Firewise Landscaping

Here we are in the middle of August and while it hasn't been an overly hot summer, it hasn't been an especially wet one either.  We must remain ever vigilant about our fire abatement and keeping the plants and trees in our yards healthy, as a healthy plant or tree is more fire resistant than a sickly one.

We all know about the basics of fire abatement around our properties and homes, however, I came across a Guide to Firewise Landscaping at the website of the National Fire Protection Association and thought they had some additional ideas that aren't normally told to people.

One is to use brick or stone finishes on your house.  I would think this is a no brainer, but I have never seen this on any fire abatement literature that I have read.  If you are going to be re-doing the outside of your home, it might be a good idea to incorporate some stone or brick into the design.  Here in the mountains, stone is a very appropriate look if you are trying to stay with that rustic, mountainy look.  Instead of installing cedar shingles down to the ground, why not put some stone around the bottom of the house and then your cedar shingles on the upper half. 

 Also using pavers for driveways or walkways can create a fuel break within your yard.  If you are wanting a water permeable driveway or path, try using gravel with large rocks lining your path.  This will keep the gravel in the path or driveway as well as help with creating a fuel break and look pleasing in your landscape as well.

If you are going to be replacing any doors or windows, go for double paned or tempered glass.  Double-paned glass can help reduce the risk of fracture or collapses during an extreme wildfire.  Tempered glass is the most effective of the two and if you are going to be installing any skylights, glass is a better choice than plastic or fiberglass.

Some other tips, which may or may not be feasible are to use a concrete patio instead of a wooded deck, use pebbles, river rock or gravel instead of mulch near your home's foundation and use rubber outdoor mats rather than natural fiber ones.

Anything attached to the house (decks, porches, fences and outbuildings)should be considered part of the house.  These act as fuel bridges, particularly if they are constructed from flammable materials.  If a wood fence is attached to the house, separate the fence from the house with a masonry or metal barrier.  Decks need to be kept free of combustible materials and debris. Box in eaves, fascias, soffits and vents or enclose them with metal screens.  Vent openings should be covered with 1/8" metal screen.

So remember,  fire season is never over and go out and take a walk around your property and see what you can do today to make it more fire safe.  By continually making improvements to protect your home, you will stand a greater chance of your home surviving, should a fire come our way.