Certified arborist in Lemmon Valley, NV

Lemmon Valley is a community of about 4,400 north of Reno where more than half the homes predate 1980 and about 9% of households heat with wood. It is also among the most fire-exposed places on our list.

At a glance

• Wildfire risk to homes higher than 99.2% of US communities
• About 45% of buildings in the direct exposure zone
• About 53% of homes built before 1980
• About 9% of households heat with wood

The highest fire ranking in this batch

The USDA Forest Service rates Lemmon Valley's wildfire risk to homes higher than 99.2% of US communities, and about 45% of its buildings are in the direct exposure zone. The 2026 Hawk Fire, mapped at 15,083 acres, had its center about 5.6 miles away, and the 1984 Mitchell Canyon fire, mapped at 9,469 acres, about 8.1 miles (NIFC).

That makes the consultation a good time to talk about dead trees, crowded stands, and brush near buildings.

Older homes, older trees

About 53% of homes were built before 1980, with a median year of 1979 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024; a small community, so treat the figures as approximate). About 17% of units are mobile homes.

Windbreaks and shade trees from that era may now be past their best. The arborist looks for dead wood, hollow trunks and decay at the base.

Wood heat means a woodpile

About 9% of households here heat with wood, one of the higher shares in our area. If you burn wood, you also have a stack near the house. The arborist can note where it sits relative to trees and structures.

Climate

The Reno 5.3 N station, 1.5 miles from the community point at 5,101 feet, averages about 10.1 inches of precipitation, and the Stead station about 16.7 inches of snow a year (NOAA 1991-2020 normals). The community sits at about 4,950 feet in zone 7b.

What does an arborist's plan look like?

A typical result is a short list in priority order: dead trees to remove, limbs to prune back from the roof, brush to clear, and trees that can stay. Each item comes with a free estimate, and you decide which to do and when.

Trees, chimneys and woodpiles

With wood heat common in Lemmon Valley, the arborist also notes any tree branches over a chimney or near a stove pipe, and where firewood is stacked. Those are practical items that cost nothing to check at the visit.

Rules

Lemmon Valley is unincorporated Washoe County. We did not confirm a county permit rule for private trees, so ask the county before major removals. Estimates are free, and the phone is staffed seven days a week.