Tree Trimming for Fire Safety: How Close Is Too Close to Your Home?

Protecting Your Property Starts from the Branches Down

When it comes to fire safety, most homeowners think about clearing dry brush and mowing tall grass. But one of the biggest—and often overlooked—fire risks lies overhead: your trees.

Overhanging branches and dry, untrimmed trees can act like a highway for flames, embers, or even direct fire contact with your home. That’s why tree trimming isn’t just about yard aesthetics—it’s a vital fire prevention measure.

So, how close is too close when it comes to trees near your house? Let’s break it down.

Why Trees Are a Fire Hazard

Trees, especially those with dry limbs, dead branches, or dense foliage, can:

• Catch embers from wildfires
  
• Spread flames quickly through canopies
  
• Ignite nearby roofs, fences, or structures
  
• Block emergency access during a fire event
  

Without regular trimming, one tree can turn a minor risk into a major disaster.

How Far Should Trees Be From Your Home?

Fire safety experts recommend maintaining a defensible space—a cleared buffer zone around your home to reduce fire spread. When it comes to trees:

Minimum Distance Guidelines

• 10 feet of clearance between tree branches and any part of your home or roof
  
• 6 to 10 feet of vertical spacing between shrub tops and the lowest tree branches (prevents fire from "laddering" upward)
  
• 10 feet between trees (to stop fire from jumping tree to tree)
  

These are general guidelines and may vary depending on your location and local fire codes.

Tree Trimming Tips for Fire Safety

1. Remove Dead or Dying Branches

Deadwood ignites easily. Trim regularly to remove anything dry, brittle, or diseased.

2. Trim Back Overhanging Limbs

Branches should not touch or hang over your roof, gutters, or power lines.

3. Thin Out Dense Canopies

Too much foliage allows fire to move rapidly from tree to tree. Thin them to reduce fuel and improve airflow.

4. Create Vertical Separation

Avoid “fuel ladders” by keeping space between low shrubs and tree branches. Fire can climb up from the ground into tree crowns.

5. Keep the Base of the Tree Clear

Remove debris, fallen leaves, and mulch within 5 feet of the trunk.

Special Considerations for Homes in Fire-Prone Areas

If you live in a wildland-urban interface (WUI) zone, local fire departments may have stricter guidelines or even require annual inspections. Always check with your local authority for compliance and best practices.

Tree Care = Fire Protection

Properly trimmed trees not only improve your yard's appearance—they significantly reduce your risk of fire damage. Investing in fire-safe landscaping today can help protect your home, your family, and your neighborhood tomorrow.

Don’t Want to DIY?

Tree trimming, especially near the roof or power lines, can be dangerous without the right equipment and training. Consider hiring a certified arborist or fire-safe landscaping professional to help you get the job done safely and thoroughly.

Fire season is no time for overgrowth.
Make tree trimming part of your yearly fire protection routine—and gain peace of mind knowing your home is better prepared.