Here are the ways you can give your home a fighting chance against a raging fire.<\/p>
1. Create defensible space<\/span><\/h2> ![\"round,](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_fence-470221_1280.jpg\")
Michael Schwarzenberger | Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Wildfires are unpredictable. But you have the power to prepare your home by turning your landscape into a defensible space.
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According to the Colorado State Forest Service, defensible space<\/a> is the area around your home that has been made to reduce fire hazards. When it comes to your landscape, you must carefully plan sectioned areas that will slow the spread of fire. Creating defensible space also helps prevent the fire from spreading to your neighbors\u2019 homes.
<\/p> The Forest Service recommends establishing three zones around every structure on your property. These zones are:
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Zone 1 <\/strong>(Extends a minimum of 15 to 30 feet from the structure): This is the area closest to the structure. It requires the most work to reduce fire hazards. Because fires move faster uphill, increase the distance 5 feet or more in areas downhill from the structure.<\/p> - Remove all flammable vegetation from this zone. <\/li>
- Plant nothing within the first five feet of the structure. <\/li>
- Install a non-flammable ground cover, such as rocks, to help prevent the fire from coming in direct contact with the structure. <\/li>
- Prune any plants growing in this zone. <\/li>
- Remove all branches, leaves, and debris, including on the roof and in the gutters. <\/li>
- Do not store woodpiles or combustible materials in this zone.<\/li>
- Do not grow any trees in this zone. If trees already exist, it\u2019s best to remove them. <\/li><\/ul>
Zone 2 <\/strong>(Extends at least 100 feet from the structure): This area is the transitional space between zone 1 and zone 3. If you live on a hill, you may need to increase this zone up to 150 feet<\/a>.
<\/p> - Ensure trees and large shrubs in this zone are separated by at least 10 feet between the crowns. The 10-foot separation is not between the trunk\u2019s base but instead between the longest branches. You might need to remove trees and shrubs to achieve this separation. <\/li>
- Remove tree branches off the trunk to 10 feet off the ground or \u2153 the tree\u2019s height (whichever is less) to help prevent flames from climbing up the tree. <\/li>
- Remove dead, dying, or diseased trees in this zone.<\/li><\/ul>
Zone 3<\/strong> (Expands past 100 feet from the structure): This is the space farthest from the structure. It typically targets Colorado homes near wooded areas that require a form of forest management.
<\/p> - A local Colorado State Forest Service forester can help you manage this zone. <\/li><\/ul>
Advantages of creating defensible space:<\/strong> Not only does creating a defensible landscape increase your home\u2019s chances against a fire, but it also creates a safer space for firefighters to help protect your home. Firefighters are more likely to target homes with defensible spaces because they have a greater chance of being saved and are less likely to endanger their lives.
<\/p> Pro Tip: <\/strong>Keep in mind that the minimal distances listed above for each zone may vary depending on the slope of your land. <\/p> 2. Grow fire-resistant plants<\/span><\/h2> ![\"vibrant](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_ground-cover-811687_1280.jpg\")
Rebecca Matthews | Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> There\u2019s no such thing as a fireproof plant. But there are fire-resistant plants that can help slow the spread of fire. Many fire-resistant plants are salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant.
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Before you start growing fire-resistant plants around your property, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will better protect your home:
<\/p>
- Spacing is more critical than the type of fire-resistant plant you grow. Ensure there is sufficient space between all plants to help mitigate the flames. For shrubs<\/strong>, that means planting them a distance that is twice their height<\/a>. A 2-foot shrub shouldn’t be any closer than 4 feet from another shrub. For trees<\/strong>, that means a 10-foot distance between the longest branches. <\/li><\/ul>
- If planting in groups, avoid grouping the plants in the masses but instead in small clusters.<\/li><\/ul>
- Grow plants that retain moisture. That also means watering your plants regularly so that they don\u2019t go dry. <\/li><\/ul>
- Maintenance is essential. Remember to remove any dead branches, pine needles, and dead leaves littering the landscape. Dead and dry plant material is kindling for a fire. <\/li><\/ul>
What if I\u2019m growing plants on a slope? <\/strong>When growing plants on a hill, you\u2019ll need to increase the distance between the plants (or the grouped clusters). The reason for expanding the space is because fire travels faster uphill. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection makes the following distance recommendations<\/a>:
<\/p>
Wildfires are unpredictable. But you have the power to prepare your home by turning your landscape into a defensible space.
<\/p>
According to the Colorado State Forest Service, defensible space<\/a> is the area around your home that has been made to reduce fire hazards. When it comes to your landscape, you must carefully plan sectioned areas that will slow the spread of fire. Creating defensible space also helps prevent the fire from spreading to your neighbors\u2019 homes. The Forest Service recommends establishing three zones around every structure on your property. These zones are: Zone 1 <\/strong>(Extends a minimum of 15 to 30 feet from the structure): This is the area closest to the structure. It requires the most work to reduce fire hazards. Because fires move faster uphill, increase the distance 5 feet or more in areas downhill from the structure.<\/p> Zone 2 <\/strong>(Extends at least 100 feet from the structure): This area is the transitional space between zone 1 and zone 3. If you live on a hill, you may need to increase this zone up to 150 feet<\/a>. Zone 3<\/strong> (Expands past 100 feet from the structure): This is the space farthest from the structure. It typically targets Colorado homes near wooded areas that require a form of forest management. Advantages of creating defensible space:<\/strong> Not only does creating a defensible landscape increase your home\u2019s chances against a fire, but it also creates a safer space for firefighters to help protect your home. Firefighters are more likely to target homes with defensible spaces because they have a greater chance of being saved and are less likely to endanger their lives. Pro Tip: <\/strong>Keep in mind that the minimal distances listed above for each zone may vary depending on the slope of your land. <\/p> There\u2019s no such thing as a fireproof plant. But there are fire-resistant plants that can help slow the spread of fire. Many fire-resistant plants are salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant. Before you start growing fire-resistant plants around your property, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will better protect your home: What if I\u2019m growing plants on a slope? <\/strong>When growing plants on a hill, you\u2019ll need to increase the distance between the plants (or the grouped clusters). The reason for expanding the space is because fire travels faster uphill. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection makes the following distance recommendations<\/a>:
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<\/p> 2. Grow fire-resistant plants<\/span><\/h2>
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