Certified arborist in Smith Valley, NV

Smith Valley is a ranching valley of about 1,800 people at roughly 4,781 feet, hardiness zone 6b. Nearly two-thirds of its homes were built in 2000 or later.

At a glance

• 89.8% of Smith Valley buildings in the direct wildfire exposure zone
• USFS wildfire risk to homes higher than 97.4% of US communities
• About 64% of homes built in 2000 or later
• About 80 minutes from our Carson City yard

Almost every building is in the exposure zone

The Forest Service places 89.8% of Smith Valley's buildings in the direct wildfire exposure zone and rates its wildfire risk to homes higher than 97.4% of US communities. Four fires of 300 acres or more since 1980 have centers within about 10 miles, including the 2012 Tre Fire (7,073 acres) and the 2018 Upper Colony Fire (1,201 acres).

That is why many Smith Valley consultations are about what grows near buildings: trees, shrubs, dead material and ladder fuels.

Newer homes, planted trees

The median Smith Valley home dates from 2004, and about 64% were built in 2000 or later; about 14% of households heat with wood (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024; small community, approximate). Planted trees are young to middle-aged, and the older windbreak trees on ranch lots are often the ones that need the closer look.

A cold, dry valley

The Smith 6 N station, 5.8 miles away at 5,000 feet, averages about 6.2 inches of precipitation and 0.7 inches of snowfall a year, with an average temperature of 51.1 degrees F (NOAA 1991-2020 normals). Trees here depend on irrigation. The arborist notes the signs of stress and whether the tree can recover.

How far is Smith Valley from our yard?

Smith Valley is about 55 miles from our yard, so we plan visits by phone. Call 775.232.8243 and tell the office which trees you want assessed. You receive plain answers and, where work is recommended, a personalized proposal with a free estimate.

What to bring up on the phone

When you call 775.232.8243, tell the office which trees you want assessed, how far they are from buildings and whether any are in a windbreak or along a ditch. Mention gates and the road in. We plan the visit around that information, since the valley is a long way from the yard.