03/04/2026
EMAIL by Friday-March 6 to advocate to the Board of Forestry about clear regulations to protect trees in the “Zone Zero” area within five feet of structures! Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line,“Trees in Zone Zero” or something similar!
Below are three paragraphs that could quickly be pasted (or customized with your examples or concerns). If you have questions before sending your email, contact Anne Fege, Certified Urban and Community Forester, [email protected]. Thank you for contributing to tree advocacy!
DRAFT EMAIL:
Zone Zero regulations need to clearly allow trees, and we support Option One for Trees “Well-maintained trees allowed, local tree protections included”. Evidence from wildfire research and post-fire assessments demonstrates that mature, hydrated trees do not pose an inherent ignition risk to structures. Large-diameter trunks and primary branches contain substantial internal moisture and require prolonged, high-intensity heat to ignite, conditions not produced by wind-borne embers. The regulations still need to require removing ladder fuels, trimming tree canopy that overhangs the roof, and cleaning leaves and needles from roofs.
Stronger guidance is needed for implementation, as our local fire departments interpret, advise, and enforce tree retention (and removal, if not well-maintained). If accurate code-based local authority is not exercised, there is great risk and already evidence that insurance companies become “de facto” interpreters and enforcers of Zone Zero regulations. Local authorities need effective educational materials for homeowners on how to harden structures.
Unwarranted tree removal will result in unintended losses in the many valued and familiar benefits of trees, including shade, cooling, lower energy use, aesthetics, social pleasures, and canopy goals in Climate Action Plans. At risk is the expensive wasteful removal of trees that don’t ignite in urban ember-driven wildfires and won’t reduce structure ignition risks. So please make it clear that structures can be “firesafe” with well-managed hydrated trees.
