Santa Ana Winds: What to Know and Do Now

Santa Ana winds are coming in hot, which means now’s the time to get prepared. Here’s what to know (and five things to do) before the infamous wind event begins.

When is the Santa Ana wind season?

Santa Ana winds generally occur between September and March when southern California’s weather is at its coolest.

What causes Santa Ana winds?

A build-up of high pressure in the Great Basin is the culprit for the notoriously hot, dry winds. Cooler air is forced downward, then funneled through mountain passes, which enhances the speed. As the air reaches lower elevation, humidity drops and the temperature rises.

What makes Santa Ana winds dangerous?

The heat, low humidity, and speed are what make the winds so problematic. Aside from damage caused to landscape and property, Santa Ana winds can also quickly escalate fires by literally “fanning the flames” at a time when brush is already dry from the summer months. This makes Santa Ana winds a double threat because you must ensure you’ve protected against wind damage and mitigated fire risk prior to the start of the season.

How should you prepare for Santa Ana winds?

1. Keep up with routine tree care, including pruning.
   Trimming up your trees ensures proper clearance between trees, structures, and power lines and removes dead or diseased limbs. Particularly dense trees may also benefit from structural pruning, which will open up the tree’s canopy and eliminate damage from wind resistance.
2. Secure loose objects and remove debris.
   Don’t underestimate the strength of Santa Ana winds. Gusts can reach as high as 100 mph. Items that can’t be moved indoors should be tied down or weighted to avoid becoming airborne.
3. Maintain proper brush clearance.
   Establish and maintain defensible space around your property by clearing vegetation and dry brush and removing low hanging branches. Get the guidelines here.
4. Consider installing fire-resistant landscape, especially in high-risk areas.
   Certain plants have qualities that slow the spread of fire. If you’re in a fire-prone area, you may want to consider swapping all or part of your landscape for fire-resistant plant material. See all the recommendations here.
5. Check with an expert to make sure you’ve addressed all vulnerabilities.
   Our teams stay abreast of guidance from local authorities and current best practices to keep your property safe. Schedule time with your BrightView team to review your property together for peace of mind.

With recorded gusts as high as 100 mph, the risk Santa Ana winds pose to your property can’t be understated. Now is the time to make sure your preparations are in place to keep people, structures, and landscape safe. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to mitigate your risk. Schedule a free assessment with one of our landscape experts.