GARDENING FACT SHEET:
Click to View this Printable PDF file: “Fire Wise Gardening”
Firewise gardening is a landscaping approach designed to reduce wildfire risk around homes and properties by using fire-resistant plants, proper spacing, and maintenance techniques that minimize the spread of fire. It helps create defensible space and improves a properties chance of surviving a wildfire.
Key Principles of Firewise Gardening:
1. Defensible Space Zones
Firewise landscaping divides a property into three zones to slow fire spread and protect structures:
Zone 1 (0-5 feet from structures)
- Use non-combustible materials like gravel, stone, or pavers.
- Avoid flammable plants, mulch, or dense vegetation.
- Maintain well-watered, fire-resistant plants like succulents or irrigated flowers.
Zone 2 (5-30 feet from structures)
- Space plants to prevent fire from jumping between them.
- Choose fire-resistant shrubs and trees with high moisture content.
- Keep grass short and well-watered.
Zone 3 (30+ feet from structures)
- Maintain widely spaced trees and shrubs.
- Remove deadwood and dry vegetation regularly.
- Use firebreaks like driveways, pathways, or lawns.
2. Fire-Resistant Plants
Fire-wise plants are more resistant to wildfires due to their moisture content, slow-burning characteristics, and minimal production of flammable oils or resins. These plants can help create defensible space around homes and reduce fire spread in landscapes.
Examples:
Flowers & Ground Covers: Yarrow, Daylilies, Iris, Dianthus, Yarrow, Allium, Columbine, Butterfly Weed, Blanket flower, Aster, Winecups, Coreopsis, Geum, Lupine, Penstemon, Stonecrop, Jupiter’s Beard, Poppy, Hosta.
Groundcovers: Ice Plant, Creeping Thyme, Sedum, Ajuga, Plumbago, Snow-in-Summer, Vinca.
Shrubs: Lilac, Spirea, Mock Orange, Sumac, Oregon Grape, Boxwood, Manzanita, Serviceberry, Barberry.
Trees: Maple, Aspen, Crabapple, (avoid Pine, Cedar).
3. Proper Spacing & Maintenance
- Space plants and trees to reduce fire spread. Avoid dense clusters.
- Keep shrubs and trees pruned, removing dead branches and leaves.
- Remove debris like dry leaves, pine needles, and deadwood.
4. Safe Mulching Practices
- Avoid highly flammable mulches like pine needles or dry wood chips near structures.
- Use gravel, decomposed granite, or composted bark for a fire-resistant alternative.
5. Smart Irrigation
- Keep plants hydrated, especially during dry seasons.
- Use drip irrigation for efficient watering and moisture retention.
Benefits of Firewise Gardening:
- Protects homes & structures from wildfire damage.
- Slows fire spread by reducing available fuel.
- Improves property value and aesthetics.
- Promotes sustainability with drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants.
