OLD LAWLEY TOLL RD

- Project Details -

Project Summary – Old Lawley Toll Road Fuel Reduction Project (Completed)

Signature Tree Solutions successfully completed the Vegetation Management, Hazardous Tree Removal, and Fuel Reduction Project along Old Lawley Toll Road, encompassing approximately 9 acres of treatment area across 10,000 feet of roadway.

Project Overview

This project originated from a formal risk assessment request to evaluate and mitigate imminent threats to the roadway caused by hazardous trees and accumulated wildfire fuels. Through multiple site visits and detailed field surveys, our team identified critical risks and developed a comprehensive, data-driven mitigation plan.

Key findings included:

  • Approximately 150 structurally compromised trees within striking distance of the roadway

  • 18 treatment grid areas containing dense stands of dead trees, brush, and residual slash from the Glass Fire

Following collaboration with Napa Firewise representatives (Eric Carlson and Mike Wilson), the project scope was refined to prioritize immediate roadside risk reduction and fuel mitigation, ensuring the most critical threats were addressed first.

North Map

Middle Map

South Map

Scope of Work Delivered

Signature Tree Solutions completed all work with a consistent and controlled approach across both individual trees and grid areas, including:

Hazardous Tree Mitigation

  • Removal of high and extreme risk trees posing immediate danger to life and roadway access

  • Focus on trees within 30 feet of roadway centerline (with property-specific constraints applied)

  • Exclusion of lower-risk trees with viable foliage and those outside approved areas

Vegetation & Fuel Reduction

  • Creation of shaded fuel breaks:

    • 30 feet downhill from roadway edge

    • 10 feet uphill from roadway edge

  • Reduction of ladder fuels and dense understory vegetation

  • Removal of dead and suppressed trees (approx. 2”–8” diameter)

  • Processing and dispersal of Glass Fire residual slash piles

Material Handling & Site Treatment

  • Chipping of all woody material up to ~20” diameter

  • Even distribution of mulch (not exceeding 10”–12” depth)

  • Hauling and disposal of non-chip material offsite

  • Retention and redistribution of larger logs without creating hazardous piles

  • Raising canopy heights to approximately 10 feet above grade

  • Cutting all stumps to 6”–8” above grade

Execution & Performance

The project was completed with high efficiency and precision, including:

  • Full mobilization of mechanized equipment

  • Implementation of traffic control plans and permitting

  • Active public communication and coordination

All trees and grid areas were risk-assessed, inventoried, mapped, and executed according to plan, ensuring a streamlined workflow and consistent results across the entire corridor.

Results & Impact

  • ~150 high-risk trees mitigated

  • 18 grid areas treated and restored

  • 9 acres of hazardous fuel reduced

  • 10,000 feet of roadway significantly improved for safety and access

The project resulted in a substantial reduction of wildfire risk, improved defensible space, and enhanced safety for both the public and emergency responders.

Conclusion

Signature Tree Solutions delivered the Old Lawley Toll Road project with exceptional execution, transforming a high-risk corridor into a safer, more resilient environment. Through strategic planning, collaboration with local stakeholders, and disciplined field operations, we successfully mitigated immediate threats while improving long-term wildfire preparedness.

We remain committed to delivering high-quality vegetation management solutions that protect infrastructure, property, and the surrounding community.