Fire Mitigation Guide
Defensible Space in Colorado: The 3 Zones
A simple guide to protecting your home.
Defensible space is the area around your home where fuel is reduced so a wildfire slows down and firefighters have room to work. Colorado guidance breaks it into three zones.
Zone 1: 0–5 feet
Keep the area right next to your house free of things that burn.
- Gravel or bare soil instead of wood mulch
- No firewood, propane or brush against the house
- Clean gutters and roof of needles
Zone 2: 5–30 feet
Thin and space trees so fire can't easily jump crown to crown.
- Remove dead and beetle-killed trees
- Space tree crowns apart
- Limb up low branches (ladder fuels)
- Keep grass mowed short
Zone 3: 30–100 feet and beyond
Thin the forest to a healthier density and remove dead wood, depending on your lot size.
Rules and requirements
Requirements vary by HOA, fire district and insurer. Check with them for what's required on your property. We can do the tree work to meet those requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to cut down all my trees?
- No. Defensible space is about spacing and removing fuel, not clearing everything. Healthy, well-spaced trees can stay.
- Can you help with insurance or HOA requirements?
- Yes. Show us what they ask for and we'll scope the work to match.
Get Your Free Estimate
Call or text for immediate help, or send the form and we'll get right back to you with a straight answer on your trees.
719-696-0787Serving Colorado Springs, Black Forest, Monument & Broadmoor, CO