Peak fire season, once a distinct three-month period, now starts earlier in the summer and stretches well into the historically wet autumn months. Home gardeners and landscape professionals alike need to rethink landscape design to reflect our warming climate and shifting weather patterns. While there is no such thing as fire prooflandscaping, you can make your garden fire resistant.
What is fire resistant landscaping? It’s thoughtful design that includes the right ratio of hardscaping (stone, concrete, patios, pavers) to plants that are naturally fire resistant. Too much concrete and stone evokes a harsh aesthetic, while absorbing sunlight and creating mini heat islands. But planting highly flammable vegetation such as bamboo, eucalyptus or pine trees can put your property at risk for fire. What to do?
Go native. Generally, California native and Mediterranean climate vegetation is well suited to withstand dry conditions. Good plants to start with include French lavender, madrone trees, California poppy, Pacific coast iris and many more.
Balance proportions. We recommend 25% hardscaping, and planting lower-height vegetation no more than 3 feet tall along side the house.
Maintain your garden. The best way to promote fire resistance is to have a well-maintained garden. Regular deadheading, pruning and weeding will prevent too much dry matter from accumulating. If you have trees growing near power lines, do not attempt to trim them yourself. Instead, contact PG&E.
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Dig deeper:
- For homes built in the suburban-wildland interface, it is especially important to clear vegetation surrounding the house, a practice known as defensible space. Learn more about it here.
For an excellent guide to fire resistant and fire prone plants, go to FIREsafe Marin.
Fire resistant landscaping can be practical AND beautiful. Give us a call to learn more: 707-789-9786.