Are you concerned about the fire risk to Evergreen real estate?  Do you worry that your neighbors have a forest of dense pines in their yard that could threaten your home if there was a fire on their property? Do you think creating a defensible space around your home means clear-cutting the property? Don't let the higher than average snowpack in the mountains and the recent late-season storms and wet weather lull you into a sense of false security.  Here are some easy to follow guidelines to help protect your Evergreen real estate when a wildfire does threaten our local area…because it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when.

Creating a defensible space around your home does not mean removing all the trees on your property.  We have chosen to live in this area because of the mountain views, open spaces, and natural vegetation and trees in our community.

Maintaining a defensible space on your property based on the fire department and insurance guidelines will not only help protect your home in the event of a fire in the area, but it will also be a factor for the fire department when determining which properties are safer for firefighters to defend in a wildfire.

There are two zones surrounding a home that need to be maintained to create a recommended defensible space.

Defensible Space Recommendations:

Zone 1--from the dwelling out to 30 feet

• Remove all trees and shrubs within 10 feet of the building (excludes ornamental landscaping).
• Remove all tree branches within 15 feet of a roof, gutter or chimney.
• Remove all "ladder fuels" so that all branches on trees are at least 8 feet from the ground.
• All native grasses should be trimmed to a length of 4 inches or less.
• Trees and shrubs should be spaced at least 10 feet apart.
• Clean all gutters and roofs of leaves, pine needles, and debris that could spark a fire from airborne embers.
•  Install gutter covers to prevent the buildup of debris in gutters.
•  Eave soffits should be fully enclosed.

Zone 2-30 feet from the dwelling out to 100 feet from the dwelling or the property line (whichever is less)

• All lumber and wood piles should be located a minimum of 30 feet from the dwelling.
• There should be a 10-foot perimeter free from fuel around the wood pile.
• All propane tanks should be located at least 30 feet from the dwelling, with a 10-foot perimeter free from fuel around the propane tank.
• Rake and collect all dead pine needles, tree branches, and other debris on the property.
• Trees and shrubs should be spaced at least 10 feet apart.

Following these defensible space guidelines will allow for trees on the property, will reduce the risk of losing your real estate in Evergreen in the event of a wildfire, and is just good common sense. It will make your property more likely to be an acceptable risk for insurance purposes and it creates a healthier environment for the trees and other vegetation on your property.  We are always here to help if you have any questions.

Anderson Insurance Agency LLC | (303) 674-2724

agents.farmers.com/co/evergreen/bruce-anderson