Fuel reduction calendar

SEASON	WILDFIRE MITIGATION ACTIVITY
Winter	Weather permitting, now is the best time to remove those trees and dense undergrowth. Trim up trees for vertical clearance as part of your home’s defensible space. If you’re planting trees this spring, plan ahead now and plant locally native trees.
Spring	Prepare defensible space. CAL FIRE's General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space provides excellent direction. Bark beetles are most active now and in summer—be careful not to damage remaining trees as fresh wood attracts beetles. If possible, remove freshly cut wood. Otherwise, cover, lop or chip infested wood—and do not place near healthy trees. Following an extended period of little to no rain, sparingly water high-value trees. Use best watering practices. Now is the time to plant new trees, as long as irrigation is available.
Summer	Remove dead and dying trees. Follow spring guidelines as beetles are very active in summer as well. Be especially careful with power tools—one spark can start a wildfire. If planting trees in fall, plan ahead now and plant locally native trees.
Fall	If planting trees, wait until the weather cools and fall rains have increased soil moisture. Now is one of the best times to remove dead and dying trees, and dense undergrowth. Water high-value trees only if significantly less than average rainfall this season; otherwise, do not water.