Since 1971
Tree Trimming In La Canada Flintridge
Pasadena, Altadena, Glendale, South Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Etc.
The Best Care for Your Trees
La Canada Flintridge Fire Prevention
Are Your Trees and Landscaping Prepared? Call us and we will come out and give you an assessment!
With all the rain this winter comes a lot of new vegetation growth that we need to manage!
Please call us if you have Trimming and Clearing needs.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IS A YEAR-ROUND RESPONSIBILITY
TREE TRIMMING AND BRUSH CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
NEW BRUSH CLEARANCE AND TREE TRIMMING REQUIREMENTS FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY
The state of California has seen an increase in frequency and size of wildfires, including historic brushfires in the city of Los Angeles such as the La Tuna, Creek, and Skirball fires. Additionally, smaller brushfires have been accidentally started by well-intentioned residents performing brush clearance. Therefore, Los Angeles City Council has approved an ordinance to increase requirements for brush clearance and fire safety in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). This ordinance establishes appropriate safety measures necessary to mitigate the occurrence of such fires.
Highlights of the new ordinance include:
- Use of metal cutting blades for grass or brush clearance shall be limited to those which are non-ferrous/non-sparking.
- Brush clearance cannot be done on red flag days, when fire weather conditions are at their peak.
- Individuals engaged in brush clearance operations shall not engage in any other activities during their actual clearance of grass or brush.
- An approved fire extinguisher, or a pressurized garden hose with attached nozzle shall be within 10 feet of any grass or brush clearance operation, to quickly extinguish a small fire before it burns out of control.
- A cell phone capable of dialing 9-1-1 shall be charged and readily accessible to the grass or brush clearance operation.
Read the full Ordinance here. It is effective now.
Revised – February 9, 2017
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Owners of property located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) shall maintain their property in accordance with the Fire Code (L.A.M.C. 57.322). Year-round compliance shall be maintained as described below on all native brush, weeds, grass, trees and hazardous vegetation within 200 feet of any structures/buildings, whether those structures are on the owner’s property or adjoining properties, and within 10 feet of any combustible fence or roadway/driveway used for vehicular travel.
1. Areas within 200 feet of structures and/or 10 feet of roadside surfaces or combustible fence: Grass shall be cut to three inches in height. Native brush shall be reduced in quantity to three inches in height. This does not apply to individual native shrubs spaced a minimum of 18 feet apart, provided such shrubs are trimmed up from the ground to 1/3 of their height with all dead material being removed (see diagram above).
2. For trees taller than 18 feet, trim lower branches so no foliage is within six feet of the ground, and remove all dead material. For trees and shrubs less than 18 feet, remove lower branches to 1/3 of their height, and remove all dead material (see diagram above).
3. Trees shall be trimmed up so the foliage is no closer than 10 feet from the outlet of a chimney (see diagram above).
4. All roof surfaces shall be maintained free of substantial accumulation of leaves, needles, twigs and any other combustible matter. Maintain five feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and portions of overhanging trees (see diagram above).
5. All cut vegetation and debris shall be removed in a legal manner. Cut vegetation may be machine processed (i.e.,chipped) and spread back onto the property at a depth not to exceed three inches within 30 feet of structures and six inches beyond 30 feet of structures. In addition, spread material shall not be placed within 10 feet of any usable roadside (in accordance with Fire Prevention Bureau Procedure No. 25)
The above general requirements also apply to landscape vegetation.
All fire clearance shall be performed to comply with LAMC 46.00-46.06, relative to Native Protected Trees and Shrubs.
To Review ALL Enforceable Brush Clearance requirements, visit VMS3.lafd.org “Clearance Requirement.”
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IS A YEAR-ROUND RESPONSIBILITY
Please call us if you have Trimming and Clearing.818) 952-5300
The Code for Los Angele County
EC. 57.322.1. GENERAL BRUSH CLEARANCE.
No person who has any ownership or possessory interest in, or control of, a parcel of land shall allow to exist thereon any hazardous refuse or hazardous weeds, trees, or other vegetation which, by reason of proximity to a building or structure, constitutes a fire hazard. For purposes of this section hazardous weeds, trees, or other vegetation are defined as weeds, trees, or other vegetation which are in such condition and location as to provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the Chief from requiring more than the minimum specific requirements set forth above when the Chief determines that conditions exist which necessitate greater fire protection measures.
SEC. 57.322.1.1. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.
Each person who has any ownership or possessory interest in, or control of, a parcel of land shall comply with the requirements set forth in Sections 57.322.1.1.1 through 57.322.1.1.10.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.1. VEGETATION WITHIN 100 FEET OF BUILDINGS.
