Living in Boulder County means enjoying breathtaking mountain views, endless outdoor adventures, and… the ever-present risk of wildfires. With dry conditions, high winds, and increasing fire seasons, it’s crucial for homeowners to take action before the flames get too close for comfort. One of the best ways to safeguard your property is by maintaining defensible space—a buffer zone between your home and the surrounding vegetation that can slow or stop the spread of wildfire. Think of it as giving firefighters a fighting chance and your home a bit of breathing room.
Adequate defensible space around your home acts as a barrier to slow or halt the progress wildfire. It also helps ensure the safety of firefighters defending your home and maintaining your defensible space might just be the difference maker that determines what happens to your home in the event of a wildfire.
What are the best landscape maintenance practices for mitigating fire danger ?
- Zone 1: 0-5′ from home
Collect and dispose of pine needles, dead leaves and other organic debris within 5 feet of all decks and structures. - Zone 2: 5-30′ from home
Cut down grasses to 4″ tall or less. Keep tree branches pruned to a height of 6-10′ from the ground. - Zone 3: 30-100′ from home
Cut back or remove ladder fuels from base of trees. Keep tree branches pruned up to 6′ above the ground.
When are the most important times of year to ensure my home’s defensible space is adequately maintained?
July – February. Here along Colorado’s Northern Front Range the threat of wildfire tends to be higher July through February. These months are typically some of our driest, and late fall through winter can be some of our windiest. As recent history has demonstrated, the combination of high wind and dry conditions have set the stage for some of our most devastating fires.
Can I hire Native Edge to help maintain my defensible space?
From clearing of Zone 1 combustible debris immediately around your home, to keeping ladder fuels down and tall grasses low within a 100′ perimeter, we are here to help Boulder County area homeowners mitigate risk and protect their property from wildfire. From weekly maintenance plans to seasonal visits, we can tailor our services to your budget and the degree of fire preparedness you would like to have.
Get In Touch
To schedule a consultation or request services please call 303-245-9166, send an email to information@nativeedgelandscapes.com or Get In Touch through our website. One of our Customer Care Representatives will be happy to help.
