Specializing in mastication of vegetation fuels. Our goal
at Defensible Space Solutions is to create the most environmentally
sensitive and effective fuels reduction work for your
specific property needs. We want you to be an active participant
in deciding on the extent of fuels reduction and modification
for your property, although we are qualified and willing
to act independently in all phases of your work. We want
to educate you about suggested maintenance provisions
to keep your defensible space effective.
Defensible Space Solutions will:
1. Determine your recommended defensible space distance
outward from the foundation of your house, and other structures,
based upon the steepness of your property slope and the
vegetation type(s) growing on or near your property. For
undeveloped properties we will recommend perimeter fuel
breaks and/or internal treatments specific to your site.
2. Evaluate your Residential Built Zone by assessing your
roof, rain gutters, roof vents, chimneys, siding materials,
eaves and decks, windows, and combustible materials, including
firewood, around all buildings.
3.
Evaluate your Defensible Space Zone by assessing dead
vegetation and ladder fuels, separation between shrubs,
separation between trees, and the “lean, clean and
green area” within 30’ of the house, including
a non-combustible area 3’ around all structures.
4.
Evaluate your Access Zone by assessing your home address
and street signs, vegetation around and above your driveway
and if you would benefit by having a turnaround on your
driveway for fire equipment.
5.
Evaluate wildlife and water quality conditions relative
to the location and timing of fuels management treatments.
6.
Create the recommended defensible space using a rubber-tracked
masticator, power tools, and hand tools.
We
start with a free, comprehensive assessment of your property
site conditions, including topographic slope, directional
aspect, nearby and on-site wildfire threats, home construction
concerns and access issues, your specific vegetation types,
their benefits, hazards, and management strategies, plus
wildlife, water quality and regulatory issues if applicable.
We are eminently qualified to explain and use the Living
with Fire guidelines to reduce your wildfire threats.
Based upon your specific conditions, and our array of treatment
mechanisms, we will recommend fuel reduction strategies
that fit your needs, desires and finances. We will offer
a flexible treatment strategy to take into consideration
your comfort with your existing landscape or visual screening,
but keep a clear goal of creating effective defensible space
and long-term fuels management. As needed, we will identify
weedy plant species and suggest treatments strategies. We
can suggest desirable replacement plants to reduce your
wildfire theat. We will explain the operation of our equipment,
our safety measures and liability insurance.
Defensible
Space Solutions cannot offer a general price for our fuels
management services, as costs are dependent upon your site
specific conditions and the cost of diesel fuel. We will
provide an estimate of the total project cost and specific
treatment costs. Please contact us for our hourly rates.
We can prioritize specific treatments and suggest a time
line to meet your needs and finances and, offer a maintenance
program for your property.
We can provide you information about your local Fire and
Forestry Services, including State and local Fire Safe Council
information. We will work happily with Fire Safe Councils
or homeowner associations to maximize wildfire protection.
Defensible Space Solutions will provide the most effective
fuels management program for your property but we cannot
guarantee your safety from wildfire. Wildfire is unpredictable
and is not absolutely preventable. The risk of wildfire
damage may be reduced in connection with the services or
recommendations provided by Defensible Space Solutions,
but no property or person can be made absolutely safe.
