Image
In December, we discussed strategies for assessing and planning Zone 0, 0-5 feet from your home, where the best practice is to remove any combustible materials.
For Zones 1 and 2, focus on plant size and spacing to reduce fire pathways to your home.
Zone 1 – 5 to 30 feet from home
Objective: Reduce heat and movement of flames by creating a “lean and clean” environment and creating space for the fire department to defend your home.
- Allow for ample plant spacing to slow the spread of flames
- Consider the strategic placement of non-combustible materials between plantings such as decorative boulders to slow the spread of flames
- When placing plants, keep low-growing and well-irrigated plants closer to the home and larger shrubs and trees further away
- For mulch, composted wood chips or medium-sized bark nuggets are acceptable in this zone
- Limit mulch depth to 2” and break up mulched areas with hardscaping
Zone 2 – 30 to 100 feet from home
Objective: Decrease the energy and speed of a fire by eliminating plant density.
- Avoid planting trees and shrubs in rows or hedges, which provide a pathway for fire to follow
- For existing hedges, consider breaking them by removing some plants or adding a non-combustible walkway along the hedge to slow the spread of flames
- Keep vegetation under trees low to the ground and sparsely spaced to avoid fire reaching tree canopies
- You may need to collaborate with your neighbors to plan out this defensible zone