2025-07-24
Protecting Property From WildFire Risk: Managing And Selecting Fire-Resistant Plants
A key to preparing for wildfire season is to manage the trees, bushes and other plants on your property as they can cause fire to spread toward your building or residence. Being prepared means removing combustible materials such as leaves, branches and other organic materials.
Implementing these simple measures will help keep your property safe in the event of a fire. You can create a visually pleasing landscape by planting fire resistant shrubs and ground cover. These should be well spaced and low growing.
How to fire-proof your landscaping:
- Remove all combustible materials: Clear all dead leaves, branches, needles, and mulch within 1.5 metres of your house.
- Thin trees: Space trees at least 3 metres apart to reduce fire intensity and also ensure that they aren’t planted close to your residence.
- Trim low branches: Prune lower branches to at least 2 meters from the ground to prevent fire ladders.
- Keep grass short: Mow grass to less than 10 cm, and drench it up to twice a week keeping in mind any watering restrictions. Alternatives to grass include clovers and other fire-resistant ground cover.
- Clear leaves: Plants drop needles and leaves, so regularly clean out dead material. Always keep roofs and gutters clear.
- Remove flammable ground cover: Avoid mulch and plant low-density, fire-resistant ground covers.
Pick fire-resistant plants:
- Plant low-growing, fire-resistant shrubs: Choose shrubs that are well-spaced and not densely packed.
- Select fire-resistant ground covers: Use low-growing, fire-resistant plants like succulents, hardy ice plant, or other fire-resistant species.
- Choose fire-resistant trees: Choose trees like ponderosa pine, which are more resistant to surface fires.
- Select plants that don’t burn: Choose deciduous trees and avoid coniferous trees, such as pines and junipers which are highly flammable.
Other Helpful hints:
- Know your fire zones: Use non-combustible materials like gravel, rock, or pavers around your home to protect against embers.
- Build a fire break: Create a fire break using non-combustible materials to help stop the spread of fire.
- Consult local resources: Check with FireSmart BC. Your local nursery can assist you make the right choice in fire-resistant plantings.
