When it’s time to clear brush on your property, you have two choices:
- Do it yourself (if you’re trained and equipped)
- Or hire a professional crew
In fire-prone communities like La Habra Heights, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades, hiring the right crew can mean the difference between passing city inspections — or facing fines and fire risks.
But not every “brush clearance” crew you find online is qualified.
Here’s how to protect yourself (and your property) by asking the right questions before you hire.
🔹 Note: While many of our examples reference La Habra Heights, the principles of brush clearance apply across Southern California’s wildfire-prone zones — including Malibu, Altadena, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica Mountains, and hillside communities throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Ventura Counties.
We focus on La Habra Heights for a reason:
LHH is a wildfire-resilient city with an excellent reputation for proactive fire safety.
- The La Habra Heights Fire Department (LHHFD) is highly regarded and is a hands-on training ground for fire science students from Rio Hondo College, many of whom go on to become firefighters throughout OC and LA Counties.
- LHHFD’s experience, training, and brush clearance enforcement are respected across the region, making their 2024 standards an ideal model for best practices.
So whether you live in La Habra Heights or anywhere across Southern California’s hills and canyons, following these strategies will help you stay safer, compliant, and wildfire-ready.
🔥 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Brush Clearance Crew
1. Are You Familiar with My City’s 2024 Brush Clearance Requirements?
Make sure the crew knows the specific standards for your city, whether it’s La Habra Heights, Malibu, or Altadena.
✅ Learn the top 5 things every homeowner must know about La Habra Heights’ 2024 rules.
2. Do You Carry Liability Insurance?
Always hire insured workers.
- Brush clearance is dangerous work.
- You don’t want to be liable for injuries or accidents on your property.
Request proof of insurance before starting.
3. Can You Properly Create a 100-Foot Defensible Space?
Ask if they:
- Know the difference between Zone A (0–30 feet) and Zone B (30–100 feet)
- Understand proper tree crown spacing and vertical limb clearance
✅ Learn how to create a defensible space the right way.
4. Do You Remove All Dead Material?
Clearing means more than just trimming:
- All dead grass, shrubs, branches, and leaves must be fully removed.
- Leaving debris piles behind can fail inspections.
✅ Follow our full Brush Clearance Checklist here.
5. Do You Clear Access Roads and Driveways?
Crews should know:
- 10 feet horizontal clearance along driveways
- 15 feet vertical clearance overhead
If your property isn’t fully accessible, it’s not fully protected.
6. How Do You Dispose of Cleared Material?
Be wary of crews that:
- Leave debris on-site
- Burn brush improperly (illegal in many cities)
- Fail to haul away flammable waste
7. Do You Know the Best Times to Perform This Work?
Smart crews work between January and April whenever possible — before the May 1st deadline and before peak fire season.
✅ Learn the best times of year for brush clearance.
8. Can You Help Prepare for Annual Inspections?
The right crew:
- Clears the property to city inspection standards
- Understands what inspectors look for
- Helps you stay ahead of citations and forced clearances
✅ Avoid common mistakes that lead to costly brush violations.
🛡️ Bonus Tip: Cheapest Isn’t Always Best
Saving a few bucks upfront isn’t worth:
- Failing your inspection
- Facing forced city clearance charges
- Leaving your family vulnerable during fire season
Hire crews that know the rules, care about safety, and deliver full compliance — not just quick mow-and-go services.
✅ Visit our full Brush Clearance Resource Center for vetted crew recommendations.
✅ Need trusted local help? Contact us today.
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