How You Can Reduce Fire Risk on Your Property

Let’s face it, with today’s unpredictable weather patterns, wildfires can happen anywhere. Over the last decade or so in north and middle Georgia, we have had devastating droughts, which included water restrictions and dangerously low water levels in many water systems, followed by record-level rainfall in the mountains.

Many towns in northeast Georgia received nearly double the average rainfall amounts, which led to weakened tree root systems and flooding and erosion in many areas. That’s why it’s so important to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of your home and property. 

Let’s take a look at some ways you can reduce the fire risk on your property by performing some of the following tasks.

Create Safe Zones

According to forestry and wildfire experts, the main reason wildfires can grow out of control quickly is that they have an infinite fuel supply. Overgrown yards, downed trees, and excess leaves left to rot are excellent fuel sources for wildfires and should be tended to promptly.

The first safe zone around your home should be at least 30 feet. Anything inside this zone, like dead leaves, low-hanging trees, and other fire-prone objects, should be removed annually. The second safe zone around your property should be around 100 feet from any structure. It includes the same tasks as in the first safe zone, but property owners should also consider the removal of smaller trees and thinning out weeds like blackberry and kudzu vines.

Remove Flammable Brush and Weeds

Winter is usually the best time to thin out brush and weeds in Georgia due to hot temps, high humidity, and several species of poisonous plants. An experienced forestry mulching service knows what vegetation to remove and has the equipment to do the job correctly. With proper machinery, any property can be maintained according to specified guidelines, so you know you’re doing your part to protect your investment.

Remove Limbs of Mature Trees

While you might not think that removing limbs from mature and healthy trees is a way to reduce fire risk on your property, by doing so, you could prevent a housefire. Fires are unpredictable and are always looking for ways to spread. 

A tree with low-hanging limbs near a structure can quickly jump from limb to gutter, especially if dead leaves or other organic material is nearby. Therefore, we recommend trimming the limbs of mature trees to within 10 feet of the ground, so they cannot spread fire to your home.

Ready to Reduce the Fire Risk on Your Property? Call Heritage Today!

One of the simplest ways to decrease the chance of a wildfire on your property is by taking precautions to prevent a fire in the first place. Weather is unpredictable, and drought or too much rain can make your property dangerous for you and your family. 

The experts at Heritage Forestry Mulching have over 20 years of experience and have the equipment needed to tackle any project, big or small. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, or visit our website for more information.