Spring is around the corner and summer is quickly approaching, which means extreme weather in some areas of the country. This can give way to increased fire risks, particularly for those living in rural or wooded areas. But even if you are not in a high-risk area, it’s important to know how to use your landscape to prevent fires at home.

Here are a few tips to help keep your home and family safe:

1. Keep Trees and Shrubs Trimmed

Trim any trees near your house or other buildings, so that they don’t come into contact with power lines. Also, prune lower branches of bushes and shrubs away from the house to create a “firebreak” should a fire occur. Any overhanging limbs or branches near your roof should be removed as well.

2. Remove Dead Tree Limbs and Branches

Dead tree limbs, branches, and other debris are significant fire hazards and need to be disposed of properly. This includes anything that can burn easily, such as leaves and grass clippings. Cut them up into small pieces and burn them in a campfire, if it is safe to do so, or dispose of them in a local landfill. You should make sure you’re dumping these materials properly in an area that is far away from any combustible materials such as buildings.

3. Remove Flammable Plants That are Within 30 Feet of Your Home

Plants that could easily catch fire should not be planted within 30 feet of your home. These include trees like eucalyptus, junipers, and Arborvitae, as well as shrubs such as manzanita and sagebrush. If you already have flammable plants within this distance to your home, consider replacing them with fire-resistant plants that are more suitable for your area’s climate.

4. Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home

A defensible space is an area around your home that can act as a buffer from approaching fires. This space should be free of combustible materials and have fire-resistant vegetation, such as grasses or low shrubs. The size of your defensible space should be determined by the fire risk in your area, but it should always extend at least 30 feet from all sides of your home.

5. Install Fire-Resistant Roofing

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable places when it comes to fires and can easily catch fire if exposed to high temperatures or embers. To protect your home, you should consider installing fire-resistant roofing materials such as metal, clay tile, or asphalt shingles. Any combustible material like wood shakes should be avoided as they are highly flammable and can easily catch fire.

6. Don’t Stack Firewood Against Your Home

If you have firewood near your home, it should be stored at least 30 feet away to avoid any potential fires. It’s also a good idea to keep the wood elevated off the ground and covered with a tarp to minimize the risk of fire. This will help to keep it dry, as well as further reduce the risk of accidental fires.

7. Mow and Maintain Your Lawn

Mowing your lawn regularly and keeping it well-maintained is an important step in preventing fires. This will help to keep the grass short, which can reduce the amount of fuel for a fire. Additionally, you should remove any dead plants or debris, as these could easily become a source of fuel for a blaze.

8. Plant Fire-Resistant Plants

Planting fire-resistant plants can be a great way to help protect your home from potential fires. These plants have thick, waxy leaves that are more difficult for a flame to catch onto. Additionally, they often grow low to the ground and can be used as a natural barrier between your home and any potential flames. Some examples of fire-resistant plants include irises, bee balm, lavender, and rosemary.

9. Space Shrubs and Trees Properly

If you want to use foliage to help protect your home from fires, be sure to space them out properly. Leaves and branches should be spaced far enough away from each other that flames cannot easily jump between them. Additionally, shrubs should not be planted within two feet of combustible objects such as wood siding or decks.

Fire Resistant Landscaping is Dull and Unappealing?

One of the reasons some homeowners don’t bother with fire-resistant landscaping is that they fear that it’ll make their yard look dull and unappealing. However, many attractive fire-resistant plants are easy to maintain and can blend in beautifully with other foliage. Consider selecting drought-tolerant native plants and grasses for your landscape, as these can provide significant protection without taking away from the aesthetic appeal of your yard.

Work With Landscaping Experts at Titan Restoration

The landscaping experts at Titan Restoration can help you develop the perfect landscape for your home that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also fire-resistant. We can provide you with advice on the best plants and materials to use, as well as design a layout plan that will minimize your risk of a fire outbreak. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your home from the dangers of fire.