How Trimming Your Trees Can Keep A Fire From Spreading To Your Home

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There are many reasons to keep your trees neat and trimmed. Fire safety is also one of those reasons. Keeping your trees trimmed can help prevent the spread of a fire to other structures and areas. If you have several trees on your property, it's worth it to learn a little about the relationship between trees and fires.

Trees Can Catch Fire in Many Ways

If you live in a dry area, there's always a possibility of a tree catching fire. Even if you don't live in such climates, trees can still combust from a number situations.

That last one, human neglect, can mean any action that adds heat to a tree. That can include tossing still-lit cigarettes, starting a fire pit too close to a tree, or outright arson.

In addition, a fire from elsewhere can easily send embers into a tree and set it alight. So it's not just the tree catching fire you have to worry about.

Too Many Trees Can Endanger Everything around Them

When trees burn, they release fiery debris, which can spread to the next tree. If you have a lot of trees on your property, a fire can become a mini version of a forest fire. Anything close to any of those trees, including your home, can catch some of that burning debris and set on fire as well.

What You Can Do About It

You probably don't want to completely eliminate your trees. However, you should have them trimmed, spaced apart, removed, or a combination of all three options.

Trimming can help keep potential flames in check by not allowing tree branches to reach so close to other trees or structures. In cases where trees are in tight clusters, having them moved apart can also help to mitigate any potential fire hazard they represent. If you have dead, dying, heavily diseased, or dried out trees, you should have them removed altogether.

You should contact a tree trimming and removal specialist to survey your tree coverage and discuss the best options for you. They will let you know if you have trees that represent hazards, and what more you can do about them. They can also spot potential future hazards, such as a tree that may grow too close to power lines or your home over time. For more information or assistance, contact companies like Johnson's Tree Service & Stump Grinding.


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