Utah Wildfire Risk Management: Defensible Space Requirements Under House Bill 48

Defend Your Home from the Devastating Effects of Fire

Prolonged dry conditions, high temperatures, and gusty winds can create a perfect storm for wildfires that threaten your property. We’re here to help you prepare and protect your home with proven risk management and expert defensible space services.

Our professionals have years of experience in risk reduction and creating defensible space clearing around homes. Armed with state-of-the-art equipment, full insurance coverage, and all the required licenses, we’re dedicated to keeping your property safe.

In Utah, homeowners should also be aware of new wildfire mitigation requirements under Utah House Bill 48. This law directs local governments to establish defensible space standards, which may vary by municipality. Homeowners should check whether their property is located within a designated high-risk wildfire using the state’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) map and consult local officials for specific requirements. These requirements may include maintaining at least 30 feet of defensible space around structures, removing dead trees, and relocating or removing trees and shrubs within 10 feet of a structure.

Important Note for Utah Homeowners:

SavATree does not perform wildfire risk assessments. For official assessments or compliance questions related to House Bill 48, please contact your local municipality or fire authority. We can help facilitate the process by reviewing the recommended scope of work and discussing the best course of action for your property. Our teams have extensive experience in vegetation management and mitigation services, which are often required to be compliant with local laws.

SavATree's Wildfire Risk Management Services:

Wildfire Risk Mitigation: We can help you identify and mitigate hazards.
Defensible Space Creation: We'll help establish protective zones around your structures using woodchippers, forestry mulchers, climbers, and certified fellers, ideal for customers searching for brush clearing, fuel reduction, overall aesthetic improvement, hazard mitigation, or landscape clearing.
Removal and Replanting: If trees or shrubs must be removed to meet local wildfire safety guidelines, our team can assist with expert removal and planting or replanting services.

Wildfire Risk Reduction Tips for Property Owners:

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Manage Debris: Regularly remove dead wood, deadfall, and overgrown vegetation with expert tree trimming and brush removal services.
Prune Trees: Trim large trees to remove low-hanging limbs (at least 10 feet from chimneys and within 10 feet of the ground).
Clear Pathways: Utah House Bill 48 requires that trees and shrubs within 10 feet of a home be removed or replanted at least 30 feet away from the structure. Dead trees must also be removed. (Local clearance requirements vary—check with your local government and homeowners’ insurance company.)
Maintain Grass: Keep native grass mowed below 4 inches in height and consider bush hogging services for efficient clearing.
Remove Debris: Clear pine needles and other flammable debris from decks, roofs, gutters, and areas in close proximity to your home.
Understory Management: Use underbrush clearing to remove suppressed vegetation and prevent fire spread.
Firewood Storage: Store firewood at least 30 feet away from structures; never place it on or under decks.
Hydrant Clearance: Ensure an 8-foot vertical and horizontal clearance around hydrants and water sources by clearing surrounding vegetation.

Take action now to help safeguard your home. Let’s work together to create a firewise, defensible space that helps protect what matters most. Whether you need lot clearing and fuel reduction or complete brush clearing services, our team is here to help. Talk to our experts today.

Please note, the effects of nature on your property are inherently unpredictable. Despite the implementation of mitigation measures, there remains a risk of damage to property due to factors beyond SavATree’s control. SavATree does not guarantee complete protection from risks. The services provided are intended to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of property damage.

FAQs

What is defensible space, and why does it matter?

Defensible space is the managed area around your home designed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire. By reducing excess vegetation, removing dead material, and creating separation between trees and structures, you lower the risk of fire reaching your home. It also gives firefighters a safer, more effective area to work if a fire occurs.

How much defensible space do I need around my home?

In many areas, including parts of Utah, guidelines recommend at least 30 feet of defensible space, though requirements can vary by municipality. This may include removing dead trees, spacing out vegetation, and keeping plants and trees a safe distance from structures. We’ll help you understand what’s needed and how to achieve it, but always confirm specific requirements with your local officials.

