Recent rains across Colorado provided a much-needed respite from the heat, but this wildfire season is still undeniably well underway. Wildfires such as the 416 fire in Durango are still burning, showing that more than forestlands and outlying areas are in danger.
As cities and towns expand, they border more natural open spaces, exposing an increasing number of suburban properties to the danger of fast-moving wildfire. With this in mind, a growing number of people need to know how landscaping can help protect their homes.
Over the years, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, the professional trade organization for landscape companies statewide, has collected information from foresters, landscape companies and universities to help property owners become more fire-wise with their landscapes. Listed below are important steps those in threatened areas should consider:
- Avoid placing plants too close together. Spacing plants apart from one another keeps fire from traveling between them or climbing up smaller bushes into the more flammable branches of nearby trees.
- Remove flammable debris. Dead trees, shrubs and small plants growing close to or underneath larger trees can fuel a fire, and they should be removed. Keep gutters clean, removing dead leaves and pine needles, and make sure plants are well-watered, as dry plants more easily ignite. Mow natural grasses and weeds to 6 inches or shorter within 30 feet of structures to prevent flames from traveling across a yard.
- Replace flammable landscaping with fire-resistant plants and mulch.
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