Seasonal Actions

Making your property wildfire-ready involves year-round maintenance. Each season brings different tasks to help reduce wildfire risk, from managing vegetation to strategic tree planting and removal. See what you can do season-by-season to protect your property below.

Winter: Dormant season maintenance

• Tree assessment: Inspect your property for dead or diseased trees.
• Tree removal: Winter is ideal for removing hazardous trees and underbrush, weather permitting.
• Tree trimming: Increase vertical clearance by trimming trees. If winter conditions prevent this, plan for spring action.
• Spring planning: If you intend to plant trees, choose locally native species and plan their locations.

Spring: Preparing for dry conditions

• Defensible space: Clear dead vegetation and create a buffer zone around your home.
• Pest management: Remove trees affected by pests to prevent spread. Be mindful of insect activity that increases in summer.
• Wood disposal: Remove or cover cut wood to avoid attracting beetles and other pests. Keep it away from healthy trees.
• Tree watering: In dry periods, water valuable trees sparingly, following best practices.
• Tree planting: Spring is a good time to plant new trees, provided there’s enough water.

Summer: Peak wildfire season vigilance

• Ongoing removal: Continue removing dead or unhealthy trees.
• Pest watch: Monitor for tree pest activity, which peaks in summer.
• Fire safety: Exercise extreme caution with outdoor equipment to prevent sparks.
• Fall planting prep: Plan for fall tree planting, focusing on native species.

Fall: Pre-rainfall tree care

• Optimal planting time: Plant new trees when cooler temperatures and fall rains improve soil moisture.
• Underbrush clearance: Remove dead trees and dense underbrush to reduce wildfire fuel.
• Selective watering: Water valuable trees only if rainfall is below average. Overwatering can be harmful.