South Pasadena To Trim City Trees in Monterey Hills To Reduce Wildfire Risk

The City of South Pasadena will begin a phased tree-trimming program in the Monterey Hills area this fall as part of a broader effort to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen community preparedness.

By News Desk

The work is scheduled to begin in September. Crews from West Coast Arborists will remove dead, diseased, and overgrown branches from city-owned trees and trees located within public rights-of-way. The program will also address branches extending over sidewalks.

According to the City’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone map, Monterey Hills includes areas designated as both high and very high fire hazard severity zones. Officials cited the area’s terrain, fuel potential, weather patterns, and other risk-related factors as conditions that could contribute to the rapid spread of wildfires.

The tree trimming is intended to create defensible space around homes and other structures, increase separation between vegetation and potential ignition sources, and help maintain emergency response routes and evacuation corridors by reducing vegetation and other combustible materials.

Street parking may be affected while crews are working. Impacted residents will be notified in advance, and trimming schedules will be posted on the City’s website as they become available.

The tree-trimming program is one element of the City’s wildfire resilience strategy, which also includes weed abatement, targeted grazing, and improvements to emergency access.

“Implementing a comprehensive, layered plan is essential to reducing risk and preparing our community for the conditions we may face,” South Pasadena Fire Chief Greg Lloyd said. “Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility, and when the City, residents, and our community partners work together, we are better positioned to protect lives, property, and our neighborhoods.”

City officials also encouraged residents to reduce wildfire risk around their homes by clearing dead vegetation, removing combustible materials, trimming trees on their property, and properly spacing plants. These measures can help slow the spread of flames and embers while providing firefighters with safer areas to work.

More information about the Monterey Hills Wildfire Resilience Strategy is available at southpasadenaca.gov/wildfire-resilience-strategy.