Caveat: Experts advise homeowners to prepare their home first and then focus on landscaping. Both of these topics are broad, so we\u2019ll concentrate on firewise landscaping strategies here.<\/p>
1. Create defensible space<\/span><\/h2> ![\"backyard](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_paseidon72-a614yyf91di-unsplash.jpg\")
\u0410\u043d\u0434\u0440\u0435\u0439 \u041f\u043e\u0441\u0442\u043e\u0432\u043e\u0439 | Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> As the name implies, defensible space is a space around your home where the fire department can defend your home in case a fire gets too close. Defensible space slows the spread of fire around your home and helps keep embers from igniting. <\/p>
The defensible space around your home is divided into three zones:<\/p>
Zone 0 – Ember-Resistant Zone <\/strong>(0-5 feet from the home or structure)<\/p> Embers and small flames are responsible for most home ignitions during a wildfire, so getting this zone right is key. Don\u2019t worry, though, it\u2019s simple: Use non-flammable materials in the 0-5 foot space around your home. <\/p>
The result? If an ember lands within this space, it can\u2019t ignite if it lands on non-combustible material.<\/p>
Follow these steps to create an ember-resistant zone around your home:<\/p>
- Replace mulch and bark with non-flammable materials such as pavers, gravel, or concrete.<\/li>
- If you have plants in this zone, be sure they are fire-resistant (see Tip #2), well-maintained, and well-watered.<\/li>
- Remove combustible materials on your deck (furniture, doormats, cushions, etc.) and replace them with non-flammable options.<\/li>
- Store firewood in a covered area in Zone 2.<\/li>
- Move boats, vehicles, and garbage containers out of Zone 0.<\/li>
- Trim limbs at least 10 feet from chimneys.<\/li>
- If you have a combustible fence attached to the house, replace the last five feet (or more) with a non-flammable material.<\/li>
- Embers love to ignite on dead leaves, limbs, and debris, so keep this area clean! <\/li><\/ul>
Zone 1 – Lean, Clean, and Green Zone<\/strong> (5-30 feet from the home or outdoor buildings)<\/p> The goal in Zone 1 is to keep fire from spreading to the home. <\/p>
Lean: <\/strong>Keep areas of plants, trees, and vegetation separated into \u201cislands.\u201d No dense vegetation in this zone.<\/p> Clean: <\/strong>Regularly remove dead vegetation such as leaves, needles, and branches. Keep plants pruned and well-maintained.<\/p> Green:<\/strong> Make sure the plants in this zone are properly watered. No dry, brown vegetation.<\/p> Specific tips for Zone 1:<\/p>
- Keep your grass in this area well-watered and no higher than 3 inches. <\/li>
- Keep tree branches trimmed so they are 10 feet apart from other branches.<\/li>
- Remove tree limbs that are overhanging the roof.<\/li>
- Make sure the area underneath decks is pristine. No dead leaves or debris.<\/li><\/ul>
Zone 2: Reduce Fuel Zone<\/strong> (30-100 feet from the house or outdoor buildings)<\/p> The goal in Zone 2 is to restrict the spread of the fire and keep the fire from moving into tree canopies.<\/p>
- Create proper space between shrubs and trees (See Tip #3).<\/li>
- Keep annual grasses at no more than 4 inches.<\/li>
- Remove as much debris as possible. Fallen debris is allowed to a depth of 3 inches in this area.<\/li>
- If you have woodpiles out in the open (i.e., not in a covered shed), keep 10 feet of bare dirt around the pile on all sides.<\/li><\/ul>
2. Install fire-resistant plants<\/span><\/h2> Fire-resistant plants are an important part of a fire-resistant landscape. Fire-resistant plants can burn and ignite, but they don\u2019t contribute to the spread of a wildfire.<\/p>
Fire-resistant plants have these attributes:<\/p>
- The leaves have a high moisture content and are supple and moist<\/li>
- Plants don\u2019t accumulate dead material (or accumulate very little)<\/li>
- Low amounts of resin or sap<\/li><\/ul>
Combustible vegetation has these attributes:<\/p>
- Plant leaves have a strong smell if crushed<\/li>
- Accumulates lots of dead matter such as needles, leaves, and twigs<\/li>
- The sap is resinous and gummy<\/li><\/ul>
Consider these plants as a firewise addition to your landscape:<\/p>
Perennials:<\/p>
- Delphinium<\/a> (Delphinium<\/em> species)<\/li>
- Lupine<\/a> (Lupinus<\/em> varieties)<\/li>
- Yarrow<\/a> (Achillea<\/em> species)<\/li><\/ul>
Shrubs:<\/p>
- Mock orange<\/a> (Philadelphus<\/em> species)<\/li>
- Oregon grape<\/a> (Mahonia aquifolium)<\/li>
- Red flowering currant<\/a> (Ribes sanguineum var. sanguineum<\/em>) <\/li>
- Red-osier dogwood<\/a> (Cornus sericea<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Ground cover:<\/p>
- Fleabane<\/a> (Erigeron<\/em> hybrids)<\/li><\/ul>
Trees:<\/p>
Note: Conifers such as Douglas fir are common in the Pacific Northwest, but most conifers are not considered fire-resistant. The ponderosa pine and western larch, however, are two exceptions. A thick coat of bark and high moisture content in the needles gives these trees more resistance to fires.<\/p>
