As summer approaches and the chances of wildfires increase, many property owners worry about how to protect their structural assets from these fires. One good option is to use fire resistant plants around the house or building while planning your landscape.
Fire resistant plants are plants that don’t readily ignite from a flame or other ignition sources. Although they can be damaged or even killed by fire, their foliage and stems don’t contribute significantly to the fuel and, therefore, the fire’s intensity.
Fire resistant plants have the following characteristics:
- Leaves are moist and supple.
- Little or no dead wood and tend not to accumulate dry, dead material within the plant.
- Sap is water-like and does not have a strong odor.
A professional landscape company will have recommended plant lists for your specific region. A cross reference of these lists with fire officials will enable you to make a suitable conversion to fire resistant plants.
Most deciduous trees and shrubs are fire-resistant. However, if fire-resistant plants are not maintained in a healthy condition, even they can burn.
Maintenance of fire-resistant plants includes regular pruning, removal of dead and dying vegetation and correct spacing between plants. Low-growing plants must be kept within 30 feet of the home. The closer the plants are to the house, the more care that needs to be taken.
Get an experienced landscape maintenance company to look after your property and make sure that you stay safe from wildfires this summer! Include fire resistant plants in your landscape plans.