Yard and Landscaping
A FireSmart yard includes making smart choices for your plants, shrubs, grass and mulch. Selecting fire resistant plants and materials can increase the likelihood of your home surviving a wildfire. Ensure there is a 1.5 metre horizontal non-combustible surface perimeter along the outer walls of the primary structure (house).
Landscaping within 10 metres
Plant a low density of fire-resistant plants and shrubs. Avoid having any woody debris, including mulch, as it provides potential places for fires to start.Characteristics of fire-resistant plants
• Moist, supple leaves • Accumulates minimal dead vegetation • Water-like sap with little odour • Low amount of sap or resin materialCharacteristics of highly flammable plants
• Leaves or needles are aromatic • Accumulates fine, dry, dead material • Contain resin or oils • Loose papery or flaky barkPlants to avoid
• Cedar
• Juniper
• Pine
• Tall grass
• Spruce
Grass
A mowed lawn is a fire resistant lawn. Grasses shorter than 10 centimetres in height are less likely to burn intensely.