What services help reduce wildfire risk on my property?

Wildfire risk reduction typically includes brush clearing, tree pruning, removal of hazardous or dead trees, and understory management. Our team uses advanced equipment and proven methods to create defensible space while maintaining the health and appearance of your landscape, because protection and beauty should go hand in hand.

Do I need a wildfire risk assessment before starting work?

In some areas, yes. For example, Utah House Bill 48 may require an official assessment from your local municipality or fire authority before mitigation work begins. While we don’t perform official assessments, we can review the recommended scope of work and guide you through the next steps to help bring your property into compliance.

When is the best time to create defensible space or reduce fire risk?

The best time is before peak fire season—typically in spring or early summer—when conditions are safer for crews and more effective for long-term risk reduction. That said, it’s never too late to take action. Proactive care now can help protect your home when conditions become more severe.

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(a month ago)

Tree came crashing down on my house. Andrew's team showed up the next morning with a crane and got the tree off the house in a few hours.. They knew how nervous I was about the lifting the tree over the house. They made it an easy process and cleaned everything up before they left. I would recommend them to anyone that has a tree issue or just needs a review of their trees. Andrew is an...

tara chandler

(a month ago)

We had SavATree come out to trim our 2 Cherry and 1 Apple tree that had dead and over grown parts. Chris and Landon were so helpful and went above and beyond with the requests that we had. We asked for the large parts of the tree to be put on the side for fire wood and they cut the wood into small pieces for us all on their own to make it easier for the fire pit. They came on time, worked...

alexandria medeiros

(a month ago)

Andy and the SavATree team did a great job! They arrived on time and completed the work outlined in the proposal to a high standard. When it was later noticed that one part of the project had been overlooked, they were quick to send a team back out to fix the issue and ensure customer satisfaction. I'd be happy to use them again.

Jeff Sadler

(a month ago)

Olivia at SavATree was terrific. Her skillful in-person consultation was knowledgeable, detailed, professional and her proposal was prompt, easy to read, and accurate. I got four quotes. SavATree was a bit more expensive than the competitors but Olivia was the differentiator in the consultation/sales process. Before the day of service, Olivia came out a week before and put out "no parking"...

jamison4133

(a month ago)

Andy and his team did a great job trimming the dead wood from the oak trees in my yard. I would definitely use them again.

Brian Kwik

(2 months ago)

Oswaldo was timely, thoroughly, and professional. He applied fertilizer and treatment for pest on a large tree. He showed excellent customer service by explaining what he was doing. I hope he returns next time to do the roots treatment on the old tree.

Miriam Lizcano

(2 months ago)

The quality of work this company provides cannot be overstated. Having Keith L., a certified arborist, to consult with prior to making any decisions was invaluable. Then to have three of the nicest, most professional individuals show up to do the work was an added bonus. Pencho, Edwin, and Junior worked together like a well-oiled machine. Junior, the crew leader, is phenomenally skilled at...

dl mattila

(2 months ago)

Outstanding workmanship, very reasonably priced, Workers have a great attitude and explain how the trees need to be trimmed. Have recommended Aspen Tree Service - SaveATree to our homeowners association.

Isaiah Knott

(2 months ago)

This is the second time we have hired Sussex Tree for tree removal. They came out quickly to give us an estimate after the big snow storm and their price was fair. We got on the schedule very quickly. Asa and his crew were polite, professional and had all the proper equipment on hand to ensure things were safe and our property was undamaged. They did a great job cleaning up afterwards too!

Rob & Mary Kunzig

(a month ago)

Quick response to request for estimate with timely follow up. Upon acceptance of estimate the work was done soon after. The day the work was done it rained but work crew completed trimming and cleanup. Everything was to our satisfaction from Corey (arborist) to the work crew and follow up we couldn’t be more satisfied. Will use again if needs arise

Fred Shuck