Zone Two Prescriptions

Thin trees and large shrubs so there is at least 10 feet between crowns. Crown separation is measured from the furthest branch of one tree to the nearest branch on the next tree (see figure). On steep slopes, allow more space between tree crowns. Remove all ladder fuels from under these remaining trees. Carefully prune trees to a height of 10 feet.

	Zone Two Crown Spacing
	X = crown spacing; Y = stem spacing. Don not measure between stems for crown -- measure between the edges of tree crowns.

Because Zone Two forms an aesthetic buffer and provides a transition between zones, it is necessary to blend the requirements for Zones One and Three. Thin the inner portions of Zone Two more heavily than the outer portions. Gradually increase tree density as your approach Zone Three.

Isolated shrubs may remain, provided they are not under tree crowns. Prune and maintain these plants periodically to maintain vigorous growth. Remove dead stems from trees and shrubs annually.

Limit the number of dead trees (snags) retained in this area. Wildlife need only one or two snags per acre. Be sure any snags left for wildlife cannot fall onto the house or block access roads or driveways.

Mow grass (or remove them with a weed trimmer) as needed through the growing season to keep them low, a maximum of 6 to 8 inches. This is extremely critical in the fall when grasses dry out and cure or in the spring after the snow is gone but before the plants green up.

Stack firewood and woodpiles uphill or on the same elevation as the structure but at least 30 feet away. Clear and keep away flammable vegetation within 10 feet of these woodpiles. Do not stack wood against your house or on or under your deck, even in winter. Many homes have burned from a woodpile that ignited as the fire passed. Wildfire can burn at almost any time in Colorado.

		Defensible space chart
		This chart indicates the minimum dimensions for defensible space from the home to the outer edge of Zone 2. For example, if your home is situated on a 20 percent slope, the minimum defensible space dimensions would be 90 feet uphill and t the sides of the home and 104 feet downhill from the home.

Locate propane tanks at least 30 feet from any structures, preferably on the same elevation as the house. You don't want the LP container below your house -- if it ignites, the fire would tend to burn uphill. On the other hand, if the tank is above our house and it develops a leak, LP gas will flow downhill into your home. Clear and keep away flammable vegetation within 10 feet of these tanks. Do not screen propane tanks with shrubs or vegetation.

Dispose of slash (limbs, branches and other woody debris) removed from your trees and shrubs through chipping or by piling and burning. Contact your local CSFS office or county sheriff's office for information about burning slash piles. Only if neither of these alternatives is possible, lop and scatter slash by cutting it into very small pieces and distributing it over the ground. Avoid heavy accumulations of slash. Make it lay close to the ground to speed decomposition. If desired, no more than two or three small, widely spaced brush piles may be left for wildlife purposes. Locate these toward the outer portions of your defensible space.