Is your Paradise lot as safe as it looks? After years of recovery, many properties still have dead or weakened trees that can fall, fuel fires, or complicate a sale. If you’re rebuilding, maintaining a home, or prepping land to list, you want clear steps and reliable local resources. This guide shows you how to manage trees, tap available programs, follow the rules, and hire the right help. Let’s dive in.
Why hazard trees matter in Paradise
Paradise is still addressing post‑Camp Fire tree hazards that threaten homes, roads, and powerlines. Dead and dying trees increase fall risks and add to wildfire fuel. The Town’s recovery efforts explain how assessments and removals have been handled and where the program stands today. For current status and homeowner instructions, see the Town’s Tree Removal Program page at the Town of Paradise recovery site.
Local programs you can use
Town of Paradise Tree Removal Program
The Town launched a voluntary hazard‑tree assessment and removal effort funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, with a CAL FIRE grant supplement helping enrolled properties in 2022. Contracted arborists performed assessments, marked eligible trees, and removals were coordinated in phases. If you enrolled, follow the Town’s instructions for approvals, right‑of‑entry, and next steps on the Tree Removal Program page.
State and county debris and hazard tree removal
Butte County manages the State’s Phase II debris and hazard‑tree removal for eligible properties that submit a Right‑of‑Entry. County pages post ROE deadlines, how to submit, and program FAQs. Some work may be completed at no out‑of‑pocket cost for eligible owners; confirm details and dates on the Butte County Phase II program page.
Your responsibilities and defensible space
PRC 4291 basics you should know
California’s defensible‑space law generally requires you to maintain up to 100 feet around structures, including removing dead or dying vegetation and creating space between trees and shrubs. CAL FIRE offers clear guidance on Zones 1 and 2 to help you get started. Review the homeowner checklist on CAL FIRE’s defensible space page.
Ember‑resistant Zone 0 updates
State rulemaking is adding an ember‑resistant zone within 0 to 5 feet of structures. The Board of Forestry posts updates and timelines so you can prepare landscaping and hardscaping accordingly. Track developments on the Board of Forestry’s Zone 0 resource.
Trees near powerlines
Never cut near energized lines. Utilities follow strict clearance rules and may prune or remove trees that threaten electric facilities. Report concerns and coordinate work through PG&E’s vegetation management guidance.
Plan your tree work
Start with safety and documentation. Photograph your property, note tree size and lean, and flag anything near structures, driveways, or public roads. Prioritize trees that are dead, failing, or pose a clear strike risk, then schedule a professional evaluation.
A qualified assessment typically includes a site visit, tree inventory with measurements and photos, marking/tagging of eligible trees, and a written plan with removal recommendations and disposal options. For higher‑confidence risk ratings, consider professionals with the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
Hiring the right professionals
Choose licensed and insured specialists. In California, tree service contractors use the C‑49 Tree and Palm Contractor classification. Verify an active CSLB license and ask for proof of liability and workers’ comp coverage. See the C‑49 description on the CSLB regulations page.
Ask about credentials and local experience. ISA certification and TRAQ indicate training in hazard assessment. Request written bids, references, and examples of similar work in wildfire‑impacted areas.
Costs, funding, and disposal
Residential tree removal costs vary by size, access, and complexity. National guides show a typical per‑tree range from about 200 to 2,000 dollars, with many jobs near 600 to 1,000 dollars, plus extra for chipping, stump grinding, or crane work. For context, see the averages on HomeAdvisor’s tree removal guide.
Eligible properties enrolled in the Town program or the State’s Phase II debris and hazard‑tree removal may receive work at no out‑of‑pocket cost, subject to program rules and insurance coordination. Learn about HMGP support on FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program page and check ROE requirements on Butte County’s Phase II page.
Disposal options typically include onsite chipping, hauling to biomass‑to‑energy facilities or staging areas, leaving safe firewood logs, or contractor hauling. Local fuels projects describe these pathways in public notices, such as the CEQA documentation for regional fuel‑reduction work.
Safe practices and environmental protections
Professional crews plan work to protect waterways and sensitive habitat. Buffers around creeks and wetlands, erosion controls, and seasonal timing reduce environmental impacts. When work is near regulated areas, a Registered Professional Forester or resource specialist may specify added safeguards consistent with the CEQA project guidance.
Quick checklist for Paradise homeowners
- Check current enrollment windows and ROE deadlines for Town and County programs on official pages.
- If you enrolled in the Town program, follow Phase‑2 instructions and return any required forms.
- Create and maintain defensible space now. Clear dead vegetation and plan for Zone 0 updates.
- Do not cut near powerlines. Report hazards to the utility.
- Hire qualified pros: verify CSLB license and insurance, and look for ISA and TRAQ credentials.
- Document your trees and keep records of assessments, bids, and receipts for any insurance or program reimbursement.
Making your lot safer protects people, property, and the value of your home. If you’re considering selling or preparing land to build, a thoughtful tree plan and defensible space can also boost buyer confidence. For local guidance and a curated vendor network to help you get ready, reach out to Lora Trenner.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree in Paradise?
- The Town has stated that removing dead, diseased, or dying trees generally does not require a permit within Town limits; always verify current policy on the Town’s program page.
Can I get hazard trees removed at no cost in Butte County?
- Some owners may qualify through the Town’s grant‑funded efforts or the State’s Phase II program with a submitted ROE; check eligibility and deadlines on the Town page and Butte County’s Phase II page.
What should I do if a tree is near powerlines?
- Do not cut it yourself. Contact the utility. See PG&E’s vegetation management guidance for reporting and safety information.
How quickly should I remove a hazard tree on my property?
- Prioritize trees that are dead, leaning toward structures or roads, or show structural failure. A TRAQ‑qualified arborist can help assess urgency.
What happens to wood and chips after removal in Paradise?
- Options include onsite chipping, hauling to biomass or staging sites, leaving safe firewood logs, or contractor hauling, as described in local CEQA project documentation.
