As we roll into the new year, many California homeowners are making plans for home improvement, yard cleanup, and safety upgrades. But one of the most important—and often overlooked—resolutions you can make is creating a defensible space to protect your property from wildfires.
At Sandborn Tree Service, we understand the risks that come with living in wildfire-prone areas like Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties. That’s why winter is the perfect time to assess your landscape and make the changes that could help save your home during fire season.
What Is a Defensible Space?
A defensible space is a buffer zone between your home and surrounding vegetation. It helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire and gives firefighters a safer area to work in if flames come close.
According to Cal Fire, there are two key zones to consider:
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Zone 1 (0–30 feet from your home): This area should be kept lean and green. Remove dead plants, trim branches, and clear leaves from gutters and roofs.
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Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Reduce fuel by spacing out trees and shrubs, removing dry grasses, and cutting back overhanging limbs.
It’s not about stripping your yard bare—it’s about smart, strategic pruning and tree removal that makes your home less vulnerable.
Why Winter is the Best Time to Prepare
Even though fire season peaks in summer and fall, winter is the ideal time to get ahead. Here’s why:
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Vegetation is more manageable when trees and shrubs are dormant.
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Contractors like us are more available during the slower season, which means faster scheduling.
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You’ll beat the rush that happens every spring when people start thinking about yard cleanup.
Starting now ensures your property will be ready long before fire season arrives.
What Sandborn Tree Service Can Do for You
We specialize in more than just tree trimming and removals—we help homeowners make smart, proactive decisions about their landscape.
Our team can help with:
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Clearing dead or overgrown trees
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Thinning out dense canopies
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Removing ladder fuels (those low-hanging branches and shrubs that allow fire to climb)
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Chipping and hauling away debris
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Maintaining ongoing fire-safe practices
We know the local codes, terrain, and wildfire risks that come with living in Southern California. With over 20 years of combined experience and a commitment to safe, professional work, you can trust us to do the job right.
Your First Step Toward a Safer Property
If your yard hasn’t had a serious cleanup in a while, now’s the time. Whether it’s trimming back dry limbs, removing trees too close to structures, or just doing a full-site walkthrough, we can help you build a defensible space that works.
Don’t wait for a red flag warning to start thinking about fire safety.
Schedule Your Fire Prevention Tree Service Today
Ready to start the year with peace of mind? Contact Sandborn Tree Service to help you create a safer, cleaner, and fire-resistant property.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties with professional tree trimming, removals, and brush clearing.
