The state of California has seen a significant increase in wildfires in the last few years. Wildfires can occur at any time, but peak fire season takes place each year from May through October. Throughout the entire year, and especially during fire season, it is critical that commercial property owners ensure proper landscape maintenance. HOAs, municipalities, and other commercial properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) must adhere to brush clearance regulations on all native brush, weeds, grass, trees, and hazardous vegetation within 200 feet of any structures or buildings.
What Is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone?
A Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) is an area that has been deemed a high-risk fire zone. These zones are very likely to burn over a 30- to 50-year period due to factors such as fuel, slope, fire weather, and other physical conditions of the area. While these mapped out areas cannot predict where or when a wildfire will take place, they indicate which areas are at a higher risk of fire.
Why Is Brush Clearance Important?
Because Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are at a much higher risk, property owners within those areas must do what they can to protect them. Some of the largest wildfires in California—such as Mendocino Complex, Thomas, Cedar, Rush, Creek, La Tuna, and Skirball—have all demonstrated the devastation that fires can cause. From the loss of properties to the death of citizens, wildfires are often tragic and deadly.
As an owner or manager of an HOA, municipality, or other commercial property, you have the chance to help stop the spread of wildfires by performing brush clearance. With proper brush clearance, you are reducing the chances of wildfires starting on your property, preventing the spreading of fire from your property to the next, and protecting your employees, customers, and community.
How Stay Green Can Help
If your commercial property is in a VHFHSZ, it is mandatory that you adhere to safety measures approved by the Los Angeles City Council. At Stay Green, our professional landscapers are experts in fire safety and brush clearance. We can ensure your property is fully up to code and prepared for inspection.
For 50 years, we have provided industry-leading brush clearance services to our loyal customers throughout southern California. We are familiar with all guidelines and prepared to provide professional, reliable maintenance to your landscape.
Our team can take care of all brush clearance regulations, including:
- Ensure grass does not exceed 3 inches in height
- Remove all leafy foliage and branches from the lower 1/3rd of trees
- Get rid of any dead trees, shrubs, and plants
- Maintain a minimum of 5 feet of clearance from roof surfaces and overhanging trees
- Maintain roof structures by clearing away any debris such as leaves, twigs, and more
- Clear away dead material—such as leaves and branches—from the ground
- Safely dispose of any cut or otherwise removed vegetation, branches, leaves, debris, etc.
- Keep vegetation trimmed and maintain a radius of 3 feet from any fire hydrants
- Trim back any trees or vegetation that are extending into roadways
Don’t trust just any company with such an important task—turn to the team with decades of experience and a proven track record of success. Stay Green has the advanced technology, state-of-the-art tools, and professional knowledge necessary to provide reliable, effective brush clearance.
Learn more about how Stay Green can help you maintain your commercial property by calling (800) 741-9150. We look forward to serving you!