Save A Tree

Start Now to Protect Trees during Fire and Insurance Agency Inspections

Updated August 2026. By JT Wilkinson: In August 2025, we discussed the easy-breezy care of trees planted at an adequate distance from structures. Here, I want to share some thoughts and tips about the kind of care the majority of trees in LA need and why – and how upcoming fire regulations might change standard practices. Let’s dive into it.

Context for a Hot Topic

Close-in tree care has become a hot topic as new requirements for landscaping in the 5-feet closest to homes are discussed. The simple fact is, we too often see people top or pollard trees thinking that is good tree care or the only way to manage falling branches, leaf litter or pest intrusions. The smarter, more sustainable approach is consistent year-over-year limbing up and structural pruning.

With consistency, we can generally prevent problems and keep the tree healthy and happy. If the trees were in the right place, we wouldn’t ask that kind of adaptation from them. At the same time, with the right approach, as much as 15% of the tree canopy can be reduced in a way that is safe for the tree.

Fight Fire with Care

Many expect fire agency expectations, old or new, to complicate tree care or encourage abusive topping, pollarding or even removal. Not really! Fire agency standards are usually in keeping with what is needed to keep trees and structures from fighting one another.

Generally, fire departments want to see consistent maintenance of close-in trees to keep branches somewhere around 5-10 feet from roofs. All agencies want 10 feet of clearance from chimneys, even outside of fire hazard severity areas. They’ve long wanted branches limbed up too, so trees don’t touch siding or foundations. Of course, they advise clearing the tinder of leaf litter from roofs, gutters and around the base of homes.

But what about the new Zone 0 ordinance? Everyone is asking! We have yet to encounter a fire agency that asked for a tree’s removal. Some actually enforce protections for native trees and will fine for unpermited trims. As of this writing, the most recent California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s rule plead (August) requires nothing new related to trees. While that may change, this regulation isn’t the most proximate danger to LA’s invaluable tree canopy. Who is?

Share Your Perspective

We have had to negotiate a bit with insurance agencies that review properties via drone or satelite. From this view, it’s hard to tell if a canopy meets a 5 foot or 10 foot clearance standard from above. Keep in mind they are thinking beyond fire. They insure Angelenos for roof damage from falling branches, as well as pest and root intrusions.

So far, with clear communication, homeowners clear inspections and hold onto insurance – and their trees. Photos from a ground-level perspective, arborist documentation, and conversations with agents have cleared up issues. In many cases, it is actually a homeowners care beyond the trees that makes the difference. We find insurance agencies get more comfortable with trees when they see homeowners taking the myriad of other actions that improve wildfire-readiness.

Read on for my step-by-step recommendations for saving a tree.

How to Save a Tree

So, if you were to ask me how to save a beloved tree right now, I’d say don’t make assumptions. Don’t obey in advance. Do fix your behaviors and your home’s vulnerabilities first. Then:

• Look at the ground level in the 5 feet nearest your home – clean it out.
• Schedule tree care for a time that works for them, and use it to shore up tree health and distance from your structure.
• Make a year-over-year plan with a certified arborist to create an effective relationship between the tree(s) and your home.
• Document changes and plans.
• Communicate kindly and proactively with your insurance agent and fire department.

That’s it. When firefighters and insurance agencies are evaluating the risk they take in protecting your home, you may just find you are miles ahead of their expectations. 

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