Brush Clearance & Fuel Modification – Reducing Fire Risk on Your Property

The recent Los Angeles fires were a stark reminder that in California, wildfire season never truly ends. High winds and dry conditions can ignite and spread fires at any time, making proactive brush clearance and fuel modification critical to protecting properties. Many clients are asking what they can do now to reduce fire risks before the next blaze strikes. The answer? Creating defensible space through effective fuel modification.

What is Fuel Modification?

Fuel modification refers to the strategic reduction or removal of flammable vegetation (fuel) to slow the spread of fire and reduce its intensity. This includes clearing brush, thinning trees, and maintaining defensible space around buildings and infrastructure. By managing vegetation properly, properties can create a fire-resistant buffer that helps safeguard structures and gives firefighters a better chance to defend the area.

The Three Zones of Defensible Space

Defensible space is a layered approach to fuel modification, designed to reduce fire risk and slow flames before they reach structures. Each zone requires different levels of maintenance:

• Zone 0: 0–5 Feet from Structures (Ember-Resistant Zone)
  • Remove highly flammable materials, including mulch, dry grass, and overgrown vegetation.
  • Keep roofs and gutters free of leaves, pine needles, and debris.
  • Trim tree limbs to maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from structures.
  • Use non-flammable ground cover, such as gravel, pavers, or concrete, near buildings.
• Zone 1: 5–30 Feet from Structures (Lean, Clean & Green Zone)
  • Clear all dead vegetation, fallen leaves, and brush.
  • Trim trees to ensure at least 10 feet of space between canopies.
  • Keep vegetation away from decks, balconies, and stairs where embers can catch.
  • Maintain 10 feet of bare soil around outbuildings and propane tanks.
• Zone 2: 30–100 Feet from Structures (Reduced Fuel Zone)
  • Mow grass to a maximum height of 4 inches.
  • Space out trees and shrubs to prevent flames from jumping between them.
  • Remove accumulated dry leaves, pine needles, and dead branches deeper than 3 feet.
  • Store firewood piles at least 10 feet from any vegetation.

Why Act Now?

With recent fires followed by short bursts of rain, new brush growth is already emerging. Fuel modification is generally not included in standard landscape maintenance contracts, and compliance deadlines in California begin in May and continue through June. Acting early ensures properties remain fire-ready and compliant before conditions worsen.

Take Action Today

To protect your property and comply with California’s fire regulations, schedule a meeting with your Stay Green Account Manager today. We’ll assess your landscape, develop a customized fuel modification plan, and help you stay ahead of fire risks before the next emergency arises.