Wildfire season in Northern California isn’t a maybe—it’s a matter of when. And here in Redding and greater Shasta County, we’ve lived through it. Between the Carr Fire, Zogg Fire, and Fawn Fire, locals know how quickly a spark can turn into an emergency.
At Eddy’s Tree Service, we help property owners get ahead of that risk with fire mitigation and defensible space clearing. Whether you’re a homeowner on a quarter-acre lot, a property manager overseeing rentals, or a business owner maintaining commercial land—this guide was written for you. If you’ve got trees, brush, or outbuildings in Shasta County, defensible space laws apply.
Wildfire season in Northern California isn’t a maybe—it’s a matter of when. And here in Redding and greater Shasta County, we’ve lived through it. Between the Carr Fire, Zogg Fire, and Fawn Fire, locals know how quickly a spark can turn into an emergency.
At Eddy’s Tree Service, we help property owners get ahead of that risk with fire mitigation and defensible space clearing. Whether you’re a homeowner on a quarter-acre lot, a property manager overseeing rentals, or a business owner maintaining commercial land—this guide was written for you. If you’ve got trees, brush, or outbuildings in Shasta County, defensible space laws apply.
Fire mitigation is all about reducing the fuels that allow wildfires to spread—things like dry brush, low branches, or tightly packed shrubs. It also includes:
Think of it like giving firefighters room to do their job—and giving your home a better shot at surviving.
California law (PRC §4291) and Shasta County Code Chapter 8.10 require 100 feet of defensible space around homes and buildings in fire-prone areas. Here’s the breakdown:
The area closest to your home is also the most critical when it comes to wildfire protection. In Zone 0, the goal is to eliminate anything that could ignite from embers—including wood mulch, dry leaves, pine needles, and flammable decor. Instead, use hardscaping like gravel or stone, keep gutters clear, and remove anything combustible near decks, fences, or siding. Most homes burn from embers, not direct flames—so this zone is your first line of defense.
This mid-range zone is where you want to reduce fire intensity by spacing out vegetation and removing surface fuels. Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from chimneys, space out shrubs to avoid creating fuel ladders, and keep grasses mowed low. Clear away dead plants and debris regularly. Keeping this zone maintained can slow a wildfire’s spread and improve access for firefighters during an emergency.
Zone 2 acts as your outer perimeter of protection and is designed to reduce wildfire speed and intensity before it gets close to your home. Mow tall grasses to 4 inches, remove fallen leaves and twigs, and prune trees by lifting lower branches at least 6 feet from the ground. Thin brush to create space between plants both vertically and horizontally. This strategic spacing makes it harder for flames to jump from ground to canopy and gives firefighters a safer area to work.
A fire can double in size every 30 seconds. These zones help slow it down before it
reaches your home.
We’re not just a crew with chainsaws—we’re trained, licensed professionals who know the ins and outs of vegetation management and fire code compliance.
We offer:
● Defensible space clearing
● Fuel break creation
● Tree thinning and pruning
● Brush removal and chipping
● Pre-inspection cleanups
Whether you’ve received a notice from Shasta County or just want peace of mind before fire
season hits, we’ve got your back.
"Eddy responded quickly and came very soon after the bid was accepted. He and his crew tidied up our trees, cut off all dead or hazardous branches, and cleaned up the mess afterward. They were friendly and efficient. Would definitely recommend!"
Staci Harvey, Google Review
You don’t have to go it alone. Here are trusted agencies and programs that support
homeowners in Redding and surrounding areas:
● Cal Fire Ready for Wildfire
● Cal Fire Defensible Space
● Shasta County Fire Safe Council
● City of Redding Fire Department
Book your defensible space work early—fire season waits for no one, and
appointments fill up fast.
Ignoring defensible space rules doesn’t just increase your fire risk—it can lead to citations and potential liability. Shasta County officials regularly inspect properties and issue notices for non-compliance. If you’re in a fire zone, you are required by law to clear space around your home.
We’ve helped dozens of clients get back in compliance after receiving notices, and we can help you too.
EDDY and his crew were amazing!! Really impressed with their skills and efficiency. After removing my old huge cottonwood tree they cleaned up like nobody's business!! Hot work today in Redding! 104° Highly recommend him for your tree needs. Blessings"
Jim H , Yelp Review
Nope! The law encourages well-maintained landscaping. We’ll help you thin out the risky
stuff while keeping your property looking good.
Yes. Even homes inside Redding city limits can fall under state or county fire zone
regulations.
Absolutely. We often coordinate with HOAs, landlords, and other vendors to keep properties
in compliance.
Spring and early summer are best—but if you’re behind, it’s never too late to start clearing
fuels.
Call us. We’ll come out, assess the situation, and provide a fast plan to get you back in
compliance.
1. Walk the perimeter of your home and note fuel hazards
2. Remove leaves and dry material within 5 feet of structures
3. Trim trees and space out shrubs in Zones 1 and 2
4. Call a professional like Eddy’s for large jobs or clearance help
5. Request a voluntary inspection from the City of Redding Fire Department
The landscape in Redding is beautiful, but also volatile. A little work now can save a lot of heartbreak later. Whether you’ve got acres of overgrown brush or just need help around the house, Eddy’s Tree Service is here to help.
Call (530) 717-8989 or contact us online to schedule a free estimate or site evaluation.
Let’s make your property fire-safe and inspection-ready—before the next big blaze.