- Ponderosa pine<\/a> (Pinus ponderosa<\/em>)<\/li>
- Western larch<\/a> (Larix occidentalis<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>
Remember to prune dead plant material regularly and maintain the proper water levels for each plant. In a fire-resistant landscape, maintenance is key.<\/p>
3. Space your plants<\/span><\/h2> ![\"infographic](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_fire-resistant-landscaping-v4-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div> When you think about plant spacing, think about two things: vertical space and horizontal space.<\/p>
Vertical space:<\/strong> The amount of vertical space between two plants.<\/p> It\u2019s important to keep at least 6 feet of vertical space between the ground and the lowest tree branches. This helps reduce ladder fuels and the potential for crown fires.<\/p>
If you have shrubs underneath your trees, use this formula: Shrub height x 3 = minimum vertical spacing. Ex. If the shrub is 4 feet tall, 4 x 3 = 12. Keep at least 12 feet between the top of the shrub and the lowest tree limb on the tree.<\/p>
Horizontal space:<\/strong> The amount of horizontal space between two plants.<\/p> The amount of horizontal space between plants depends on the slope and type of vegetation.<\/p>
Flat land or slight slope (< 20% slope):<\/p>
- Shrubs: Measure the shrub\u2019s height. Multiply by two. <\/li><\/ul>
Ex. Shrub is 4 feet tall. 4 x 2 = 8. Keep 8 feet between shrubs.<\/p>
- Trees: Keep 10 feet of space between trees.<\/li><\/ul>
Slight to moderate slope (20%-40%):<\/p>
- Shrubs: Measure the shrub\u2019s height. Multiply by four. <\/li><\/ul>
Ex. Shrub is 4 feet tall. 4 x 4 = 16. Keep 16 feet between shrubs.<\/p>
- Trees: Keep 20 feet of space between trees.<\/li><\/ul>
Slopes that are >40%:<\/p>
- Shrubs: Measure the shrub\u2019s height. Multiply by six.<\/li><\/ul>
Ex. Shrub is 4 feet tall. 4 x 6 = 24. Keep 24 feet between shrubs.<\/p>
- Trees: Keep 30 feet of space between trees.<\/li><\/ul>
4. Plan for fencing and decks<\/span><\/h2> Many decks and fences are made of combustible materials, such as wood, which is a prime fire hazard during a wildfire. Most homeowners don\u2019t want to replace their entire wooden structures, so here are a few things to consider to increase the fire resistance around your home.<\/p>
Fencing<\/h3>
Wood fencing<\/a> is not ideal in a home landscape that is prone to wildfires. Even with a yard that is otherwise ignition-resistant, a wood fence can ignite and transfer embers to the home. Non-flammable building materials such as metal are ideal, but here are a few tips to consider if replacing your wood fence is not an option.<\/p> - Keep it clean! Remove all leaves, twigs, and debris from the base. Try to keep at least 1 inch of space between the ground and the fence to prevent decay and make cleaning easier.<\/li>
- If you want to trellis a plant, don\u2019t do it on your wooden fence. Use a metal trellis.<\/li>
- If your fence or gate is attached to the house, replace at least the last 5 feet with a metal or non-combustible material.<\/li>
- Privacy fences<\/a>, with planks on one side and a horizontal bar on the other, are particularly susceptible. The intersection of the plank and horizontal bar creates a perfect ledge for embers to collect and ignite the fence. Fences with alternating planks and lattice fences may be less susceptible to ember ignition.<\/li><\/ul>
Decks<\/h3>
Decks are usually in Zone 0, which means they should, ideally, be constructed with non-combustible materials. Steel decks with non-combustible decking boards are becoming more popular as a fire-resistant decking option.<\/p>
If you want to keep an existing wood deck<\/a>, here are a few tips:<\/p> - Keep the surface and underside of the deck clean and free of debris.<\/li>
- Consider putting gravel or other non-flammable materials on the ground underneath the deck. (But don\u2019t forget to clean it regularly.)<\/li>
- Consider using steel joists or replacing deck boards with hardwood (as opposed to softwood), plastic composites, or fire-retardant treated wood.<\/li>
- Maintain an ember-resistant zone 5 feet around the deck.<\/li>
- Use metal flashing above and below the ledger board against the side of the house.<\/li>
- Remove the deck board directly against the house and replace it with a non-flammable material.<\/li><\/ul>
5. Add hardscape around your home<\/span><\/h2> ![\"Large](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_5268080572_e21954bb20_c.jpg\")
Field Outdoor Spaces | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> When you think about preparing your home for wildfires, consider how your plants (softscaping) and non-living elements (hardscaping) can work together to create firescaping<\/a> around your home.<\/p> In other words, both hardscaping and softscaping can work together to create a beautiful but firewise landscape. Since we\u2019ve already thought about softscaping, it\u2019s time to consider how hardscaping also can be a useful tool in your firescaping toolbox.<\/p>
