Can Having Too Much Scrub Oak on Your Property be Dangerous?

Scrub oak, which is the more common name of Gambel oak, (Quercus gambelii) is quite common in many regions, such as El Paso, Douglas and Elbert counties in Colorado. People like it and keep it because it is considered maintenance free, so it grows out naturally even with no intervention.

However, in some cases, too much scrub oak on a property is potentially dangerous, because it might increase fire hazard. So, if you live in a place prone to wildfires, you should deal with some scrub oak management, to protect your home.

It is not necessary to cut down all these shrubby oaks on your property. Just makes sure there is a safe area around your home, and the vegetation beyond it is healthy, without dead or diseased branches. This way, scrub oak shrubs can be allowed to grow safely and complete your landscape.

How should you prune a scrub oak?
First, you will have to remove damaged and dead branches, as they can be easily caught by a fire. Next, trim the lower branches at an even level and also cut all crossed branches. Once your tree is properly groomed, make sure to remove the debris resulted in the process.

This operation should be done every year to ensure fire mitigation, because scrub oak regrows quickly due to its extensive root system. For help in removing scrub oak and trees from your property, see https://www.acetreecareservices.com/.