Smart design for fire season

By Dani Sheehan. 

Build safer landscapes through thoughtful planning and fire-resistant design to reduce the chances of flames reaching a home. 

Longer fire seasons, record-breaking heat and drier vegetation are making wildfires more destructive and more common. Since 2000, the U.S. has averaged over seven million acres burned annually from wildfires. However, using fire-smart materials, native species and proper plant placement can reduce how quickly flames spread and give firefighters a safer, more manageable environment to work in. According to an article in Homes & Gardens magazine, here are three practical landscaping ideas to create more defensible, fire-smart outdoor spaces. 

1 – Design defensible zones 

Structure your landscape in clearly defined zones based on proximity to the home. In high-risk regions like California, the new Zone 0 concept recommends keeping the five feet closest to structures free of flammable materials. Instead of bark mulch or plants, suggest gravel, pavers or native stone to your clients. Beyond that, zones 1 and 2 should feature widely spaced, low-flammability plants maintained to avoid ladder fuels. 

2 – Replace organic mulch with non-combustible groundcover 

Mulch might be good for soil, but it’s often highly flammable. Instead, use gravel, crushed stone or decomposed granite, all of which won’t ignite and double as attractive, low-maintenance landscaping elements. These non-combustible mulches also help maintain soil temperatures during extreme heat to improve plant health. 

3 – Rethink planting strategy and maintenance 

As you create your design, aim for strategic placement of drought-tolerant, native plants that resist ignition. Keep shrubs out from under trees to prevent vertical fire spread and maintain at least six feet of clearance between tree canopies and the ground. Regular pruning and seasonal clean up are often just as important as species selection to help reduce fire risk. 

Want more ideas for firescaping your next project? Read the full article on fire-resistant landscaping strategies from Homes & Gardens and start planning smarter, safer yards this summer.