Remove from the property all dead trees, and maintain all weeds and other vegetation at a height of no more than three inches, except as otherwise provided therein, if such weeds or other vegetation are within 100 feet of a building or structure located on such property or on adjacent property. This requirement does not apply to the maintenance of trees, ornamental shrubbery or plants which are used as ground cover provided such do not provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire; nor does it apply to a native shrub, provided such shrub is trimmed up from the ground to 1/3 of its height; does not exceed 216 cubic feet in volume; is spaced at a distance of not less than three times its maximum diameter, but not less than 18 feet from the edge of any other native shrub, building or structure; and all dead wood and other combustible material within 18 feet of such shrub is removed except as provided above.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.2. TREES WITHIN 100 FEET OF BUILDINGS.
Maintain trees which are 18 feet or more in height and are within 100 feet of any building or structure or within 10 feet of that portion of any highway, street, alley or driveway which is improved or used for vehicle travel or other vehicular purposes, so that no leafy foliage, twigs, or branches are within 6 feet of the ground. Trees and shrubs less than 18 feet shall be trimmed up 1/3 their height.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.3. CHIMNEY CLEARANCE.
Remove any portion of a tree which extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.4. OVERHANGING BRANCHES.
Keep all trees, shrubs, and other growing vegetation or portions thereof adjacent to or overhanging any building or structure free of dead limbs, branches and other combustible matter. Maintain 5 feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and portions of trees overhanging any building or structure.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.5. ROOF MAINTENANCE.
Maintain the roofs of all buildings or structures free of leaves, needles, twigs and other combustible matter.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.6. ROAD AND FENCE CLEARANCE.
Maintain all weeds and other vegetation located within 10 feet of any combustible fence or an edge of that portion of any highway, street, alley or driveway improved or used for vehicular travel or for other vehicular purposes at a height of not more than 3 inches. This shall not require the removal of trees, ornamental shrubbery or plants which are used as ground cover, provided such do not provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire, nor require the removal of native shrubs which meet the requirements set forth in Section 57.322.1.1.1.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.7. SECOND 100-FOOT MODIFICATION.
Clear all hazardous vegetation and other combustible growth within the first 100 feet surrounding structures as required by this section. Reduce the amount and/or modify the arrangement of hazardous vegetation within the area comprising the second 100 feet for a total distance of 200 feet from any structure unless otherwise specified by the Chief. The work required shall be set forth in the Notice of Noncompliance.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.8. LANDSCAPE VEGETATION.
Maintain all landscape vegetation, including, but not limited to, conifers (e.g., cedar, cypress, fir, juniper, and pine), eucalyptus, acacia, palm and pampas grass in such a condition as not to provide an available fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire. The Notice of Noncompliance citing violations of this subsection will specify that such landscape vegetation poses a threat to buildings or structures in the vicinity and may cause them to be indefensible, and shall describe the work required to be done.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.9. GREATER FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES.
Nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the Chief from requiring more than the minimum specific requirements set forth above when the Chief determines that conditions exist which necessitate greater fire protection measures.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.10. ADDITIONAL BRUSH CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS.
All individuals performing grass or brush clearance activities in the VHFHSZ shall adhere to the following specific requirements:
1. Grass or brush clearance operations shall not be conducted on red flag days.
2. Individuals engaged in grass or brush clearance operations shall not engage in any other activities during their actual clearance of grass or brush.
3. Individuals engaged in grass or brush clearance operations shall use an appropriate extinguishing agent immediately to extinguish a fire.
4. All fires, regardless of size, shall be reported immediately via the 9-1-1 system to the Fire Department.
5. A Class 2-A two (2) gallon water fire extinguisher, pressurized garden hose with attached nozzle (fully open), or comparable pressurized Class 2-A extinguishing device, shall be within 10 feet of any grass or brush clearance operation.
6. Where a gasoline container is present at the site of the grass or brush clearance operation, a minimum 4A 60 B:C dry chemical fire extinguisher shall be within 10 feet of the brush clearance operation.
7. A cell phone capable of dialing 9-1-1 shall be charged and readily accessible to the grass or brush clearance operation.
8. A safety strap shall be used at all times for any tool or appliance with hot exhaust. Hot exhaust shall not come in contact with any brush, grass, flash fuels, or other flammable material.
SEC. 57.322.1.1.10.1. PENALTY.
A first violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. A second and all subsequent violations of this section shall be subject to the provisions of Section 11.00 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, including prosecution as an infraction or prosecution as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition to the aforementioned penalties, any violator convicted under this section, which resulted in a fire, may be liable for any civil cost recovery associated with the fire, as permitted by law.
SEC. 57.322.2. INSPECTION AND FEES.
