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If you've received a letter from your insurance company warning you to remove trees or brush near your home, you’re not alone. Across San Diego County, more homeowners are facing policy cancellations  or rate hikes  due to fire risks on their property. In this blog post, we’ll explain: Why insurance companies are cracking down What “defensible space” and “fire hazard abatement” actually mean How to stay compliant and protect your property What to look for in a trusted local tree service provider Why Is My Insurance Company Requiring Tree or Brush Removal? Due to the growing risk of wildfires in Southern California, insurance companies are tightening their standards. If your property has: Trees too close to your home or roof Overgrown vegetation or dry brush Leaning or dead trees Tall palm fronds that can ignite easily They may consider your home a fire risk even if you’ve never had a claim. These notices often come with short deadlines and unclear instructions. That’s where working with a local, experienced tree service Contractor can make all the difference. What Is Defensible Space? “Defensible space” is a buffer zone  between a structure (like your home) and any surrounding vegetation. It’s required by California fire code and is often enforced by Cal Fire , local fire departments , and increasingly, insurance companies . Typical defensible space requirements include: Clearing flammable vegetation within 30–100 feet of structures Removing dead trees and debris Trimming tree branches at least 10 feet from roofs or chimneys Removing ladder fuels (vegetation that allows fire to climb) What Services Can Help You Comply? At San Diego Tree Service Contractor , we offer: Fire hazard tree removal Insurance-mandated vegetation clearing Defensible space creation Palm trimming and brush disposal We also offer free on-site estimates  so you know exactly what’s needed, no guesswork. If you’ve received an insurance warning, or you just want peace of mind as wildfire season approaches, taking action now is smart. Clearing trees and brush not only protects your home  and family , it can also protect your insurance coverage . 📞 Contact us today  to schedule a free inspection and estimate. We’ll help you meet all requirements, and keep your property safe, clean, and covered.

As wildfires become more frequent and intense in Southern California, many San Diego homeowners are looking for ways to protect their properties. If you’re wondering how to reduce the risk of wildfire damage, this guide will provide practical tips on safeguarding your home through proper tree and vegetation maintenance. Why Tree and Vegetation Maintenance is Crucial? The trees, shrubs, and plants around your home can either enhance your landscape or turn into fire hazards if left unmanaged. Overgrown trees, dry brush, and dead vegetation can ignite quickly, allowing fire to spread rapidly across your property. What you can do: 1. Remove Dead Trees and Vegetation Dead trees and dry vegetation are like fuel waiting to ignite. Remove any dead or dying trees from your property and maintain a safe distance between vegetation and your home. 2. Trim and Prune Regularly Overgrown trees pose a fire risk and can act as a bridge for flames to reach your property. Regularly trimming branches and pruning trees can create a buffer zone, reducing the likelihood of fire spreading. 3. Choose Fire-Resistant Trees Opt for fire-resistant tree species such as Coast Live Oak, California Sycamore, or Western Redbud. These Native trees are less likely to ignite and can help slow down the spread of fires. 4. Create Defensible Space Zone 1: 0-30 feet from your home. This is the most critical zone, closest to your home. In this area: Remove all dead plants, dry leaves, and pine needles from your yard, roof, and rain gutters. Trim tree branches so they are at least 10 feet away from your home and other structures. Avoid planting trees or large shrubs directly next to your home. Keep grass mowed and maintain all plants to prevent overgrowth. Zone 2: 30-100 feet from your home. This zone focuses on reducing the fire's intensity as it approaches your home: Cut or mow grass to no more than 4 inches in height. Thin out trees and shrubs, so there’s at least 10-15 feet of space between tree crowns. Create horizontal and vertical spacing between vegetation to break up continuous fuel sources. 5. Properly Store Firewood and Clear Debris Keep firewood piles, dry leaves, and other debris away from your home. These materials can easily ignite if embers from a nearby fire land on them. 6. Additional Fire Safety Tips As you work to make your property fire-resistant, keep these additional tips in mind: Maintain your roof and gutters : Regularly clean out gutters and roofs to remove dry leaves, pine needles, and other debris that could catch fire. Use fire-resistant materials : If you’re building or renovating, choose fire-resistant materials for your roof, siding, and decks. Install fire-safe landscaping : Consider using fire-resistant plants and materials like gravel, stone, or decomposed granite for landscaping near your home. Install Ember-Resistant Vents Embers can enter homes through vents, starting fires from within. Installing ember-resistant vents can help prevent this and enhance your property's fire resistance. Stay Compliant with Local Fire Regulations In fire-prone areas like San Diego, many homeowners are required to maintain defensible space and reduce fire hazards. San Diego County has specific fire codes that require properties in certain areas to clear vegetation and create defensible space around structures. Be sure to check local regulations to ensure your property is compliant. Taking Action Now Can Save Your Property Later San Diego residents know all too well how quickly wildfires can spread. Following these steps and maintaining your property can significantly lower the chances of wildfire damage. Being proactive now can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your home and loved ones during fire season. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take the necessary steps to fortify your property against this natural threat.