Some examples of hardscaping in your lawn include driveways, sidewalks, decks, pavers, and patios. As you may have thought, hardscaping is especially useful in Zone 0 where only non-combustible materials can be used.<\/p>
Here are some examples of how to use hardscaping in your landscape:<\/p>
- Use gravel, rock, or brick chips in Zone 0 or beyond as a fireproof mulch<\/li>
- Gravel, concrete, or paver walkways against the home<\/li>
- Stone seating walls<\/li>
- Retaining walls around the property or on a hill<\/li>
- Stone steps<\/li><\/ul>
If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of retrofitting your landscape, don\u2019t hesitate to ask a professional to help you with your landscape design. <\/p>
Want to find out more?<\/h2> - Washington Native Plant Society<\/a> – Search their plant directory, view plant lists, and learn about plant sales across the state. <\/li>
- Cdc.gov<\/a> – More resources on wildfire preparedness.<\/li>
- Wildfirerisk.org<\/a> – The USDA Forest Service created this website to help you understand and reduce wildfire threats in your area. Contains interactive maps and charts. A very helpful and interactive resource.<\/li>
- King County Cooperative Extension<\/a> – There\u2019s nothing like speaking with a local! Cooperative Extension experts are knowledgeable and have helpful resources for common landscape concerns.<\/li><\/ul>
Why does my Seattle home need fire-resistant landscaping?<\/h2>
Once a wildfire starts, you are in a position of defense, but there are things you can do to protect your home. These strategies have been scientifically researched and battle-tested. In short, they can save your home in the event of a wildfire. <\/p>
If you live in the wildland-urban interface, you know that your home maintenance will be more involved, but it\u2019s worth it, and it works! You can drastically reduce the chances that your home will ignite. <\/p>
If you prefer to rely on expert help, contact one of our <\/em>Seattle lawn care professionals<\/em><\/a>. They\u2019ll help you get started on the path to a fire-resistant landscape.<\/em><\/p> Main Photo Credit: liz west | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Droughts and fires may turn this Emerald City black, but there are steps you can take to keep your landscape […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":4132,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[179],"tags":[500],"class_list":["post-4128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington","tag-lawn-care-seattle-wa"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_22379238_1530b23bd4_h.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sarah Bahr","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sarah-bahr\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4128\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
As the name implies, defensible space is a space around your home where the fire department can defend your home in case a fire gets too close. Defensible space slows the spread of fire around your home and helps keep embers from igniting. <\/p>
The defensible space around your home is divided into three zones:<\/p>
Zone 0 – Ember-Resistant Zone <\/strong>(0-5 feet from the home or structure)<\/p> Embers and small flames are responsible for most home ignitions during a wildfire, so getting this zone right is key. Don\u2019t worry, though, it\u2019s simple: Use non-flammable materials in the 0-5 foot space around your home. <\/p> The result? If an ember lands within this space, it can\u2019t ignite if it lands on non-combustible material.<\/p> Follow these steps to create an ember-resistant zone around your home:<\/p> Zone 1 – Lean, Clean, and Green Zone<\/strong> (5-30 feet from the home or outdoor buildings)<\/p> The goal in Zone 1 is to keep fire from spreading to the home. <\/p> Lean: <\/strong>Keep areas of plants, trees, and vegetation separated into \u201cislands.\u201d No dense vegetation in this zone.<\/p> Clean: <\/strong>Regularly remove dead vegetation such as leaves, needles, and branches. Keep plants pruned and well-maintained.<\/p> Green:<\/strong> Make sure the plants in this zone are properly watered. No dry, brown vegetation.<\/p> Specific tips for Zone 1:<\/p> Zone 2: Reduce Fuel Zone<\/strong> (30-100 feet from the house or outdoor buildings)<\/p> The goal in Zone 2 is to restrict the spread of the fire and keep the fire from moving into tree canopies.<\/p> Fire-resistant plants are an important part of a fire-resistant landscape. Fire-resistant plants can burn and ignite, but they don\u2019t contribute to the spread of a wildfire.<\/p> Fire-resistant plants have these attributes:<\/p> Combustible vegetation has these attributes:<\/p> Consider these plants as a firewise addition to your landscape:<\/p> Perennials:<\/p> Shrubs:<\/p> Ground cover:<\/p> Trees:<\/p> Note: Conifers such as Douglas fir are common in the Pacific Northwest, but most conifers are not considered fire-resistant. The ponderosa pine and western larch, however, are two exceptions. A thick coat of bark and high moisture content in the needles gives these trees more resistance to fires.