Location

15117 Ventura Blvd # 1 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

(818) 452 3470

Available 24/7

Brush Clearing in Santa Monica, CA

What does 'brush clearing' include?

Brush clearing is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of vegetation management techniques. When you work with our professional brush removal experts, you are taking an essential proactive step in wildfire prevention (while beautifying your property as well). Here are some of the services that brush clearing may include:

Whether you’re simply hoping to restore an unobstructed view or whether you need to remove an invasive species, we’re here for you!

Why is brush clearing in Santa Monica so important?

Did you know that more than 60% of new residential development since 1990 has been in wildfire-prone areas? For Santa Monica residents, this statistic hits close to home. While the city is not the origin site for most wildfires, it can be seriously impacted by secondary effects such as air pollution, road closures, and utility disruptions. Furthermore, according to the Santa Monica Office of Emergency Management, wind-driven wildfires are unpredictable and residents should still exercise caution. Southern California is a very arid, drought-prone environment. The high temperatures, strong Santa Ana winds, and dry weather create the perfect fuel for wildfires. Our fire season begins in June and runs until December. Without consistent brush clearing, Santa Monica residential properties can endanger those around them and contribute to wildfire spread.

In order to prevent future fires, Los Angeles County created the brush clearance and inspection program. Santa Monica is the nineteenth-largest city in Los Angeles County, and thus city residents must comply with program requirements. We always recommend following brush clearance guidelines; however, only certain areas are required to comply. These areas are known as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). They are depicted in red on the official Los Angeles Fire Department zone map. To enforce the ordinance, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) will conduct property inspections and issue citations. Homeowners who do not respond to clearance orders will incur hefty non-compliance fees.

What are the brush clearance requirements for LA County in 2020?

The LAFD has issued fewer than ten unique brush clearance requirements, but it can be difficult for homeowners to meet the highly specific guidelines. For example, all trees in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) must be trimmed up so the foliage is no closer than 10 feet from the outlet of a chimney. If you have any trees taller than 18 feet, the lower branches must be trimmed so no foliage is within six feet of the ground. Tree trimming and brush clearing often require the use of heavy machinery. Therefore, it is very dangerous for homeowners to attempt the work themselves. You’ll eliminate the risk to your health and any potential damage to neighboring property by getting help from professionals like those at Green Leaf Zone.

If you’ve received a notice of noncompliance, we recommend contacting a professional brush and tree service company. You will have 15 days from receipt of the notice to bring your property to compliance. As the leading provider of brush clearing in Santa Monica, we’re very familiar with the local plant life and the brush clearance requirements set by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Why Green Leaf Zone?​

We take great pride in our work! When you choose Green Leaf Zone, you can rest assured that we will use the proper tools and techniques to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and safely. To ensure our employees are protected, we carry full-range liability insurance for up to $2,000,000 and an additional $1,000,000 on workers’ compensation insurance. Our experienced team members complete rigorous safety training, giving you peace of mind that your property is in the right hands!