Crisp mornings, windy afternoons and the first real rain on the horizon. If you live in El Dorado Hills, you know fall can flip quickly from fire weather to storm season. You want your home ready for both. In this guide, you will find a practical fall checklist tailored to local rules, wildfire risk and our foothill climate so you can protect your investment and your peace of mind. Let’s dive in.
Why fall prep matters here
El Dorado Hills sits in the Sierra foothills with hot, dry summers and a rainy season that ramps up in late fall. In nearby Sacramento, October highs average in the high 70s and rainfall begins to climb, which makes fall the ideal time to clear debris and check drainage before winter storms. See local climate context in this summary of seasonal norms. View fall temperatures and rainfall.
Wildfire risk is real in the wildland-urban interface. The county requires defensible space around homes, and inspections are active. Review El Dorado County’s defensible space ordinance and use CAL FIRE’s zone guidance to plan your yard work.
Wind events and early winter storms can also trigger power shutoffs. Prepare for multi-day outages and sign up for alerts through PG&E’s PSPS resources.
Create defensible space now
A strong defensible space is your highest-value fall task. Aim for at least 100 feet around the home or to the property line, per county standards. Follow CAL FIRE’s three-zone approach.
Zone 0: 0–5 feet
- Remove dead plants and leaves. Keep this area noncombustible.
- Clear gutters, roofs and decks of debris.
- Seal gaps at eaves and around vents where embers can collect.
- Store firewood and combustible items outside this zone.
Use CAL FIRE’s checklist for details: Defensible space zones and tips.
Zone 1: 5–30 feet
- Keep plants “lean, clean and green.”
- Prune shrubs and separate plantings to limit continuous fuel.
- Maintain clear areas around patios, sheds and under decks.
Learn local expectations and inspection basics in the county’s overview: El Dorado County defensible space rules.
Zone 2: 30–100 feet
- Mow seasonal grasses and reduce fuel height.
- Create horizontal and vertical spacing between trees and shrubs.
- Trim branches that overhang the roof and keep branches at least 10 feet from chimneys or stovepipes.
Find spacing guidance and diagrams here: CAL FIRE defensible space.
If you need major tree work or removals, hire a licensed arborist and check county permitting for hillside or protected areas.
Tidy roof, gutters and drainage
Heavy fall leaves plus the first storms can overwhelm gutters. Clean gutters and downspouts, then test them with a hose to be sure water flows away from the foundation. Inspect flashing around chimneys and vents, and replace missing or damaged shingles before the rains set in. Regular fall and spring cleanings are standard in leaf-heavy areas. For why it matters, review these gutter cleaning tips for heavy rain areas.
Adjust irrigation for rainy season
Once cooler, wet days arrive, shut off or scale back your automatic schedules. Drain or blow out irrigation lines as appropriate, and insulate exposed backflow preventers and hose bibs. For current local water guidance and conservation tips, see the El Dorado Irrigation District’s drought and outdoor watering page.
Service heating and fireplace
Schedule your furnace tune-up before the first cold snap. ENERGY STAR recommends a fall maintenance check and regular filter changes to keep your system efficient and reliable. Read the HVAC maintenance checklist.
If you use a fireplace or wood stove, book an annual inspection and sweep as needed. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends at least one inspection per year to reduce creosote buildup and fire risk. Learn more about annual chimney inspection guidance.
Safety checks: detectors, plumbing and outages
- Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries and confirm that CO detectors are near sleeping areas. Learn why CO alarms are essential in this overview of carbon monoxide detectors.
- Insulate exposed pipes, flush sediment from your water heater and locate your main water shut-off. This can prevent costly leaks during cold snaps.
- Prepare for outages. Update your contact info and sign up for alerts through PG&E’s PSPS program. Keep an emergency kit ready. If you use a generator, operate it outdoors and away from openings.
Know alerts, rules and disposal options
- Evacuation zones: Find your zone and practice routes with the El Dorado Hills Fire Department evacuation maps.
- Ordinances and inspections: Stay compliant with El Dorado County’s defensible space ordinance.
- Yard waste and brush: Use your hauler’s green waste service or self-haul larger loads to a regional facility. Check accepted items and fees at this example regional site: Kiefer Landfill and transfer station. Programs and schedules change, so verify details before you go.
Quick fall checklist
- Clear Zone 0 and clean all gutters.
- Thin and prune in Zones 1 and 2; trim branches near roofs and chimneys.
- Service furnace; change air filters.
- Schedule chimney inspection and sweep if burning wood.
- Shut down or winterize irrigation; insulate backflow and hose bibs.
- Test smoke and CO detectors.
- Update PG&E alerts; stock your emergency kit.
- Plan brush disposal or chipping; confirm local rules.
When time or budget is tight
Prioritize the highest-impact items:
- Clear the first 5 feet around your home and clean gutters.
- Book the HVAC tune-up and change filters.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and review evacuation routes.
- Trim branches near the roof and within 10 feet of the chimney.
Taking a weekend now can save you from costly repairs and stressful emergencies later. If you are planning to sell in the coming months, this checklist also positions your home to show well and pass common inspections. When you are ready to talk strategy or want vendor referrals, reach out to The Friedrich Team for local guidance you can trust.
FAQs
What are the defensible space rules in El Dorado Hills?
- El Dorado County enforces defensible space around structures, generally 100 feet or to your property line; review the county’s requirements and inspection info here: Defensible Space Ordinance.
When should I winterize my irrigation system locally?
- In El Dorado Hills, most homeowners scale back or shut off irrigation once consistent cool, wet weather arrives in fall; follow local tips from the El Dorado Irrigation District.
How often should I clean gutters in leafy areas?
- Plan for fall and spring cleanings at a minimum, and more often if your home sits under heavy leaf or pine drop; learn why it matters in these gutter maintenance tips.
How do I prepare for PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs?
- Enroll for alerts, update your contact info, assemble an emergency kit and review generator safety; see PG&E’s PSPS guidance.
How often should I service my furnace and chimney?
- ENERGY STAR recommends a pre-season HVAC tune-up each fall with regular filter changes, and CSIA advises at least one chimney inspection per year; read HVAC maintenance and chimney inspection guidance.
