A New Year of Safety: Reviewing Your Defensible Space
Published January 2, 2026
As we enter 2026, many homeowners in the Colorado mountains are making resolutions for property improvement and safety. Given the increasing threat of wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface, one of the most impactful steps you can take is a thorough review of your defensible space. Proactive mitigation is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation to ensure your home remains protected as vegetation grows and mountain conditions shift. What was a safe distance three years ago may now be a potential fire bridge due to natural growth and the accumulation of dry material.
Earth Wise Horticultural is the local leader in Wildfire Mitigation, providing customized plans that protect your property while respecting the natural beauty of the forest.
Evaluating Your Mitigation Needs for the New Year
A fresh look at your property can reveal new opportunities to increase your home's resilience:
Assessing Recent Growth: Vegetation that was thinned several years ago may have grown back, creating new "ladder fuels" that could allow a ground fire to reach the tree canopy. We focus on maintaining the critical vertical and horizontal separation that prevents fire from spreading rapidly.
Removing Accumulation: Heavy winter winds often bring down dead branches and debris. Keeping the forest floor clean is a simple but vital part of fire safety, as this ground litter can carry flames directly to your home's foundation or other structures.
Updating Your Mitigation Plan: As local communities offer new wildfire mitigation resources, we can help you update your plan to meet the latest safety standards and assistance requirements. This includes coordinating with neighborhood initiatives to create a larger, collective fire break.
Professional Risk Assessment: Our ISA Certified Arborists can identify hazardous trees near your structures that should be removed or thinned as part of a comprehensive safety strategy. We evaluate tree health to ensure that the trees you keep are strong enough to withstand both fire and wind.
Securing your home is about more than just clearing brush; it is about creating a healthy, managed forest that serves as a protective buffer for your family and your neighbors.
Ready to make property safety a priority this year? Request a Free Wildfire Mitigation Proposal and let our experts help you secure your mountain retreat!