Do you ever look at the steep hillsides around Stevenson Ranch and wonder if your yard is truly ready for wildfire season? You are not alone. Many homes back up to open space, and our fall wind events can move embers quickly. This guide gives you a clear, month-by-month defensible space calendar built around California law and Los Angeles County practices so you can protect your home with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Defensible space in Stevenson Ranch
If your home is in Stevenson Ranch, you are in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Local enforcement comes from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The baseline state requirement is set by California Public Resources Code §4291, which calls for up to 100 feet of defensible space from structures, or to your property line if it is closer.
Local rules can be stricter than state law. Many neighborhoods here also have HOA landscaping standards. Before major trimming or removals, confirm current County guidance and your HOA rules. It can save you time, money, and potential citations.
The three zones around your home
Creating defensible space works best when you treat your yard in three zones. This pattern reduces heat, slows fire, and limits ember ignition.
Immediate zone: 0–5 feet
- Keep it lean, clean, and green. Use noncombustible mulch or hardscape.
- Remove dead plants and debris. Clear leaves from corners, decks, and steps.
- Move firewood and combustible items away from walls and windows.
Intermediate zone: 5–30 feet
- Reduce fuel continuity. Separate shrubs and trees so fire cannot climb.
- Remove ladder fuels under trees. Keep grasses trimmed.
- Maintain irrigation where allowed to keep plants healthy and less combustible.
Extended zone: 30–100 feet or to property line
- Thin and space vegetation to lower fire intensity.
- On slopes, increase spacing and consider more aggressive thinning uphill.
- Maintain access routes so firefighters can reach your home.
Your month-by-month calendar
Use this calendar as a practical checklist. Adjust for weather, HOA rules, and County inspection timing. Wet winters often mean faster spring growth.
January–February: Plan and schedule
- Walk your property after winter rains and flag dead or hazardous trees.
- If you need major removals, book a licensed arborist and confirm permits as required.
- Update your defensible space plan. Note access points and green-waste staging.
- Review HOA and County rules for tree work or slope areas.
March–April: Spring reduction and inspection prep
- Thin brush, reduce heavy ground fuels, and trim trees near structures.
- Clear dead leaves and needles from roofs, gutters, eaves, and decks.
- Mow grasses and swap flammable mulch near the house for noncombustible options.
- Store firewood at least 30 feet from the home when possible.
- Arrange chipping or hauling. Many communities offer spring chipping.
May–June: Final sweep before peak season
- Finish remaining clearing before summer heat. Abatement notices often arrive now.
- Test irrigation if you use it and repair leaks to support the immediate zone.
- Review evacuation routes and refresh emergency kits for your household.
July–August: Maintain and monitor
- Remove new dead growth caused by heat or drought.
- Keep roofs and gutters free of debris.
- Maintain low grass height and check spacing where shrubs have filled in.
- Avoid spark-producing tools during hot, dry, or windy conditions.
September–October: Santa Ana wind preparation
- Do a focused sweep for leaves and needles along the roofline and perimeter.
- Move or secure combustible outdoor furniture, planters, propane tanks, and trash bins.
- Fine-tune tree and shrub spacing. Remove ladder fuels before wind events.
- Make sure address numbers are visible and access is clear for responders.
November–December: Post-season cleanup
- Remove plants that did not survive the summer and clear dead material.
- Tackle deferred items like permitted removals or structural pruning.
- If chipping services are limited now, schedule for late fall or early spring.
Year-round habits
- Trim back any branches that touch or hang over structures.
- After storms or high winds, inspect for downed limbs and new debris.
- Adjust irrigation to water restrictions while keeping the 0–5 foot zone managed.
Local rules, permits, and safety
Staying compliant protects your home and avoids fines. Here is what to watch in Stevenson Ranch and unincorporated LA County.
- Enforcement and inspections: County inspectors check brush clearance, especially in spring and summer. Noncompliance can lead to abatement and assessments.
- Permits and protected species: Tree removals, native vegetation, and slope work may require County permits or HOA approval. Check before you cut.
- Hiring contractors: Use licensed, insured pros who know defensible space standards. Ask for references and detailed disposal plans. Be cautious after major fires and avoid large upfront payments.
- Green waste and burning: Open burning is heavily restricted in Los Angeles County. Use chipping, green-waste pickup, or permitted disposal sites.
- Wildlife and nesting: Be mindful of nesting seasons and protected habitats. Some work may be seasonally limited.
- Slope safety: Steep terrain can be hazardous and may need erosion control expertise. When in doubt, hire professionals.
Home hardening and ember defense
Defensible space works best with simple home-hardening steps. Many ember ignitions start at small openings or on the roof.
- Screen vents and keep them in good repair to block embers.
- Install and maintain spark arrestors on chimneys. Keep branches at least 10 feet from chimneys.
- Clean roofs and gutters often, especially before wind events.
- Choose noncombustible fencing and gates within 5 feet of structures if possible.
- Store lumber, firewood, and propane away from the house and under noncombustible covers.
Evacuation readiness for your household
Readiness is part of prevention. A simple plan reduces stress during fast-moving events.
- Map two routes out of your neighborhood and practice them.
- Keep a go-bag with water, medications, important documents, chargers, and pet supplies.
- Save emergency contacts and local alert systems to your phone.
- If advised to evacuate, leave early when roads are clear and safe to use.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until June to start clearance. Spring growth is faster than you think.
- Ignoring the 0–5 foot zone. This is the most important area to keep clean.
- Trimming large trees without checking permit requirements.
- Piling green waste against fences or walls near the home.
- Overplanting slopes without spacing that breaks up fuel continuity.
How this supports home value
Strong defensible space helps protect your home and shows diligent care to future buyers. Clean roofs and gutters, smart plant spacing, and tidy hardscape read as pride of ownership. It can also support smoother inspections and reduce surprises during a sale. If you are planning to list in the next year, start the calendar now so your property shows its best when you hit the market.
Ready to pair smart safety with smart selling? Reach out to De Lorenzo Properties for local guidance on timing, presentation, and a clear plan to go to market.
FAQs
What is legally required for defensible space in Stevenson Ranch?
- California Public Resources Code §4291 sets up to 100 feet of defensible space from structures, or to your property line. Local fire authorities may apply stricter standards.
Who enforces brush clearance in Stevenson Ranch?
- The Los Angeles County Fire Department conducts inspections and can issue abatement notices in unincorporated areas like Stevenson Ranch.
Do I need a permit to remove trees or clear brush?
- You might. Tree removals, slope work, and native species often require County permits and HOA approval. Confirm before starting.
When do County inspections usually happen?
- Many inspections occur in spring and summer, but timing can shift with weather patterns and growth. Watch for County notices.
Can I burn my cleared vegetation?
- Open burning is restricted in Los Angeles County. Use chipping, green-waste pick-up, or permitted disposal options instead.
How should I handle steep slopes near my home?
- Increase spacing, avoid risky DIY work, and consider licensed professionals with erosion-control expertise to protect safety and comply with rules.
What are the top tasks for the 0–5 foot zone?
- Keep it noncombustible, remove dead material, clean gutters and roof edges, and move firewood and combustibles away from the structure.
How often should I clean my gutters during fire season?
- Check monthly during dry months and always before forecasted high winds or red flag conditions.
If you are getting your home ready to sell or simply want a safer, market-ready property, we can help you plan the timing and presentation that buyers notice. Request Your Free Home Valuation with De Lorenzo Properties today.
