Tree Planting After Wildfire Clearing in Brea: What to Choose Next

Brea’s Fire Danger Zones and Regulatory Compliance

Fire danger exists in Brea due to its location in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) within Orange County, specifically in areas that contain WUI, such as Carbon Canyon. After clearing for fire, property owners must comply with Brea-specific fire-safety requirements when replanting cleared land.

Fuel-modification plans shall meet the minimum requirements outlined in the ‘Brea Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Requirements’; tree selection will be important for compliance and fire-safety purposes.

New regulations, created by California to establish Ember-Resistant Zones (ERZs), will require owners to carefully consider vegetation within five feet of all structures. In high-risk wildfire areas, plantings within five feet of houses will be strictly regulated; however, well-maintained mature trees that have sufficient space between structures may be permitted.

Recommendations for Best Fire-Resistant Trees to Plant for Brea Properties

Native California Plants

In evaluating tree planting options, native California plants provide the ideal combination of fire-resistance and local adaptability. Deciduous tree types such as maple, oak, sweet gum (liquidambar), locust, redbud, dogwood, ash, toyon, and smoke tree are examples of species that thrive in Brea’s Mediterranean climate and require significantly less water once established.

One example of a standout option for Brea homeowners is the Coast Live Oak. The canopy of a Coast Live Oak is capable of providing a protective barrier for your home and will extinguish embers traveling miles ahead of a fire. Many examples of thriving Coast Live Oaks exist within Brea, including those found near Carbon Canyon Regional Park’s Redwood Grove.

Deciduous Options

Generally, deciduous trees are better choices for fire-resistance than evergreen trees. Trees and shrubs that are deciduous (shedding annual leaf loss) are often more fire-resistant than evergreen plants. Some excellent options for your Brea property include:

• California Redbud produces showy spring blooms and fall color, and is a fire-resistant choice.
• Fruit trees, including cherry, peach, and plum, also provide dual benefits of fire-safety and food production.
• Deciduous fruit trees such as cherry, peach, and plum are also fire-resistant.

Understanding Fire-Resistant Plant Characteristics

When evaluating trees for replanting, evaluate the characteristics of trees that contribute to fire-resistance. Fire-resistant plants tend to be slower to ignite and possess several common characteristics. They have moist leaves, supple leaves, and generally possess a watery sap lacking a strong odor. They do not collect dry, dead material either within or under their plants.

Deep-rooted California native species have multiple advantages over fire-resistance alone. Many California native plants, such as California Sagebrush, California Buckwheat, and wide varieties of native grasses, such as Purple Needlegrass, assist with soil-stabilization and water-conservation.

Proper Spacing and Defensible Space Development

Tree planting after clearing for wildfires requires strategic spacing to reduce potential fire-spread. Plant trees at least ten feet apart (and more if you reside on a hillside) and at least thirty feet from your dwelling. This spacing establishes a defensible space, which is critical for protecting your dwelling while developing an aesthetically pleasing yard.

Defensible space is generally considered a 100-foot radius around structures with varying vegetation restrictions in each of three zones: the immediate area around your dwelling, the intermediate zone surrounding your home, and the outermost zone surrounding your property.

Local Landmarks and Local Growing Conditions

Brea’s varied topography and geography, from the hills near Carbon Canyon Regional Park to the more developed areas around City Hall Park, allow for numerous growing conditions for tree planting. The famous Redwood Grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park shows how proper irrigation and care can allow trees to thrive in locations that are not within their natural range.

Identifying your local microclimate will assist with informing your tree selections. For instance, property owners located in proximity to Chino Hills State Park will likely have different wind patterns and moisture levels than property owners who reside near Brea Mall or the Olinda area, thus affecting which species will perform the best.

Maintenance Requirements for Fire Safety

Ongoing maintenance will be required to maintain fire-safe properties after tree planting, following wildfire clearing. Prune dead branches and maintain proper branch structure, which will limit fires from spreading via trees and large shrubs (limbing up). Prune lower branches to remove fuels that could potentially support fire-spread.

Establish a consistent watering schedule that will hydrate your trees to maintain their fire-resistant properties. Native foliage supported by smart irrigation does not equate to hydrated foliage; rather, it equates to hydration, not the feared excess growth.

Flammable Plants to Avoid When Replanting After Fire Clearing

Certain plants should be avoided when replanting after wildfire clearing. Flammable plants include but are not limited to sagebrush, conifers (cedar, pine, juniper, fir, Italian cypress), broom, rosemary, eucalyptus, palms, feather, and fountain grasses. These plants accumulate volatile oils and dry materials that can serve as a source of fuel for fires.

However, there are some exceptions among conifers. Most conifers are highly flammable; however, redwoods are an exception to the rule and are a preferred tree type in a fire-wise landscape, as demonstrated by the success of the redwood grove near Carbon Canyon Dam.

Professional Planning and Installation

Tree planting after wildfire clearing requires expertise in both fire-safety and horticulture. We understand the complexities associated with Brea’s fire-regulations, soil conditions, and climate requirements. We provide comprehensive planning services that will ensure that your new landscape meets the necessary fire-safety regulations while allowing you to design the outdoor living space of your dreams.

Our staff will guide the initial site assessment to species selection and long-term maintenance planning. We understand local conditions and will use this understanding to ensure that your tree planting project is successful for years to come, regardless of whether you reside in the hills near Carbon Canyon or the developed residential areas around Founders Park.

Confidence in Moving Forward

Creating a safer and more resilient property is a great opportunity when replanting your landscape after wildfire clearing. By utilizing fire-resistant tree species, ensuring proper spacing, and creating defensible space, you will protect your investment while increasing your property’s aesthetic appeal and value.

Contact our certified arborists at Brea Tree Services & Arbor Care to develop a custom tree planting plan tailored to meet your specific needs while complying with local fire-safety regulations. Working together, we will create an attractive landscape that includes shade, beauty, and peace of mind for your family for generations to come.