UC Master Gardener: Fire-Smart Landscaping Tip - December

Plan your fire-smart garden. Consider the existing plants, budget, and how much maintenance you are willing to do. Start by understanding the defensible space zones.

• Zone 0: 0 – 5 feet from the house is the most important. Minimize combustible materials and vegetation and separate plants with non-combustible materials.
• Zone 1: 5- 30 feet from the house separate plantings and garden beds with hardscape and groundcovers to slow the spread of flames.
• Zone 2: 30 to 100 feet from the house can use larger shrubs and trees planted in widely spaced groups or “islands”. Consider the mature size of plants and shrubs to maintain spaces.

The U C Marin Master Gardener website can help choose the right plants for the right place for a healthy and fire-smart garden.  For more information go to http://marinmg.ucanr.edu/Fire-smart_Landscaping/