JANUARY: Time to Prune!

• Trim and remove all dead & dying vegetation. 
• Cut back vines and low-growing ground covers (e.g. ivy) to remove build-up of dry stems and dead leaves.
• Prune trees when dormant (except apricot and cherry).
• Gently thin and trim back tree & shrub canopies to remove twiggy growth and maintain separation between plants.
• For trees, remove limbs 6 to 10 feet from the ground, or trim up to 1/3 of tree height for smaller trees. 
• Avoid topping trees and shearing hedges as this causes excessive and twiggy growth and more fuel for a fire.
• Remove branches within 10 ft of a chimney, and clear roof & gutters of plant debris. Consult an arborist regarding any branch removal, especially to ensure the health of the tree.  

For More Fire-SmartLandscaping Information:

Visit the U.C. MARIN MASTER GARDENER website: www.ucanr.edu/ucmarinmgfiresmart