Pruning your trees on a regular basis keeps them happy and strong, while also limiting the risk of damage from falling branches and enhancing the “curb appeal” of your property. Did you know, though, that pruning trees also lowers the risk of fires? Low lying branches and excess yard waste such as dry bark and leaves easily can become accidental fuel turning a small fire into a potentially devastating blaze.
Know the signs of a distressed tree
One of your trees could be a potential fire hazard if it shows any of the following signs: excessive leaf loss or leafless branches, frail bark falling off the tree, falling limbs that are dry or brittle, noticeable rot, or significant fungus growth. If your tree is dying, it is a major fire hazard that should be removed from your property as soon as possible. A professionally trained arborist in Kingsport like the ones on staff at Promier Tree can identify a tree that is dying. Contact our office at (423) 765-2626 to schedule an on-site evaluation.
Spacing matters
“Ladder fuel” is a term referring to branches and vegetation that create a link between the ground and the treetops. These branches and vegetation can turn a small fire on the ground into a blaze that engulfs the entire tree and can become a major threat to life and property. Your Kingsport arborists at Promier Tree recommend removing all branches at least 6 feet off the ground on single trees. If there are nearby shrubs or bushes, trim back branches to provide clearance that is at least triple the height of the adjacent shrubbery. If you have multiple trees on your property, there should be at least 10 feet of horizontal clearance between the branches of that tree and other trees or structures, including houses, garages, and decks. The distance should increase when dealing with trees on a slope, up to 30 feet of clearance for trees on a moderate to steep slope.
Make a buffer zone
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection recommends a list of safeguards against fires. First and foremost, the department recommends creating a buffer zone surrounding your property that is clear of overgrown or thick vegetation that can serve as accelerants in the event of a fire. This buffer zone should extend 100 feet from your home and any other structures on your property.
Tree care in the tri-cities
If you have any questions about fire safety or any other aspect of tree care, our arborists can answer them. Each of the arborists on staff at Promier Tree is a well-trained “tree expert” who is skilled in identifying a dying or diseased tree that could be a hazard or limbs and shrubberies that could serve as unknowing accelerants in the event of a fire. Promier Tree also can handle any pruning or tree maintenance needs you may have. To learn more about our services or schedule an on-site evaluation with one of our professional and experienced arborists, contact Promier Tree today at (423) 765-2626.
Promier Tree is here to serve the residential and business customers in the areas of Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport in Tennessee.