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Are Dead Trees a Fire Hazard on Acreage Near Calgary?

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Dead trees may seem like a natural part of rural landscapes, but in Foothills County, they can be a major fire hazard. With hotter, drier summers and more frequent wildfire activity in southern Alberta, property owners in areas like Millarville, Priddis, and Turner Valley need to take fire risk seriously.


At Evergreen LTD, we work with acreage owners across Foothills County to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire vulnerability. Here’s what you need to know about dead trees, and what you should do about them.


Why Dead Trees Increase Fire Risk in Foothills County

Dead and dry trees are some of the most dangerous fuels during wildfire season. According to Natural Resources Canada, dead standing timber and fallen logs ignite faster, burn hotter, and help fires spread rapidly.


In Foothills County, this is especially concerning due to:

  • Dense wooded lots in the foothills and river valleys

  • Coniferous trees like spruce and pine, which are highly flammable

  • Dry summers and wind that accelerate wildfire spread


Dead trees also act as ladder fuels, allowing a fire to climb from the ground into the canopy, turning a surface fire into a fast-moving crown fire.


Worried about dead trees on your land? Contact Evergreen LTD for a wildfire risk assessment tailored to Foothills properties.


FireSmart Zones: What Local Acreage Owners Should Know

FireSmart Canada divides your property into three zones for effective wildfire protection. These zones are critical for acreage owners in Foothills County’s Wildland-Urban Interface areas.


Immediate Zone (0–1.5 m from buildings)

  • Remove all dead branches, dry debris, and flammable vegetation

  • Use non-combustible landscaping near buildings


Intermediate Zone (1.5–10 m)

  • Prune trees, especially dead lower branches

  • Remove any dead trees or shrubs


Extended Zone (10–30 m)

  • Thin out dead or dying trees

  • Create space between tree crowns to reduce fire spread


Fire behavior modeling shows that removing dead vegetation within 30 m of a structure can reduce ignition risk by over 70%.


Need help creating a defensible space on your acreage? Book a site visit with Evergreen LTD today.


Where the Risk Is Highest in Foothills County

Wildfire risk in Foothills County is especially high in:

  • Heavily forested acreages near Millarville, Priddis, and Kananaskis

  • Areas with dense pine or spruce growth

  • Properties with untended deadfall or clusters of dead trees


Even small pockets of dead standing trees near homes can dramatically increase the chance of structure loss during a wildfire.


Alberta Wildfire and FireSmart Alberta both recommend the removal or thinning of deadwood within 30 meters of buildings on all rural properties in this region.


Should You Remove Every Dead Tree?

Not always. While dead trees near homes and outbuildings should be removed, not all snags need to go. Dead trees provide habitat for:

  • Woodpeckers and cavity-nesting birds

  • Beneficial insects and fungi

  • Natural forest regeneration processes


FireSmart Canada recommends prioritizing removal in defensible space zones while preserving ecological value further from structures.


Want to balance fire safety with ecological stewardship? Evergreen LTD creates custom vegetation plans for Foothills acreage owners.


Support for Acreage Fire Mitigation

Homeowners in Foothills County may be eligible for support through:

  • Municipal FireSmart programs

  • Community FireGuard projects

  • Cost-sharing or grant opportunities (depending on availability)


These programs can help offset the cost of tree removal, chipping, and property assessment.


Check with Foothills County or the Alberta FireSmart program for current incentives, or let Evergreen LTD guide you through it.



Protect What Matters Most on Your Acreage

Dead trees are more than just an eyesore, they're a wildfire waiting to happen. For Foothills County property owners, proactive tree management is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your home, land, and community.


At Evergreen LTD, our ISA-certified arborists help you reduce fire risk through strategic deadwood removal, defensible space planning, and sustainable vegetation care.


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