Lot Clearing & Large-Scale Defensible Space Services
Protecting your property from wildfire takes more than just meeting the bare minimum. At Grind Fire Defense, we go beyond California's 100-foot defensible space requirement to create strategic, fire-safe zones on large lots, rural properties, and land slated for new construction.
Whether you're clearing acreage for wildfire protection, planning a build, or improving safety on a densely vegetated property, our experienced crews bring professional-grade equipment and firefighter-trained precision to every job. Our trained crews—composed of experienced firefighters and forestry professionals—are equipped to handle the toughest terrain and densest vegetation.
Why Consider Lot Clearing?
Wildfire risk in California is no longer seasonal—it’s year-round. Overgrown vegetation, dead trees, and dense underbrush act as fuel, turning your property into a fire hazard.
Lot clearing reduces this risk by:
- Removing ladder fuels that carry flames from the ground to tree canopies
- Creating defensible space zones that slow fire spread
- Improving access for emergency responders
- Helping you meet CAL FIRE defensible space regulations and avoid fines
But it's not just about your property. Creating extended defensible space helps protect surrounding homes, neighborhoods, and wildland areas. It's a service to your community and your peace of mind.
Our Lot Clearing Services
- Complete vegetation removal – from thick brush and dead shrubs to small trees and vines
- Hazardous tree removal – dead, dying, leaning, or close-to-structure trees
- Shaded fuel breaks – carefully thinned tree stands that slow fire spread while preserving canopy
- Brush and understory clearing – Removing flammable vegetation to reduce fuel loads
- Fire breaks – wide, cleared paths that act as barriers against advancing flames
- Egress clearing – establishing safe access/exit routes in case of evacuation
- On-site chipping, hauling, and debris removal – included with every project
- Ongoing maintenance plans – to keep your property safe season after season
Going Beyond the 100-Foot Requirement
California law requires a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space, but wildfire doesn’t care about minimums. That’s why our work often extends well beyond the required perimeter—especially on larger properties or those in high fire-risk zones.
By expanding that buffer zone, we increase the survivability of your structures, help protect neighboring homes, and give firefighters critical space to work in the event of an emergency.
Our team assesses your property’s unique terrain, vegetation, and exposure risks to create a custom plan that maximizes fire protection—while respecting the natural landscape.
What Sets Grind Fire Defense Apart
We’re not a landscaper or just a tree service– we're a defensible space service. Our crew is made up of past and present firefighters and land management pros who understand wildfire behavior from the ground up. We’ve been on the front lines, and we bring that experience to every project.
- Free preliminary property assessment
- Custom defensible space planning
- Licensed tree fallers and experienced hand crews
- Top-tier equipment and safe work practices
- Compliance with CAL FIRE regulations and beyond
- Detailed documentation for insurance or permitting
Ready to Clear Your Land and Protect What Matters?
Wildfires aren’t slowing down, and neither are we. Contact us today to schedule your free property assessment and start building real, lasting fire protection for your land.
📍 Serving residential, commercial, and rural properties across California.
Book Your Free Consultation by calling us at (530) 999-2035.
Let’s make your land safer, together.
FAQs about lot clearing
Q: Can you clear steep or hard-to-reach terrain?
A: Yes. Our crews are trained and equipped for remote and difficult terrain. No lot is too tough.
Q: How often should I have my property cleared?
A: At least once per year, though some high-risk areas benefit from seasonal maintenance.
Q: Will I get documentation for my insurance?
A: Absolutely. We provide before-and-after photos and written summaries upon request.
Q: Do you work with HOAs or landowners’ associations?
A: Yes! We regularly coordinate lot clearing and fuel reduction projects for communities and shared parcels.
Q: When should I consider lot clearing?
A: If you're asking yourself any of the following questions, it's probably time to call us:
- Is my property surrounded by dense brush, overgrown trees, or dry vegetation?
- Am I building on raw land or preparing for construction?
- Has my insurance provider requested proof of wildfire mitigation?
- Do I live in a CAL FIRE-designated high fire-risk area?
- Do I want to create safer evacuation routes for my family or tenants?
If the answer is yes to any of these, you’ll benefit from a custom lot clearing plan.
Q: What is a defensible fire zone?
A: A defensible fire zone is an area around a building or structure that has been changed to reduce the risk of wildfire damage. These areas can be made in many ways, such as removing plants, using fire-resistant materials, and installing sprinkler systems. Creating a defensible zone aims to make a buffer around a structure that will help stop or slow a wildfire. This can give firefighters a better chance of protecting the area.
Defensible fire zones are usually established in areas at high risk of wildfire, specifically places with dry, flammable plants or frequent wildfires. These areas can be found in rural, suburban, or urban areas.
Before & After







Weed EATING &
POisOn OAK REMOVAL

BRUSH OR SHRUB
CLEARING & REMOVAL

TREE PRUNING, CHIPPING & STUMP REMOVAL

yard clean up &
FIRE SMART LANDSCAPING
We’re not landscapers...
We’re trained professionals who know how to protect homes from wildfire by eliminating the conditions that help fires spread.
✅ Brush Clearing Near Your Home
We cut and remove dry grasses, invasive brush, and dense vegetation that fuel fast-moving flames. This is one of the most effective ways to protect your property.
✅ Tree Trimming & Ladder Fuel Removal
Branches hanging low to the ground can carry fire right into the treetops—and into your home. We remove these ladder fuels to help stop upward fire movement and reduce crown fire risk.
✅ Defensible Space Creation & Maintenance
We build out defensible space zones around your home—starting with Zone 0 (the first 5 feet around your house), the most critical area in home wildfire defense.
✅ Chipping & Hauling
Once we’ve cleared your vegetation, we chip it on-site or haul it away. You don’t have to lift a finger—we handle the clean-up and disposal.
✅ Ongoing Maintenance Plans
Vegetation grows back fast, especially after rainy seasons. We offer
defensible space maintenance to ensure your property stays ready before and during
fire season.
Insurance & CAL FIRE?
We’ve Got You Covered
If your homeowner’s insurance company is requesting fuel reduction or you’ve received a notice from the fire department, we can help. We understand defensible space regulations, wildfire insurance requirements, and local fire codes.
We’ll help you:
- Pass inspections
- Stay compliant
- Avoid fines or non-renewals
Ready to learn how you can protect your home or business from wildfire?
OVER FIFTY 5 Star REVIEWS
FROM OUR CLIENTS


More grind Fire Defense
services
Fire Defense services
- Defensible Space
- Tree Removal
- Brush & Debris Removal
- Pile Burn Management
- Weed Abatement
- Brush Clearing
- Wildfire Fuel Reduction
- Ladder Fuel Reduction
- Forestry Mulching
- Fuel & Fire Break Construction
- Right of Way Clearing
- Egress Widening
Property Maintenance
- Land Cleanup
- Invasive Species Removal
- Wood Chipping
- Chemical Weed Abatement
- Green Waste Haul Off
- Forestry Mastication
- Blackberry Removal
- Brush Clearing Service
- Tree Pruning
- Storm & Fire Cleanup
- Hazardous Tree Removal
- Field Mowing
Real estate & insurance
- Pre & Post Sale Cleanup
- Abatement
- Increased Curb Appeal
- Brush Mowing
- Underbrush Removal
- Vegetation Management
- Lot & Land Clearing
- Vacant Lot Clearing
- Property Enhancement
- Cutting New Roadways
- Brush & Tree Mastication
- Educational Presentations
learn fire safety with @grindFireDefense on YouTube
Learn how to protect your home from fire by properly maintaining your land. In this video, Fire Captain John Gleason, will teach you how different types of trees impact wildfire danger on your land.