With July’s long days, warm winds, and rising temperatures, it’s more important than ever to evaluate your landscape for fire risks. Fire-smart landscaping isn’t just about creating a well-spaced yard that is aesthetically pleasing, thoughtful maintenance can mean the difference between a fire-resistant garden and one that becomes fuel in a wildfire.
Begin with a thorough walk-through of your property. Fire-smart landscaping is most effective when it’s
done by zones, starting closest to your home:
Zone 0 (0–5 feet from your home): This is your most critical zone. Fire safety experts strongly advise
that Zone 0 remain free of vegetation, combustible mulch, and other flammable materials.
Clear dead leaves, needles, and debris from gutters, roofs, and between deck boards and crevices. Check
corners around your house and hard-to-reach areas where leaves and debris tend to collect. Over time,
these areas can quietly accumulate fuel for fire. Check for new debris accumulation frequently.
Zone 1 (5–30 feet): This area still poses a high risk The goal is to reduce the potential heat and flames
near your home and create space for the fire department to defend your home.
To maintain this area, first, remove all dead or dying plants and plant debris, and prune out dead and
dying branches. Look carefully under shrubs and groundcovers for dry thatch and hidden dead material.
A well-maintained plant can be harder for embers to ignite than one surrounded by dead, dry material.
Next, check your space between plants and plant groupings to help interrupt and slow fire spread
toward your house. Did plants grow larger than you expected and are they encroaching on your
planned fire-smart spacing? Consider pruning and/or removing select plants to ensure adequate spacing
is maintained.
Create horizontal space by removing weeds and breaking up mulched areas with some gravel, stones, or
leave bare soil, which can be a valuable habitat, including for our native solitary bees.
Maintaining vertical space between ground-level plants and tree branches is important to prevent fire
from spreading from ground vegetation into tree canopies. Remove lower tree branches and/or shorten
the plants below them.
As you prune excess plant growth, re-evaluate your long-term plant choices and spacing plan. Plant
choice and placement are key factors determining your level of ongoing maintenance.
Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Spacing of plant groupings is still important, however, plantings can be closer
together in this zone. Prune to maintain separation between shrubs and tree canopies so a fire has
fewer chances to move upward or outward.
Mow grasses down to a maximum of 4 inches.
Want to learn about pruning?
Check out our “Watch & Learn YouTube videos for short and simple pruning advice. Or, sign
up for our “Intro to Aesthetic Pruning” Zoom class held on August 6th from 10:00 to 1:00.
Take Advantage of Chipper Days!
Need to dispose of your garden debris? Marin’s Chipper Days are a free and easy way to safely remove
excess material. Make a reservation.
Visit the UC Marin Master Gardeners website for detailed guidance on fire-smart landscaping and ways to make your property safer, greener, and more
resilient.
