Fire-Wise Gardening Is an Ongoing Practice

Creating defensible space isn't a one-time project. Plants grow, leaves fall, debris accumulates, and that carefully cleared zone slowly fills back in. The difference between a fire-safe property and a risky one often comes down to maintenance.

The good news is that fire-wise maintenance fits naturally into a regular gardening routine. A little attention each season keeps your property safe without requiring a massive annual effort.

This checklist breaks it down by season, with specific tasks for Santa Cruz County's climate and growing patterns.

Spring (March, April, May)

Spring is your primary preparation season. By the time warm weather arrives in May, you want your property fully prepared for fire season.

Zone 0 (0 to 5 feet from the house):

Rake and remove any leaves or debris that accumulated over winter
Clear gutters and downspouts completely
Remove dead annuals from containers and beds
Check that gravel or hardscape is still clear of organic debris
Inspect and clear around all vents (attic, crawl space, dryer)
Move firewood at least 30 feet from the house
Clear debris from under decks and stairs

Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet from the house):

Cut back dead perennial growth from winter
Prune lower branches of trees up to 6-10 feet from the ground (or 1/3 of tree height, whichever is less)
Remove dead branches from all shrubs and trees
Thin dense shrubs to reduce fuel load
Create separation between shrubs (at least double their height)
Mow or cut annual grasses to 4 inches before they dry out
Rake and remove leaf litter and fallen branches

Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet from the house):

Remove dead trees and shrubs
Clear ladder fuels (vegetation connecting ground to tree canopy)
Thin tree canopies so crowns are at least 10 feet apart (crown-to-crown spacing)
Create fuel breaks along driveways and access roads
Mow or cut tall grasses

Equipment and access:

Test irrigation systems and repair leaks
Confirm hoses reach all areas of Zone 0 and Zone 1
Clear driveways and access roads for emergency vehicles
Check that address is clearly visible from the road

Summer (June, July, August)

Fire season is here. Focus on maintaining what you've done and staying vigilant during peak risk months.

Weekly tasks:

Water plants in Zone 0 and Zone 1 to keep moisture content high
Check for and remove any dead or dying plant material
Sweep or blow debris away from house, deck, and fences
Empty and clean outdoor ashtrays (if applicable)
Monitor trees for dead branches after heat waves

Monthly tasks:

Re-check gutters (dry leaves blow in quickly)
Clear debris from under deck furniture and potted plants
Mow any grasses that have regrown
Inspect Zone 0 hardscape for accumulated organic material
Prune any new growth that's encroaching on clearances

Before Red Flag Warnings:

Move patio cushions and umbrellas inside or away from the house
Clear all debris from deck surfaces
Move trash and recycling bins away from structures
Water landscape deeply if conditions are extreme
Close all windows and vents if smoke or fire is nearby
Confirm you have emergency contact numbers saved in your phone

Ongoing:

Keep a 10-day weather forecast awareness
Sign up for emergency alerts (Nixle, county alerts)
Ensure go-bag and evacuation plans are current

Fall (September, October, November)

Fall is still fire season in Santa Cruz County, and offshore wind events create some of our highest-risk days. But it's also time to start preparing for winter.

Early fall (September, October):

Continue all summer maintenance tasks
Stay especially vigilant during offshore wind events
Remove any dead summer annuals and vegetable plants
Cut back perennials that have finished blooming
Monitor for dead branches after dry season stress

Late fall (November):

Deep clean gutters before winter rains (non-negotiable annual task)
Remove all fallen leaves from Zone 0 and Zone 1
Rake and remove leaves from fences and outbuildings
Prune dead wood from trees and shrubs
Cut back ornamental grasses before they drop seeds
Chip or remove pruning debris (don't leave piles on property)
Check and clear roof valleys and areas where debris collects
Inspect chimney and spark arrestor if you have a fireplace

End of fire season:

Walk the property and assess how your defensible space held up
Note any problem areas for next spring
Consider improvements for the coming year

Winter (December, January, February)

Lower fire risk, but not zero. Winter is also your chance to make improvements while pressure is lower.

Maintenance:

Clear gutters again after leaves have finished falling
Remove fallen branches after winter storms
Check for erosion in hardscaped areas
Monitor for fallen trees or limbs that could become fuel
Keep Zone 0 clear even in winter (leaves still accumulate)
In frost-prone areas (San Lorenzo Valley, Boulder Creek), protect or drain irrigation systems if needed

Projects and improvements:

Plan and install new hardscaping in Zone 0
Remove or relocate high-risk plants while dormant
Plant new fire-resistant species
Repair or extend irrigation systems
Replace wood fencing sections with metal near the house
Install ember-resistant vents
Address any issues noted at end of fire season

Planning:

Review and update your evacuation plan
Document valuables and important papers
Create or refresh go-bags
Check insurance coverage

Monthly Habits Year-Round

Some tasks should become automatic, regardless of season:

Walk the perimeter once a month. Look for debris accumulation, dead plants, and maintenance needs.
Check gutters after any wind event or dry period. At minimum, clean gutters thoroughly twice per year (spring and fall).
Remove dead material from plants whenever you notice it.
Clear Zone 0 before debris has a chance to accumulate.
Test sprinklers and hoses to ensure they're functional.

Creating a Schedule

It helps to tie fire-wise maintenance to events you'll remember:

Daylight saving time (spring): Major spring cleanup and prep
Memorial Day: Final check before peak fire season
Fourth of July: Midsummer inspection
Labor Day: Fall maintenance begins
Daylight saving time (fall): Deep gutter cleaning and leaf removal
First rain: End-of-season assessment

Tools to Keep on Hand

Having the right tools ready makes maintenance easier:

Leaf rake and hard rake
Loppers and hand pruners
Pole saw or extendable pruner for high branches
Ladder for gutter access
Garden hose that reaches all of Zone 0 and Zone 1
Wheelbarrow or yard waste bags
Blower (useful but clear debris away from structures, not just around them)

Proper Debris Disposal

Always dispose of pruning debris and yard waste properly:

Green waste bins for curbside pickup
Chipping services for larger branches
County dump or yard waste facility
Never create burn piles or leave debris piles on your property

Making It Routine

The most fire-safe properties are the ones where maintenance is habit, not a major annual project. Small efforts throughout the year add up to significant protection.

Put recurring reminders on your calendar. Build a monthly walk-around into your routine. Notice debris before it becomes a problem.

Your future self (and your home) will thank you.

Related guides:

Fire-Wise Gardening 101
Zone 0 Makeover: Creating an Ember-Resistant Space
10 Fire-Resistant Plants for Santa Cruz Gardens

Additional resources:

For official guidelines and resources, visit CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire and the Santa Cruz County Fire Safe Council.

Fire-Wise Maintenance: A Seasonal Checklist for Santa Cruz Gardeners