During an Alaskan winter, when your heating system is running constantly and your fireplace is providing some extra warmth in the evenings, you have to be aware of potential fire hazards around your home. These hazards don’t only appear inside your home, but they can also show up directly outside. A trusted tree removal service like Carlos Tree Service in Anchorage, AK, will help you remove some of the branches, trees, and foliage around your home that may lead to danger. However, it helps to know what to look for first. Here are a few important tips to make your home a safer place.

5 Tips to Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home

1. Don’t Plant Trees or Foliage Too Close to Your Home

Not only can certain plants easily catch on fire and spread to your home, but they can also create barriers that prevent firefighters from effectively putting out any fires that do occur. If you leave at least a few feet away from your home for short plants, and about 20 feet for trees, it gives them a better chance of eliminating or at least stopping the spread of fires right away.

2. Keep Firewood Stacked Away From Outer Walls

Firewood can present another potential fire hazard around the outside of your home, as well as a roadblock for firefighters. Instead of stacking it right up against the base wall of your house, store it on a wood rack away from your home.

3. Remove Branches Growing Within 10 Feet of the Building

If you have trees around your home, even if they’re technically far enough away, you have to keep an eye on the branches. If they get close to your house, within about 10 feet, you might want to invest in tree trimming services to keep the area directly around your house clear.

4. Choose Native, Firewise Plants

When you do add plants around your property, you can make it less likely that they’ll contribute to the spread of fires by choosing firewise plants. In Alaska, choosing plants that are native to the area, like juniper and lady fern, can make your property a bit less susceptible to fire hazards because they’re likely to be healthy and lush rather than old and dried out. However, it’s important to note that no plants are completely fireproof.

5. Clear Out Dead Plants & Branches

If you have plants or trees with dead spots or branches on them, clear those pieces away from your home to make your plants less susceptible to fires. It can also create more visibility around your property, making it easier for firefighters to stop fires if they do occur.

There’s no way to completely eliminate the chance of a fire impacting your home. However, these small steps can improve your chances of keeping your house safe. If you’re looking for a tree trimmer or tree removal service to remove any hazards around your home, call the experts at Carlos Tree Service. The company provides pruning, cutting, and even stump driving services to homeowners around Anchorage. Call (907) 522-6049 or contact the company online to learn more.