Although the Fuels Management Standards (Sect. 42-80) are written in an objective manner, there is considerable flexibility in how to achieve compliance. It is recommended that property owners consider an added value approach to ordinance compliance. This concept considers well planned tree thinning, resulting in good forest health and asset protection (defensible space), as a way to increase property value and protection of a home or property.  Use of tree "clumps" or clusters for aesthetics is recommended when deciding which trees to remove to achieve compliance.  Begin with the obvious.  Avoid even or "plantation-like" spacing.  Dead or dying trees should be removed first, followed by trees being stunted by others because they are growing too close to each other.  Some small trees should be retained as the next generation.  Keep as many different species of trees and sizes of trees as possible.  The Forestry Department offers free lot assessments to assist property owners.  Just call 505-257-5544, M-F and set an appointment.  See tree and plant photo gallery.

The Fuels Management Standards direct property owners to the fire hazard reduction that is necessary to achieve ordinance compliance.  Forestry terms help property owners better understand definitions and requirements.  The Forestry Department can provide information on forest health issues including evaluations for bark beetle and dwarf mistletoe. This helps property owners decide which trees to cut and which ones to leave. Beyond that, the property owner wears the "landscape hat" and decides if a particular tree is cut or not.  Two different property owners may have two different opinions as to whether to remove or retain a particular tree.  Generally, there is more than one way to achieve compliance.

Example: A ten foot tall Juniper tree is three feet from a house. One property owner feels that it is a fire hazard and says it must go. Another property owner in the same situation feels the tree provides privacy because it is located in front of their bedroom window and wants to keep it. A third property owner simply enjoys watching a woodpecker nest in that tree and wants to keep it. All three considerations are valid. The fuels management standards allow and provide direction for all of these considerations.

A qualified landscaper can assist property owners in designing any planted portion of a property's landscape.  The Village recommends zeriscape and drip irrigation systems to maximize your water use.  In zones 1 and 2 (30 feet from structure) flamable material like mulches, and wood chips may only be used in planting wells.  See FAQ. 

If a Planning and Zoning Commission submittal is required for your project (generally new construction projects), sometimes planting specific trees to compensate for loss of required basal area (see Forestry terms) is necessary.  See site development requirements.  Using trees from Forestry's approved replacement tree list is necessary for that specific situation.  Trees not on this list may be used if approved by Village Forestry.  Again, the Forestry department can assist property owners with any questions .