Wildfire-Season Defensible-Space Cleanup Sizing Guide

Colorado's dry climate and wildfire season mean a lot of properties in and around the foothills communities we serve do periodic defensible-space clearing — thinning trees, removing dead brush, and clearing vegetation from around structures. It's a genuinely different sizing problem than a standard yard cleanup.

Bulky, light debris changes the math

Thinned trees, dead brush and cleared vegetation are bulky and comparatively light. That means a container fills by volume long before it comes close to the weight allowance — a 20 or 30 yard often makes more sense than the tonnage alone would suggest for a smaller job.

Scope drives the size more than acreage

A focused clearing around a home's immediate perimeter might fit a 15 or 20 yard. A full-property clearing on a larger foothills lot near Ken Caryl or Conifer usually needs a 30 yard to avoid multiple trips.

Timing matters

Defensible-space work tends to cluster in spring and early summer, ahead of the driest months. Booking a few days ahead during that stretch is worth it, since it's a genuinely busy season for us across the foothills communities.

What can and can't go in

Brush, thinned trees, small limbs and cleared vegetation are all fine. Large tree trunks needing separate hauling and any treated or painted wood are better handled separately — call ahead and describe the material mix.

Access on foothills lots

A steep or gravel foothills driveway needs extra care on placement. Tell us the grade and surface when you call and we'll bring the right protection boards or recommend a smaller container if the approach is tight.