Landscaping against wildfires

Every year in Canada, wildfires devastate an average of 2.5 million hectares of land. While the sheer destructive power of this force of nature isn’t something we humans have much control over on a large scale, there are a few measures individuals can take to help protect their property against fire. Here are a few tips for fire-resistant landscaping.

MAINTAIN A DEFENSIBLE SPACE

The areas closest to your home and other structures are most critical when it comes to defending against fire; this buffer zone of sorts is known as “defensible space.” Depending on the size of your property, your defensible space should be between 10 and 30 metres surrounding your home.

KEEP IT CLEAN

There should be as little plant fuel as possible within your defensible space. Get rid of any dead vegetation, including dead shrubs and trees, dried flowers and grass, and fallen leaves and needles. Move piles of firewood outside the defensible space during fire season.

KEEP IT LEAN

Landscaping should be minimal within your defensible space. A grass lawn with few trees and shrubs is a good barrier against fire — plants that grow low to the ground are preferable. Trees should be at least three metres apart at crown level. Prune away any branches within three metres of your home or other structure.

KEEP IT GREEN

Proper irrigation is essential for plants within the defensible space. Inspect your plants regularly and get rid of any dry or dead material. Choose fire-resistant varieties with low water needs, such as herbaceous plants (bulbs, groundcovers, annual and perennial flowers) and deciduous trees. Avoid evergreens, which are highly flammable.

Keep the area closest to your home clean, lean and green to help defend your property against wildfires.