Joe Gowen
Services
Fire Abatement
Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire, either from embers, direct flame contact or radiant heat.
- Create a Defensible Space by removing all flammable vegetation within 30 feet immediately surrounding your home
- Then create a "REDUCED FUEL ZONE" in the remaining 70 feet or to your property line You have two options in this area:
- Create horizontal and vertical spacing between plants. The amount of space will depend on how steep your property is and the size of your plants.
- Large trees do not have to be removed as long as all the plants beneath them are removed.
- Remove lower tree branches at least six feet from the ground
- Landscape with fire resistant plants
- Maintain all plants with regular water, and keep dead branches, leaves and needles removed.
- When clearing vegetation, use care when operating equipment such as lawnmowers. One small spark may start a fire.
Listen about the importance of fire abatement on KGUA 88.3 fm's Podcast Peggy's Place.
Joe is Interviewed by Peggy Berryhill about Fire Abatement and Earth Care
Recaliforniacation
What does the term "native plants" even mean? Which ones should you pick? Where do you find them? When do you plant them? This is our expertise!! Many of the Native Plants on the coast have been replaced with non native species - only years later to be replaced with other non native species.. We can remedy this and in turn not only reduce water usage but Native plants are also better adapted to the local environment and they do a better job of providing ecological services, such as habitat. You'll see more hummingbirds, native bees, butterflies and other species. For this service it is best to contact us before Winter Solstice for Optimal results.
Trail Makers
Whether for personal recreation, education, design or other purposes, we’ll help set priorities for your land and help you through the steps to achieve your goals. We maintained the Trails at Bohemian Grove for ten years and The Plantation Equine Trails here on the Sonoma Coast.
