Wildfires are becoming more and more prevalent and are occuring in areas previously thought to be safe. Nothing can prevent all wildfire damage to your property. However, landscaping for a fire-resistant area around your house and other prized buildings can increase dramatically the likelihood your house will survive.
Why Use Fire-Resistant Landscaping?
Plant material in the wrong areas can be a bridge for fire to reach your house. Decks and siding may catch fire when plants that burn at high temperatures are near the house. Burning plants in front of the window can burn so hot they cause the glass to break, allowing the fire to enter your house. Tall flames can enter through the soffits and reach the attic. Finally, flames can reach the canopy (crown) by stair stepping up layers of flammable plants. Canopy fires rain sparks and embers on the roof of a house, catching it on fire that way.
Zones For Fire Resistance
The first 30 feet around your home in all directions is called the defensible zone. Maintaining fire-resistant landscaping in this zone is critical to surviving a wildfire. The area 200 feet around your home is called the ignition zone. If you have a small property, you may not own all of your ignition zone.
Zone 1 0-30 Feet From Home
Very flammable plants as well as dead plants need to be moved out of the first 30 feet around your home. You can have plants in this zone if you separate them vertically and horizontally from each other, so fire has a hard time jumping from plant to plant or house. Placing landscaping in islands with little fuel between the islands makes it harder for the fire to advance. Avoid placing large trees that hang over the roof in this zone. Move firewood, brush, and building materials should be moved out of this zone.
Zone 2 30-100 Feet From Home
Plants in this zone can be more flammable than in zone 1. Still, place plants in island groups to avoid providing fuel for a fire. Firewood and other easily burned materials should be at least this far from the home. Big trees can be planted in this zone but planting trees that are harder to burn is wise.
Characteristics Of Fire-Resistant Plants
No plant is fireproof. However, certain characteristics make plants more or less likely to catch fire. These characteristics can be divided into two groups: Fire resistance and growth characteristics.
Fire Resistance
Fire resistance is how readily a plant catches fire. Plants with resin, oil, or volatiles catch fire easily. Plants without these ingredients are harder to catch on fire. Combustibility is how much energy the plants release when they are on fire. Plants with a high combustibility, such as pine trees, have very hot fires with tall flames that can leap from the tree to structures or catch other plants on fire. Finally, plants that produce a lot of embers when they burn can catch leaf litter, trash, or other burnable fuel on fire. Embers can also enter homes through vents and the chimney.
Growth Characteristics
Growth characteristics refer to how much plant material there is to burn. When considering plants to buy, look at the growth rate. Plants that grow quickly have more mass to catch on fire. Plant slower growing plants near the house and faster growing plants further away. The other growth characteristic that is important is growth pattern. Plants that grow low along the ground help provide vertical separation of plants, keeping fire from climbing them to the next level. Open plants that do not contain much fuel are preferred in zone 1.
Where Do I Plant...
In zone one, use plants that are green and healthy. Keep them watered and remove dead vegetation promptly. Using rock or lava stones instead of mulch around these plants provides a buffer zone between the lawn and the foundation.
In zone 2, most people have trees, shrubs, and lawn. Place landscape beds holding shrubs and ornamental plants in this zone. Line the landscape beds with stone to provide a fire break. Keep the lawn green and well-watered. Mow grass often to reduce the fuel available. Trees and shrubs should be deciduous and have large leaves. Rake the leaves promptly. Large trees should be away from the house. Small shrubs and perennials should be placed in groups on islands to slow the fire.
Fire-Wise Landscaping And Other Goals
Fire-wise landscaping may sound like you can’t have lots of plants, landscape for wildlife, or use landscaping to lower your utility bills. However, this is not true. People in dry climates can do both and have a fire-wise landscape, it just takes a little more effort. Native plants that are open and do not form dense thickets are perfect for fire-wise landscaping. They are adapted to live and thrive in your climate, so are less likely to die and become very dry. You can still place trees and shrubs to shade the house and reduce utility bills. You just place them further away from the house.
Native Plants For 0-10 Feet From Structures
Use low growing plants with open growth habits.
Columbine
Columbine plants are low growing plants with spikes up to three feet tall. The green, lobed leaves are interesting, but the beautiful flowers are red and yellow with long stamens. The tube-like flowers are frequented by hummingbirds and other pollinators. Once established, columbine is hardy and drought tolerant. A plant of the woodlands, it prefers dappled shade or part shade.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose is a low growing plant with either pink or yellow flowers. It grows in meadows and disturbed places. This native plant can get up to three feet tall. The evening primrose like moist, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter in it. Plant in the sun for the best blooms. Evening primrose self-seeds so can take over a flower bed if not kept in check. Deadheading the flowers prevents seeds from forming and makes the plant bloom more.
Native Plants For 10-30 Feet
These plants can be taller and a little less open.
Virginia Bluebells
Virginia bluebells are a delicate plant with bright blue flowers that look like bells. They grow 1-2 feet tall. Pollinators love this plant. The plants bloom in early spring, when pollinators are hungry from the winter. Hummingbirds are also attracted to the flowers. Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained soil.
Native Plants For 30 And Beyond
These can be shrubs and small trees.
Butterfly Milkweed
Butterfly milkweed is a small bush with bright orange flowers. If you like monarch butterflies, you will love this bush. It attracts monarch butterflies, which lay eggs on it. Plant plenty of bushes so that the monarch caterpillars can eat as much as they want. It can grow up to five feet tall. Plant in full sun. In addition to attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, butterfly milkweed smells nice.
We Can Help
Our trained staff at Garden Delights Nursery can help you pick plants for a fire-wise landscape no matter where you live. Give us a call at 931.692.7325 to start today.
