a project say it looks better afterwards).
5. "I don't want to see my neighbor's house ".
6. "I would rather have my house burn down than cut my some of my trees" ( firefighters may be able to stop the fire if they don't have to spend so much time protecting homes).