Certified arborist in Spanish Springs, NV

Spanish Springs is one of the newest places we serve: the median home was built in 2002 and only about 4% date from before 1980. It is also one of the more fire-exposed, so the arborist's checklist differs from a downtown yard.

At a glance

• About 57% of homes built in 2000 or later
• Wildfire risk to homes higher than 98.6% of US communities
• About 32% of buildings in the direct exposure zone
• Two ISA Certified Arborists, credential WE-11728A

Fire exposure shapes the visit

The USDA Forest Service rates Spanish Springs' wildfire risk to homes higher than 98.6% of US communities, and about 32% of its buildings are in the direct exposure zone. The 1983 Sparks fire, mapped at 25,541 acres, had its center about 7.2 miles away, and the 1985 fire recorded as "Hungry Va3" in NIFC data, near Hungry Valley, mapped at 18,159 acres, about 7.8 miles (NIFC).

The arborist can mark dead or overcrowded trees near the house and explain the UNR Extension zones: Zone 0 is 0 to 5 feet, Zone 1 is 5 to 30 feet, Zone 2 is 30 to 100 feet.

Young trees, early decisions

With a median home year of 2002, most yard trees are under 25 years old. The useful work is structural pruning, correcting problems from planting, and keeping low limbs from becoming ladders for fire (a topic for the visit, not an instruction).

About 3% of households heat with wood, so firewood storage near the house is another item to mention.

Dry climate

The Spanish Springs station, 0.8 miles from the community point, averages about 9.2 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991-2020 normals). The community sits at about 4,500 feet in zone 7b.

Trees on rural lots often get irrigation only in their first years. Dieback in the crown is a sign worth showing an arborist.

Lot clearing and brush

If your parcel is larger, ask about lot clearing and brush mowing, which we do with masticating equipment. The consultation can set priorities between trees to keep, trees to prune and brush to clear.

What do you receive after the Spanish Springs consultation?

You receive a free estimate for any work. Pruning, removal, stump grinding, lot clearing and cleanup all come from the same crew, so there is no need to coordinate several companies. If the arborist recommends waiting on a tree, that goes in the plan too, with the signs to watch for.

Rules

Spanish Springs is in unincorporated Washoe County. We did not confirm a county tree permit rule, so check with the county before major work. Home-owner associations can add rules.