Eucalyptus Program
Panoramic Hills Mitigation Area • Grizzly Peak Mitigation Area • Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone • High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
The Eucalyptus Understory Cleanup Program offers residents a free one-time service to clear the understory of eucalyptus trees on private property. This includes removing dead and dried leaf and bark litter, stripping shedding bark from tree trunks, and trimming the lower limbs of trees. These efforts significantly reduce the risk of wildfires spreading into the tree canopy and brings properties into compliance with the defensible space requirements of the Berkeley Fire Code and best practices.
The program does not offer the removal of mature trees but will accomplish the following for participating residents:
Removal of dead and dried leaf and bark litter under/around eucalyptus trees
Strip-shedding bark from the trunks of trees
The program’s duration is dependent on available funding and community needs. The Eucalyptus Program will continue to operate as long as funding allows.
Please review the following before submitting an application:
Eligibility is inspection-based. If a recent defensible space inspection is not on record, one will be conducted as part of the application review. If, after inspection, no defensible space violations are found, the property will not be eligible for this program.
Full exterior access is required. Inspectors must be able to access the entire exterior of the property to conduct a complete defensible space inspection.
Photo documentation is required. Applicants must submit photos of the eucalyptus trees and surrounding area. Photos are required for all participants and will not include personally identifiable information.
Agreements are required to participate. Approved applicants must sign a Participation Agreement and Right-of-Entry Agreement, which will be sent electronically via DocuSign.
Work is scheduled by area. Once signed agreements are received, participants will be notified by email when City contractors are scheduled to work in their area. Scheduling depends on funding availability, contractor availability, and community wildfire risk priorities.
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What happens after I fill out this application?
This application asks for basic information and images. If a recent defensible space inspection is not on record, one will be performed: the inspection drives the program. Inspectors will need to access your entire property (exterior) to conduct a thorough inspection.The timeline is based on the amount of funding available and the number of applications received. Any remaining applications will be put on hold and wait for additional funding and contractor availability.
I don't have internet access, where can I get a copy of this application to fill out?
You can call the Wildland Urban Interface Division at (510) 981-5620, and staff can mail one to you, or you can pick one up at Fire Department Headquarters: 2100 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. Ask for the Eucalyptus Mitigation Program application. This will be done upon request.
I don't feel comfortable with BFD taking photos of my property. Can I participate without having photos taken?
Photo documentation is a required part of the program for all residents. Staff will take pictures, but photos will not include any personally identifiable information.
Is this a permanent solution?
It is important to note that the work will not permanently remove the hazard caused by Eucalyptus. The work will have to be repeated/maintained by the homeowner in the future to remain in compliance with the fire code unless the trees are voluntarily removed by the homeowner.
Who approves and prioritizes the work?
The approval and prioritization of work will be at the sole discretion of the Berkeley Fire Department. Projects will be scheduled and prioritized based on community-wide wildfire risk.
Can I hire my own landscaper or do the work myself and be reimbursed?
You can complete the work yourself, but the City cannot reimburse you. If you wish to have the City pay for the work it must be performed by a City contractor.
I don't own my home, can I still apply? How is the property owner involved?
You must be the property owner or an authorized agent of the property owner, such as a property manager or legal representative, to apply. You self-certify that you hold this role or authority when you sign the participation agreement.
Can BFD remove my Eucalyptus tree?
Mature, healthy trees cannot be removed as a part of this program.
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