Firewise Landscaping
We live in an area that, unfortunately, is prone to wildfires that can destroy homes and properties in the blink of an eye.
To help prevent (or at least minimize) this kind of damage, we create a firewise landscape by reducing the amount of flammable vegetation and materials surrounding your home. Cutting out excess plants and trees will increase the moisture and nutrients available to the remaining vegetation, leaving it healthier and greener.
In this article, we cover the different parts (or zones) of a defensible space and how to maximize protection within each zone.
The Home Ignition Zone
The home itself and everything around it up to around 200 feet is known as the home ignition zone. In the foothill communities of Colorado where the risk of wildfire is high, the home ignition zone extends out well beyond the actual home structure.
We divide the home ignition zone area into three zones depending on topography, access to the home, how the home is constructed, vegetation, and property lines. Because each property is different, the measurements used here are only a general guideline. The experienced Arborists here at LAM Tree Service will determine the actual distances for each zone when we visit your property to provide an estimate for creating a firewise landscape.
These three zones, Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 are treated differently on almost every property - it’s not just a matter of distance from your house.
First and foremost, we take your opinion and needs into consideration, such as keeping your favorite trees and shrubs, or providing privacy screening. Second, we look at how the landscaping influences your property’s value and we do our best not to negatively impact that when recommending firewise precautions. We all live in this area because of its natural beauty; the plants make up a large part of that.
Zone 1 - Creating a Defensible Space Around Your Home
Zone 1 is where the strongest defense is needed from an approaching wildfire or escaping structures fires. This is where any efforts should begin to aid emergency personnel in evacuating you and your family and/or protecting the structure. It encircles the structure and all its attachments (wooden decks, fences, and boardwalks) for at least 30 feet on all sides.
Here are our general recommendations for creating a defensible space in Zone 1:
- Choose plants that are low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily (see our recommendations and tips here). Space them carefully so fire can’t easily spread from one to the other.
- Landscape in this area using non-flammable landscaping materials (such as gravel and rocks) and/or high-moisture-content annuals and perennials.
- Keep the grass mowed low and well watered if possible.
- Prune trees up six to ten feet from the ground.
- Space conifer trees 30 feet between crowns.
- If there are any limbs or branches overhanging the roof, or any branches close to/touching the house, trim them back to at least 10 feet from the house.
- Remove fuel sources close to the house. The perimeter of the home and attachments out to about 5 feet are vulnerable if there is anything there that could ignite and thus allow flames to touch the house.
- Wind-driven fire will create a blizzard of embers that will pile up in corners where you might normally find accumulations of leaves or needles around your home. Keep these corners, nooks, and crannies clear of any flammables.
- Remove dead vegetation or piled wood from under the deck and within 10 feet of your house.
- Consider fire-resistant material for patio furniture, siding, decking, roofing, swing sets, etc.
- Remove firewood stacks and propane tanks; they should not be located in this zone.
- Water plants, trees and mulch regularly.
- Consider xeriscaping if you are affected by water-use restrictions.
Zone 2 – Fire Mitigation Through Fuel Reduction
Zone 2 extends from between 30 to 100 feet from the home. This is the reduced fuels zone where fire mitigation occurs. In the event of an approaching wildfire, a well-managed Zone 2 area discourages rapid burning and crown-to-crown fire movement. The goal of fire mitigation is to effectively slow down or disrupt the progression of the fire before it reaches your defensible space and structures (your home).
For effective fire mitigation in Zone 2, we recommend the following:
- Leave a minimum of 10 feet between clusters of two to three trees, or 15 feet between individual trees.
- Encourage a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, varying in age and species. You'll find some suggestions here.
- Create ‘fuel breaks’, like driveways, gravel walkways, patios, mowed field areas, and lawns.
- Prune trees up six to ten feet from the ground, especially dead limbs.
Zone 3 - Maintaining a Healthy Forest
Zone 3 is 100 to at least 200 feet from the home and this area should be thinned, although less space is required between trees than in Zone 2. Occasionally, work in Zone 3 can allow for more density than in the other zones, preserving privacy near the home.
General guidelines for Zone 3 are to:
- Remove smaller conifers that are growing between taller trees.
- Remove any heavy accumulations of woody debris.
- Reduce the density of tall trees so canopies are not touching.
- Use existing fuel breaks like roads, rocky outcrops, riparian and meadow areas.
You have several options when addressing fire danger on your property – fire mitigation is definitely not a “one size fits all” approach. The three zones can be addressed over time as your budget allows and to ensure that property value is maintained.
Look to LAM Tree Service, the area’s most experienced Arborists, to help you build a long-term firewise landscape plan for your forests and outdoor living spaces.
Wildfire Resources
>> Learn more
Why Wildfire Risk Is Increasing
>> Learn more
Great Plants for Firewise Landscapes
>> Learn more
Homeowner Fire Safety Practices
- Use noncombustible or fire resistant building materials, especially on the roof.
- Install chimney screen or spark arrestor.
- Enclose or screen off porch, foundation, roof, and attic openings to keep debris from accumulating underneath or firebrands from entering.
- Post house or lot number so that it is clearly visible.
- Protect windows and sliding glass doors with nonflammable shutters and provide fire resistant drapes or blinds on the interior, especially on the side of the house that would most likely be exposed to a fire, e.g., the downhill side.
- Inspect and clean your chimney on a regular basis.
- Equip you home with smoke detectors and at least one 10 pound ABC-class fire extinguisher.
- Bury power and telephone lines underground. If this is not possible, keep poles clear of branches and remove fuel from around base.
- Develop an external water supply for firefighting. This can be a small pond, cistern, well, swimming pool, etc. If you have a well, provide a power source for the pump motor separate from the house. Have an outside water faucet located away from your home with sufficient hose to reach all parts of your residence.
- Store tools such as shovels, axes, rakes or hoes for use in case of fire.
- Dispose of leaves and debris with your trash. In most areas open burning is prohibited. If burning is allowed, provide an approved, properly screened incinerator.
- Plan and rehearse a home fire escape drill.
- Know where safety areas are within your subdivision. Meadows, rock outcrops, and wide roads are good examples. Know all emergency escape routes.
- Report all fires immediately to your local fire department or the county sheriff’s office.
Subdivision Activities
Below are some recommendations for things you can do within your neighborhood to protect your community from wildfires.
- Form a fire protection or forestry committee to organize and oversee needed projects and activities.
- Install fuelbreaks at strategic locations throughout your subdivision.
- Thin dense stands of trees and/or brush in common ground and greenbelts.
- Maintain all road and street signs.
- Install a fire danger sign at the entrance to your subdivision (ratings must be kept current on a daily basis) and other fire prevention signs throughout the subdivision.
- Clear at least three feet around and above fire hydrants and make sure they are checked periodically for adequate flow and pressure.
- Reduce fuel under utility lines and around poles.
CONTACT US
LAM Tree Service, Inc.
P. O. Box 2486, Evergreen, CO 80437-2486
Physical Location:
30476 Bryant Drive, Evergreen, CO
Phone: 303-674-8733
HOURS
Monday—Friday: 8:00AM–4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday by appointment only