Maintaining healthy plants through the summer is a fire-smart strategy. Well-hydrated plants have been found to be more resistant to embers and ignitions. Use these important fire-smart and water-wise landscaping strategies:
● Help your soil maintain moisture by using compost and appropriate fire-smart mulches outside of Zone 0.
● Learn how much water your plants need and give them the right amount. This will help keep your plants healthy and happy.
● Water your plants in the early morning, applying water to the base of the plant within its dripline.
● Over irrigation is common. Consider using flow meters, soaker hoses, drip irrigation, and
irrigation controllers for more efficient administration and monitoring.
● Use fertilizers sparingly. They make plants grow quickly and require more water to support new growth.
● Avoid planting new plants during the hot summer months. They need more water to establish themselves and thrive.
● Remove invasive plants and weeds which take water from other plants.
● Reduce the size of your thirsty lawn.
● On days with Red Flag warnings, avoid changing your irrigation schedule or using more water.
Using excessive water for irrigation reduces the water available to our fire personnel.
Additional learning resources:
Irrigation
Fire-smart landscape maintenance
For more information on Fire Smart Landscaping, click here.
