The weather is getting better and the plants are beginning to blossom. When thinking about going out and working in the yard or landscaping about your property, it may be a good idea to utilize some methods to help your garden remain beautiful while still considering fire safety.
Fire seasons throughout the west have extended dramatically. In 2021, Washington state wildfires season stretched from March to October. This increase was not just limited to those fires reaching ‘wildfire’ status, brush and grass fires also dramatically increased.
Since April is National Gardening Month, here are some helpful tips to reduce your risk!
- Space things out. Try designing your planting in groups or clusters with adequate space between to slow the movement of fire.
- Remove dead material. Clearing out dead leaves and branches not only keeps the landscaping beautiful, but reduces the quick burning fuel.
- Chose your plants carefully. Although no plants or trees are completely fire resistant, there are some choices that are more beneficial than others. Limit trees with high resin content. Try plants with high moisture content or members of the succulent family.
- Ground Cover Considerations. Mulch holds moisture to the ground and helps the soil stay cool. It seems like a great idea. Still, wood chip mulch can be highly combustible, especially as the top layer dries out. If choosing a wood mulch, composted wood chips are the least combustible. The safer option is rocks or gravel.
- Safe Zone. Consider landscaping a fuel break around your home with hardscapes. Patios, stone or concrete can act as a barrier between a brush fire and your home. Even when used with low growing, high moisture ground cover, it can make a major difference. The NFPA website has specific recommendations for protecting your home from wildfire.