A fee shall be charged for the inspection of properties in the City of Los Angeles to determine whether a violation of this section exists. The fee shall be determined and established in the same manner as provided for in Section 57.106.7. Provided, however, that prior to any inspection occurring, the owner of record of each property proposed to be inspected shall receive a notice advising the owner of the intended inspection, the cost thereof, that penalties will be imposed for nonpayment within the time period specified, and that the owner will not be billed if the owner elects to follow the procedure, or any of the procedures, described in the notice within the period of time specified in the notice. Any procedure which the property owner may elect to follow must be determined by the Fire Department to be one which will provide adequate assurance to the Department that the property does not contain hazardous vegetation as defined in Section 57.322, a copy of which definition shall also be set forth in the notice, and which would not be unduly burdensome upon the property owner to accomplish. In the event an inspection occurs and the property owner is billed the cost of inspection, a penalty shall be imposed if the fee is not paid within the period of time specified in the billing document. Such penalty shall be 200% of the fee imposed, or the cost of rebilling, whichever is greater.
Living in the foothills or near the forest comes with the serene beauty of nature but also the risk of wildfires. These areas are particularly vulnerable during dry seasons, and it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect your home. Here are some key fire prevention strategies, accompanied by illustrations, to help safeguard your property and loved ones.
La Canada Flintridge Fire Prevention
Don’t Forget
1. Create Defensible Space
Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space helps to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protects your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat.
Zone 1: The Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from buildings)
- Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds.
- Keep roofs and gutters clean.
- Use fire-resistant landscaping plants.
Zone 2: The Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet from buildings)
- Trim trees regularly to keep branches at least 10 feet from other trees.
- Remove dead or dry vegetation.
- Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of 4 inches.
Zone 3: The Extended Zone (30-100 feet from buildings)
- Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.
- Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees.
- Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches.
2. Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Hardscaping
Choosing fire-resistant plants and materials can significantly reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home.
- Select Fire-Resistant Plants: These plants are less likely to ignite and include species like rockrose, ice plant, and aloe.
- Hardscaping Elements: Incorporate gravel, stone, or brick pathways and driveways to create firebreaks.
- Mulch with Care: Use non-flammable mulch such as gravel instead of wood chips.
3. Home Maintenance and Preparation
Regular maintenance and preparation can prevent small fires from turning into disasters.
- Clean Roof and Gutters: Regularly remove debris such as leaves and pine needles from your roof and gutters.
- Install Fire-Resistant Roofing: Opt for materials like metal, tile, or asphalt shingles rated for fire resistance.
- Screen Vents: Use 1/8-inch metal mesh to prevent embers from entering your home.
4. Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for a wildfire is crucial. Have a plan and ensure everyone in your household knows what to do.
- Create an Evacuation Plan: Have a clear, practiced plan for evacuation.
- Prepare a Go-Bag: Include essentials like water, food, medications, important documents, and clothing.
- Stay Informed: Use local resources and apps to stay updated on fire conditions and evacuation orders.
5. Community Involvement
Fire prevention is a community effort. Working together with your neighbors can make a significant difference.
- Join or Form a Firewise Community: Collaborate on fire safety projects and share resources.
- Community Clean-Up Days: Organize events to clear dead vegetation and debris from common areas.
- Support Local Fire Services: Volunteer or donate to support your local fire department.
Conclusion
Fire prevention is a continuous effort that requires vigilance and proactive measures. By creating defensible space, using fire-resistant landscaping, maintaining your home, preparing for emergencies, and engaging with your community, you can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your property. Stay safe, stay prepared, and
Trim Oaks In the Summer
Why you want Flintridge Tree Care to Trim Your Oaks in the Summer.
Maintaining the health and aesthetics of your oak trees is crucial for a vibrant and thriving landscape. One key aspect of oak tree care is regular trimming, and many experts recommend doing this during the summer months. Here’s why summer is the optimal time for trimming your oaks.
1. Enhanced Healing with Warm Sap Flow
One of the primary reasons to trim your oak trees in the summer is the increased sap flow. During the warmer months, the sap in oak trees flows more readily. This increased sap flow helps the tree to heal more efficiently after trimming. The sap acts like a natural bandage, sealing off the wound created by the trim and reducing the risk of infection or disease.
The warm weather promotes faster drying and hardening of the sap, which further aids in protecting the tree from external threats. This accelerated healing process ensures that your oak tree recovers quickly and continues to grow healthily.
2. Improved Defense Against Insects and Fungus
Summer trimming also helps oak trees bolster their defenses against insects and fungus. When you trim your oaks in the summer, the rapid healing process minimizes the exposure of fresh wounds to pests and pathogens.
Insects such as oak borers and beetles are less likely to infest a tree that heals quickly because there is a smaller window of opportunity for them to exploit the fresh cuts. Similarly, fungi that can infect open wounds are less likely to take hold if the tree can seal off the cuts promptly.
