Landscaping A Fire Resistant Home and Garden

Certain parts of the country are especially prone to fires. Dry wild grasses and trees that come right up to your home will create a fire hazard. There are things you should do to protect your home.

Clear Vegetation

Thirty feet is the minimum required distance of clear vegetation. However, it can be necessary to clear up to 400 feet of an area near the home. You should consider the following factors: wind, slope, neighborhood density, and architectural styles. In other words, will a fire spread quickly or slowly? And, if it does, will your home catch fire easily or not.

Remove Dead Plants

Remove any dead plants in or around your home. If a tree is mostly healthy, but has some dead branches, cut the dead branches off.

Keep Plants Watered

During the heat of the summer keep all the plants watered well.

Plant Placement

Don't place plants right next to the home. Instead, create islands that are 30 feet or more away from the home.

Maintenance

Keep shrubs and trees to minimal growth. Larger trees and shrubs growing out of control are more of a hazard then well controlled smaller plants.

Siding

Avoid materials that burn. Stucco or aluminum siding is better than wood.

Fences

Use metal, stone, or vinyl. Stay away from wood fencing.

Decks

Build with stone, concrete, masonry, or tile. Avoid using wood.

Fire hose

If possible, set up a pump to work with your fire hose. Make sure the fire hose can reach all around your home. If you have a pool or hot tub, set up your pump and fire hose to use this water.

Hydrant

Keep it clear for fire personnel. With city permission, learn how to hook your fire hose up to the hydrant.