By Kristina Howley for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
Planting fire-resistant shrubs is an excellent choice whether you’re creating a whole fire-wise landscape, planting around a fire pit, or preparing for the future. Keep in mind that fire-resistant plants could prevent a fire from quickly moving across a space and potentially help stall it. Fire-resistant does not mean the plants won’t catch fire or that they would necessarily survive a fire. Use the below information as an introduction to the concept of fire-wise gardening. If you are in a fire prone area, reach out to a professional to either design a space for you or examine the one you have developed. To further your research on this important topic, refer to the reference materials below.
Fire Resistant Shrub Definition
A fire-resistant shrub doesn’t readily add fuel to a fire. It may have one or all of these qualities:
If sparked, it will smolder and doesn’t burst right into flame. Fire burns very slowly or goes out almost immediately.
May regrow after a fire or has seed that withstands or benefits from fire.
Foliage or stems are moist. Sometimes succulent in nature.
Sap is clear and watery, seldom fragrant.
Fire Resistant Shrub Options:
BEYOND MIDNIGHT® Bluebeard a.k.a Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis) Full sun 2-2.5′ tall and 2-3′ wide USDA zones 5-9
A highly flammable shrub easily catches a spark and fuels a fire. Tends to be dry. It has one or all of these qualities:
Contains a lot of bare branches or holds dead, dry foliage in its interior.
Has resinous sap, usually very fragrant.
Plant material contains waxes or oils that easily catch fire.
Has loose papery bark.
Fire Prone Shrubs:
Arborvitae – Thuja
Juniper – Juniperus communis
Mugo Pine – Pinus mugo
Scotch Broom – Cytisus scopari
Planning Considerations for a Fire-Wise Landscape
The way you arrange your space is just as important as the plants you put in it. There are a few important things to consider as you plan your landscape:
Do not plant anything within five feet of your home. Ensure nothing is touching it.
If it’s necessary to have a covering (like mulch) right up to your home, use rock mulch or fire-proof material. Do not use wood mulch or wood decking.
Space shrubs double their mature widths apart. For example, if a shrub grows three feet wide, the planting distance would be six feet. This is the distance between the center of one shrub to the center of the same kind of shrub. There should be ample space between plants.
Use a greater planting distance if your landscape is on a hill, as fire travels upward more easily.
Account for the mature heights and widths of the trees you’d like to plant or are currently present in the garden. If the tree were to catch on fire, would it be able to tip over and touch your home? If so, plant it farther away. If it’s established, consider limbing it up high above the ground, so fire wouldn’t be able to climb to its foliage as easily.
Maintenance
Commit to a maintenance plan. One of the biggest contributors to a fast-moving fire is an excess of dry material.
Regularly remove dead plant material that has fallen to the ground.
Deadhead often.
Weed as necessary.
Limb up trees substantially, especially those with bare branches like evergreens.
Consult a pro
To create a truly effective fire-wise landscape, it's always wise to consult a local landscaper or hardscape professional who understands your region's unique conditions. Their expertise can help you select plants and design elements that enhance your garden while minimizing fire risk, giving you both beauty and peace of mind.
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
By: Natalie Carmolli for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
A Freely growing rose garden has plenty of natural charm, but thoughtful plant pairings can make your roses stand out even more. To learn more click here for an informative article.
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