Fall 2024

by Hedwig Van Den Broeck

 

In this fall issue of News to Grow By, we’re diving deeper into creating fire-resistant landscaping for Defensible Space Zone 1, also known as the Lean, Clean, and Green Zone, which extends 5–30 feet from your home. This area is your first line of defense against wildfires, and understanding how to manage it effectively can make all the difference in protecting your home.

 

 

While Zone 0 (closest to your home) is the most restrictive with no vegetation, Zone 1 is where careful planning and maintenance can stop flames and embers in their tracks. The goal here is to create distance between fuel sources so that a fire can’t easily jump to your roof or spread around your property.

 

 

In Zone 1, keeping vegetation well-maintained is crucial. This includes pruning trees, shrubs, and grass regularly to reduce ladder fuels—vegetation that allows a fire to climb from the ground up. We suggest sticking to low-growing, non-woody plants and groundcovers in this area. Succulents, vegetables, flowers, and even a lawn are great choices for beauty and safety.

 

Want to add a bit of style? Consider creating “planting islands” with groups of plants separated by space, making maintenance easier. Filling gaps with rock, gravel, or other non-flammable materials adds extra protection and looks great. You can also use boulders, stone, or metal for hardscaping, which functions as a firebreak and enhances your garden’s design.

 

For any larger trees within 30 feet of your home, trim branches at least 6 feet from the ground or understory plants. Maintaining a 6-foot clearance of branches overhanging the roof and a 10-foot clearance around your chimney outlet is also essential. Fall is the best time for pruning, especially after trees lose their leaves. If you're not comfortable with pruning, hiring a professional tree service or consulting an arborist is always a smart move.

 

 

Regular maintenance is the heart of a firewise garden. Clear out fallen leaves, windblown debris, and any vegetation that could catch fire. Mow and water your lawn, and don’t forget to cut back dead flowers. Avoid storing firewood or other combustible materials within Zone 1. Opt for plants that produce minimal litter to reduce cleanup, and steer clear of invasive species, which can quickly spread and increase fire risk.

 

Over time, plants may become overgrown, and you may need to prune them back severely or even remove them to maintain proper defensible spacing. Always research how large a plant will grow and its lifespan before adding it to your garden.

 

 

Remember, with enough heat and time, all plants can burn. But well-hydrated, healthy plants are far less likely to fuel a wildfire. Keep your plants in top condition with regular watering and by ensuring they are suited to the local soil and climate. Stressed or unhealthy plants are more likely to die or produce flammable material.

 

Consider choosing California native plants for your garden. Not only are they adapted to our climate, they also need less maintenance because no extra watering or soil amendements are needed. Plus, their natural defenses against local pests and diseases mean fewer treatments are required. Just be sure to choose firewise varieties. For a wealth of information on native plants, check out Calscape.org, a great resource for finding the right plants for your area.

 

 

By taking these preventative measures, you’re safeguarding your property and giving yourself peace of mind. A well-designed Defensible Space Zone 1 not only protects your home but also makes it easier for firefighters to defend it. You'll rest easier knowing you've taken the steps to slow down fire and make your property more resilient.

 

 “Firefighters don’t go into burning buildings because they want to; they do it because someone has to. They are the everyday heroes who never ask for recognition but deserve it.”

 

 

Defensible Zone 2, aka Reduced Fuel Zone, will be covered in the Winter issue of News to Grow By. Previously published articles in the series on "Home Landscaping for Fire Safety":

 

 

 

The Combustibility of Landscape Mulches

 

Calscape.org: California Native Society database, search for CA native plants by location, name, type, water use, and more.

 

UCANR Wildfire Preparation site offers specific guidance and ideas.

 

For more tips on how to protect your home, CAL FIRE offers a Low-Cost Retrofit List.

 

IBHS – Wildfire Prepared: Home Preparedness Guide.

 

 

Firesafe Marin:

 

Hardening your Home