Here’s a simple equation: Dead Tree + Defensible Space = Danger.
You could have dead and dying branches and trees on your property just waiting for an ember to come along and ignite them. And the only way to deal with those trees is to remove them.
Clear away flammable dead trees during cooler weather.
Fall and winter—when temperatures are cooler, the ground is less dry, and fire risks are generally lower—are great times to make defensible space improvements. Specifically, removing dead trees and branches and pruning healthy ones. Doing it in cooler weather means the sparks from your saw are less likely to ignite. And let’s face it—nobody wants to haul dead wood in the middle of the summer heat.
Dead trees hide in plain sight.
Dead and partially dead trees in your defensible space are an open invitation to destructive heat and embers in the event of a fire. Don’t think you have any dead trees in your defensible space? Take a closer look—you may be surprised. A combination of drought and bark beetles killed 36 million California trees in 2023 alone, leaving tons of dry fuel for wildfires to feed on. Even without drought, bark beetles can do significant damage.
Do you need a permit for tree removal?
In Butte County, if a tree is dead, dying, or diseased, you don’t need a permit to remove it. Go ahead and clear your dead tree defensible space. If you can have professionals remove your trees, please do. They have the equipment and expertise (plus insurance) to get the job done thoroughly and safely.
If you’re going to do it yourself, remember dead and dry trees are unstable. Wear a hard hat, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, chaps, and steel-toed boots. You should also consider renting a chainsaw with a spark arrester, being sure to follow any safety instructions closely. But when it comes to removing the tree stump, it’s recommended you let the pros do it. Stump removal is a very demanding process that needs to be done carefully.
Pruning is essential.
Aside from lopping off dead and dying branches, keep in mind healthy trees occasionally require pruning to keep them a safe distance off the ground, from your home, and from other growth.
It’s a great time for planting, too.
The moist soil and cool temperatures of fall and winter are also ideal for strengthening defensible space with plantings. The key here is to select native, locally-sourced plants and trees evolved to tolerate local rainfall cycles, fire cycles, and drought conditions. And as we’ve discussed before, make sure your plant spacing is done within fire-safe guidelines. Healthy, hearty plants and trees help to discourage bark beetles by cutting off their supply of dead, dry wood.
There are other things you can do to stay fire-safe in cooler weather, too. Keeping fire-aware all year long is a great way to be sure you’re always getting ready to be ready.