3. Reduced Stress for the Tree
Trimming oaks in the summer can also reduce stress on the tree. During the warmer months, oak trees are in their active growth phase. This means they have more energy and resources available to deal with the stress of trimming. By contrast, trimming during the dormant winter months can be more stressful for the tree, as it has fewer resources available to heal and recover.
4. Aesthetic and Structural Benefits
Regular summer trimming can also help maintain the aesthetic and structural integrity of your oak trees. By trimming during the growing season, you can shape the tree more effectively, promoting a balanced and attractive form. Removing dead or weak branches during the summer also reduces the risk of storm damage, as the tree is better able to withstand strong winds and heavy rains.
5. Promoting Overall Tree Health
Overall, summer trimming promotes the long-term health of your oak trees. By ensuring rapid healing and minimizing the risk of infection and infestation, you are helping your trees to thrive. Healthy oak trees not only look beautiful but also contribute to a robust and diverse ecosystem in your yard or garden.
Conclusion
Trimming your oaks in the summer is a wise choice for many reasons. The enhanced sap flow during warmer months facilitates faster healing, reducing the risk of infections and infestations. Summer trimming also reduces stress on the tree and helps maintain its aesthetic and structural integrity. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your oak trees remain healthy, strong, and beautiful for years to come.
So, call Flintridge Tree Care to give your oak trees the care they deserve this summer. Your trees will thank you for it!
With 54 years serving the San Gabriel Valley, we are one of the longest-standing tree companies around. Several of our team leaders boasts of over 40 years of experience, ensuring expert care. Many of our competitors have trained with us, so our methods are widespread. We stay current on techniques and safety, often caring for trees across generations. You can trust we will provide efficient, affordable tree care. Contact us for a thorough analysis and a personalized care plan.
Emergency Removals
Fallen Tree Knocks Out Power in Sierra Madre – NBC Los Angeles
You need a plan to save and strengthen your trees!
8 things we do to save and strengthen your trees!
Serving: La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Glendale, Arcadia, Sierra Madre and surrounding areas
Tree Safety
- Winterizing your trees
- Opening up the canopy to prevent wind damage
- Raising up heavy limbs that pull on the tree
- Watering and fertilizing schedule
Why Hire Us ? We Are Arborists.
Arborists specialize in the best care for your trees. They are knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Tree Trimming, Removals, Tree fertilizing and Tree Watering can be areas that protect and preserve your trees. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
What is a Certified Arborist?
An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care . They simply provide the best care for your trees!
Services an Arborist can Provide
- Pruning. An arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees.
- Tree Removal. Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether a tree should be removed.
- Emergency Tree Care. An arborist can assist in performing emergency tree care in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to property.
- Planting. Some arborists plant trees, and most can recommend species that are appropriate for a particular location.
- Plant Health Care. Preventive maintenance helps keep trees in good health while reducing any insect, disease, or site problems.
- Many other services. Consulting services, tree risk assessment, cabling and bracing trees, etc.
TREE PLANTING
Plant a Tree
Mature trees can increase property value by 20 percent, according to The U.S. Forest Service. Besides increasing property values and creating a more desirable street on which to live, the benefits of trees are endless. Studies show trees improve health, lower anxiety, produce more sociable neighborhoods and more.
WHAT WE DO
Tree Trimming . Tree Planting . Tree Removals
Expert Tree Trimming keeps your trees healthy and beautiful, and healthy, beautiful trees not only enhance the appearance of your home, they increase its property value, making tree service an investment that’s well worth your while. We simply provide the best care for your trees.
At Flintridge Tree Care, we specialize in oaks, pine trees and sycamores, but our experienced staff is knowledgeable about a wide variety of trees from all around the world, including Italian cypress, Brazilian peppers, Chinese elms and more.
Expert Tree Removal
Expert Removals- If you need to eliminate hazardous, dead, unhealthy or infested trees, make room for construction, or for landscaping design changes, contact Flintridge Tree Care.
Some Cities require permits for removal of protected trees, for instance Oaks, in La Canada Flintridge. If you wish, we can assist with the permitting process.
Stump Removal and Stump Grinding – Some stumps and roots can be easily eliminated with a stump grinder, but other roots aren’t as easy, and must be dug out. Either way, we’ll get it done for you.
Tree Planting, and More!
Plant a new tree or shrub on your property with the help of the professionals at Flintridge Tree Care. Working with the top local nurseries, we can provide you with high-quality trees and shrubs. Depend on us if you are working on a new landscape design, have had to remove a tree, or just want to add a tree to your landscaping.
- Infestation and Disease Diagnosed and Treated
- Lot Clearance, Hillside Clean-up and Brush Hauling
- Arborist Reports and Consultation
