New Native Brush and Shrub Ordinance takes effect
Download the ordinance | Download Big Bear Firewise Planting Guide
• New Ordinance
• Chapter 8.94 Native bushes and shrubs
• Native shrubs are defined as –
• Manzanita
• Mountain Mahogany
• Mountain White Thorn
• Service Berry
• Sage species
• These Are NOT rare or endangered plants.
• Juniper Shrubs, Spanish Broom, and native brush shall not be planted or maintained within (15) feet of any building or structure.
• Acceptable – within 15 feet if plant is isolated and is heavily modified by removing dead branches, and lower foliage.
• The maximum diameter of a single species shall not exceed (15) feet.
• Groups of shrubs clumped together shall not exceed 15 feet in diameter.
• The maximum diameter of a single species shall not exceed (15) feet.
• Native brush shall be installed and maintained with horizontal spacing such that the space between two shrubs shall be a minimum of 2 times the height of the tallest shrub.
• Unless shrub is isolated or heavily modified.
Getting in the Race for Defensible Space
Download the 2007Hazard Abatement Insert | pdf
It’s not just about pine needles and weeds anymore. It’s the whole nine yards; front, back and side yards. It’s all about reducing the volume of vegetation through trimming, pruning, and providing a vertical and horizontal separation between trees and native plants or planted landscape.
Defensible space creates a separation between structures and trees and shrubs. By removing congested trees and shrubs, fire cannot easily jump from one plant or tree to another and eventually to your home.
STEPS TO CREATING DEFENSIBLE SPACE
- Remove dead vegetation and small dead trees up to 15 feet in height. Taller trees should be removed by a professional.
- Trim branches (live and dead)
- For trees taller than 15 feet, remove lower branches to a height of 6 to 8 feet from the ground.
- For trees less than 15 feet tall, remove live and dead branches within 3 to 4 feet of the ground.
- Remove tree branches within 10 feet of a chimney opening.
- Prune and thin overgrown shrubs.
- Remove all dead branches in bushes.
- Selectively thin live foliage.
- Remove accumulated pine needles
- Remove pine needles and leaves in excess of 2 inches.
- Remove pine needles from roofs.
- Cut grass and weeds greater than four inches tall.
- Selectively thin your native trees less than 6 inches in diameter.
- Thin small dense native trees less than 6 inches in diameter which are within 8 feet of a larger native tree or other small trees.
- Selectively thin trees that are deformed, trees that are crooked, have damaged bark, dead tops or show evidence of disease or insect infestation.
- Select trees that have grown next to buildings and or pavement.
- Select trees that are under power lines or along fences.
Homeowners can accomplish these requirements with a little muscle and sweat. Others may find it easier to hire someone to complete the work. Local businesses are available by checking the local telephone books, or news sources including Internet sites.
We are here to help you through this process. If you have any questions concerning this
information, or work that needs to be done, please contact:
Big Bear Lake Fire Department at 909-866-4668 |
