F
I
R
E
W
I
S
E
L
A
N
D
S
C
A
P
I
N
G
|
Firewise Landscaping Checklist
When designing and installing a firewise landscape,
consider the following:
| O |
Local area fire history. |
| O |
Site location and overall terrain. |
| O |
Prevailing winds and seasonal weather. |
| O |
Property contours and boundaries. |
| O |
Native Vegetation. |
| O |
Plant characteristics and placement (duffage, water and
salt retention ability, aromatic oils, fuel load per area, and size). |
| O |
Irrigation requirements. |
To create a firewise landscape, remember that
the primary goal is fuel reduction. To this end, initiate the zone
concept. Zone 1 is the closest to the structure; Zones 2-4 move progressively
further away.
| O |
Zone 1. This well-irrigated area encircles the
structure for at least 3-' on all sides, providing space for fire suppression
equipment in the event of an emergency. Plantings should be limited
to carefully spaced fire resistant species. |
| O |
Zone 2. Fire resistant plant materials should be
used here. Plants should be low growing, and the irrigation system
should extend into this section. |
| O |
Zone 3. Place low-growing plants and well-spaced
trees in this area, remembering to keep the volume of vegetation (fuel)
low. |
| O |
Zone 4. This furthest zone from the structure is
a natural area. Thin selectively here, and remove highly flammable
vegetation |
Also remember to:
| O |
Be sure to leave a minimum of 30' around the house to
accommodate fire equipment, if necessary. |
| O |
Carefully space the trees you plant. |
| O |
Take out the "ladder fuels" - vegetation that serves
as a link between grass and tree tops. It can carry fire to a structure
or from a structure to vegetation. |
| O |
Give yourself added protection with "fuel breaks" like
driveways, gravel walkways, and lawns. |
When maintaining a landscape:
| O |
Keep trees and shrubs pruned. Prune all trees up
to 6' to 10' from the ground. |
| O |
Remove leaf clutter and dead and overhanging branches. |
| O |
Mow your lawn regularly. |
| O |
Dispose of cuttings and debris promptly, according to
local regulations. |
| O |
Store firewood away from the house. |
| O |
Be sure the irrigation system is well maintained. |
| O |
Use care when refueling garden equipment and maintain
it regularly. |
| O |
Store and use flammable liquids properly. |
| O |
Dispose of smoking materials carefully. |
| O |
Become familiar with local regulations regarding vegetative
clearances, disposal of debris, and fire safety requirements for equipment. |
| O |
Follow manufacturers' instructions when using fertilizers
and pesticides. |
Access additional information on the Fire wise home page:
www.firewise.org
|
JOHN |
