FIRE CLEARANCE SERVICES
An enviroscaper observes a property’s ecosystem before commencing work. Vegetative material on a property is not “cleared” but rather redistributed. Redistributing resources ensures both fire safety and ecological health. An enviroscaper breaks his tasks down into the fire zones:
Fire zone 1 (0 to 30 feet from structure):
1) Removes all flammable vegetation (juniper, rosemary)
2) “Weedeats” grass to bare mineral soil
3) Rakes leaves into piles and transfers to zones 2 and 3
Fire zone 2 and 3 (30 feet and more from structure):
Prunes trees up 6 feet
“Weedeats” grass to 4 inches (as specified by CalFire)
Distributes leaves three inches deep (as specified by CalFire)
Most importantly, an enviroscaper “eco-whacks.” These are the principles:
Begin weedeating once all the wildflowers have gone to seed (usually a few weeks after grass has gone brown.)
Weedeat property a little bit at a the time. This allows time for animals to transfer to a safe location
Weedeat only to 4 inches (first 30 feet from home is to bare mineral soil.) This preserves habitat and soil structure.
TYPICALLY AN ENVIROSCAPER CAN CHARGE A SMALLER FEE SINCE:
Weedeating to only 4 inches takes less time
Leaves are not transferred to a community compost center unless property is already mulched to depth of 3 inches
