As San Bernardino County sent out weed and tree abatement notices this summer, there’s still time for residents to think about maintaining their properties. The San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement program conducts property surveys to identify fire hazards on at-risk properties. You can view a map of the property owners given 30 days to abate violations at: lus.sbcounty.gov/fire-hazard-abatement-home/fha-maps.
Even if you didn’t receive a notice, proper tree pruning and weed abatement not only enhances curb appeal but also plays a vital role in reducing fire danger throughout the Tri-Community area.
One local business, Wrightwood Arbor, has been serving Wrightwood, Phelan, and Pinon Hills for more than 20 years. Owned and operated by longtime resident Mark Helton who grew up in the area and graduated from Serrano High School, the company takes pride in its local roots. “We’re the only true local tree service business in the area,” Mark said, adding that every member of his crew also lives in the Tri-Community.
Mark’s background is as unique as his business. He attended one of the last professional tree climbing schools offered in Big Bear, training in advanced arborist techniques. While Wrightwood Arbor specializes in trimming and maintaining large trees, Mark stresses that no job is too big or too small. His guiding principle is always to preserve and improve tree health first, while the removal of a tree is considered only when a tree poses a danger or hazard.
That philosophy, coupled with his crew’s skills and equipment, has earned Wrightwood Arbor an impeccable track record. For over 15 years, the business has never failed a client inspection. Mark is well-versed in the specific requirements enforced by Cal Fire, San Bernardino County Code Enforcement, and home insurance companies, which could be tricky to navigate based on their differing requirements. To give customers peace of mind, he guarantees his work: if a property doesn’t pass inspection, his crew will return and make the necessary corrections free of charge.
Beyond offering reliable service, Mark also provides valuable seasonal advice for residents:
Wrightwood homeowners: Trim pine trees after Halloween (Oct. 31) through early spring to reduce sap flow. Consider installing deep-root watering systems to keep pines thriving. Apple and fruit trees are best pruned in winter between December and mid-January.
Phelan and Pinon Hills homeowners: Many properties feature deciduous trees such as cottonwoods, elms, and mulberries, which can be safely trimmed and pruned year-round.
Wrightwood Arbor also makes working with them a little sweeter: free estimates are available, and every paying customer receives a complimentary bottle of Cocky Yaqui salsa, a local favorite that has twice won the Wrightwood Chamber’s Annual Salsa Competition. A homemade treat made locally by Mark’s partner, Jillian LeAnn, who usually sells her delicious bottles of salsa for $15.
For residents preparing for inspections or simply wanting healthier, safer trees, Wrightwood Arbor offers trusted local service backed by decades of experience and genuine community pride.
