Southern Californians know all too well about the dangers of wildfire combined with the arrival of the Santa Ana winds in autumn.  These winds, originating in upland deserts well inland of our great state, are pushed down the mountains by high pressure systems, growing hotter and drier as they do so.  And while SoCal residents are no strangers to warm breezes, the phenomenon of the Santa Ana winds is something completely different.

As summer rolls into early fall, it’s therefore time to start assessing how ready our properties are for the potential of spreading wildfire and the fuel of these winds.  Two major factors, in particular, play into how ready your property is to avoid damage from wind and fire:

Tree Health

Because the winds are so strong, damage from trees is a primary concern.  And while trees have evolved to withstand the forces of nature, better than even our homes sometimes do, trees that are dying or diseased are more susceptible to breakage and falling during storms.  Furthermore, some species are just not as well suited to handle strong winds.  For example, melaleuca (paperbark), considered invasive in some parts of the country, are known to be drought tolerant here in Southern California, making them a beneficial alternative to other trees with decorative bark.  But melaleuca and other drought tolerant species can be brittle and thus have a tendency to break if they’re not cared for and pruned annually.

The recommendation, therefore, is to have your trees assessed regularly for health and stability, particularly against the strong, drying Santa Ana winds.

LANDSCAPE COMPANY NEAR ME

There are 2 reasons most clients contact us: to bring drive-up appeal to their home or to replace their current gardener. We take these two reasons to heart. We understand how important your landscape is to you. We are experts on drive-up appeal, water conservation landscaping, seasonal and climate planting, irrigation, and much more.

Wildfire

The spread of wildfire is exacerbated by Santa Ana winds that can blow it even farther and faster and in an unpredictable manner.  Property owners need to evaluate the defensible zones around their homes and other buildings to ensure that wildfire is stopped before it can damage or destroy them.  Dried out plant material and untrimmed shrubs with dead or dying branches should be removed as well.  Anything that can catch fire and advance the spread is a hazard, particularly when the Santa Ana winds pick up.

Before the business of the fall holidays are upon us, reach out to SB Evolution Landscape to help you assess how ready your property is to stand up to wildfire and the Santa Ana winds.