<\/p> Remember to prune dead plant material regularly and maintain the proper water levels for each plant. In a fire-resistant landscape, maintenance is key.<\/p> When you think about plant spacing, think about two things: vertical space and horizontal space.<\/p> Vertical space:<\/strong> The amount of vertical space between two plants.<\/p> It\u2019s important to keep at least 6 feet of vertical space between the ground and the lowest tree branches. This helps reduce ladder fuels and the potential for crown fires.<\/p> If you have shrubs underneath your trees, use this formula: Shrub height x 3 = minimum vertical spacing. Ex. If the shrub is 4 feet tall, 4 x 3 = 12. Keep at least 12 feet between the top of the shrub and the lowest tree limb on the tree.<\/p> Horizontal space:<\/strong> The amount of horizontal space between two plants.<\/p> The amount of horizontal space between plants depends on the slope and type of vegetation.<\/p> Flat land or slight slope (< 20% slope):<\/p> Ex. Shrub is 4 feet tall. 4 x 2 = 8. Keep 8 feet between shrubs.<\/p> Slight to moderate slope (20%-40%):<\/p> Ex. Shrub is 4 feet tall. 4 x 4 = 16. Keep 16 feet between shrubs.<\/p> Slopes that are >40%:<\/p> Ex. Shrub is 4 feet tall. 4 x 6 = 24. Keep 24 feet between shrubs.<\/p> Many decks and fences are made of combustible materials, such as wood, which is a prime fire hazard during a wildfire. Most homeowners don\u2019t want to replace their entire wooden structures, so here are a few things to consider to increase the fire resistance around your home.<\/p> Wood fencing<\/a> is not ideal in a home landscape that is prone to wildfires. Even with a yard that is otherwise ignition-resistant, a wood fence can ignite and transfer embers to the home. Non-flammable building materials such as metal are ideal, but here are a few tips to consider if replacing your wood fence is not an option.<\/p> Decks are usually in Zone 0, which means they should, ideally, be constructed with non-combustible materials. Steel decks with non-combustible decking boards are becoming more popular as a fire-resistant decking option.<\/p> If you want to keep an existing wood deck<\/a>, here are a few tips:<\/p> When you think about preparing your home for wildfires, consider how your plants (softscaping) and non-living elements (hardscaping) can work together to create firescaping<\/a> around your home.<\/p> In other words, both hardscaping and softscaping can work together to create a beautiful but firewise landscape. Since we\u2019ve already thought about softscaping, it\u2019s time to consider how hardscaping also can be a useful tool in your firescaping toolbox.<\/p> Some examples of hardscaping in your lawn include driveways, sidewalks, decks, pavers, and patios. As you may have thought, hardscaping is especially useful in Zone 0 where only non-combustible materials can be used.<\/p> Here are some examples of how to use hardscaping in your landscape:<\/p> If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of retrofitting your landscape, don\u2019t hesitate to ask a professional to help you with your landscape design. <\/p> Once a wildfire starts, you are in a position of defense, but there are things you can do to protect your home. These strategies have been scientifically researched and battle-tested. In short, they can save your home in the event of a wildfire. <\/p> If you live in the wildland-urban interface, you know that your home maintenance will be more involved, but it\u2019s worth it, and it works! You can drastically reduce the chances that your home will ignite. <\/p> If you prefer to rely on expert help, contact one of our <\/em>Seattle lawn care professionals<\/em><\/a>. They\u2019ll help you get started on the path to a fire-resistant landscape.<\/em><\/p> Main Photo Credit: liz west | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Droughts and fires may turn this Emerald City black, but there are steps you can take to keep your landscape […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":4132,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[179],"tags":[500],"class_list":["post-4128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington","tag-lawn-care-seattle-wa"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_22379238_1530b23bd4_h.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sarah Bahr","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sarah-bahr\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4128\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}2. Install fire-resistant plants<\/span><\/h2>
3. Space your plants<\/span><\/h2>
<\/figure><\/div> 4. Plan for fencing and decks<\/span><\/h2>
Fencing<\/h3>
Decks<\/h3>
5. Add hardscape around your home<\/span><\/h2>
Want to find out more?<\/h2>
Why does my Seattle home need fire-resistant landscaping?<\/h2>