Worried About Wildfires? Tips To Create Fire Space Clearance
Posted on: 24 June 2022
If you live in a fire zone, now's the time to prepare. Recent droughts have increased the risk of wildfires. If you're in one of those regions, the steps you take now could protect your home and your family. If you're like most people, you might think that removing the weeds is enough protection, but that's not the case. To protect your home, you need to take a multi-step approach to fire preparation. Read the list provided below. Here are four steps to take to create a fire-safe space in your yard.
Create Defensible Zones
If you're ready to protect your yard against the dangers of wildfires, start with defensible zones. Zone coverage helps you extend fire protection across your entire yard. For the best protection, divide your yard into two separate zones. Zone one is the area closest to your home. Zone two begins on the outer edges of your yard.
Zone One
For zone one, you should remove all dead plants, including weeds and lawn. If you have a wood pile in zone one, move it to zone two. That way you don't have kindling next to your home.
Zone Two
For zone two, you want to trim your trees, especially the bottom-heavy branches. Those branches can spread fire to your home. You also want to make sure you remove pine needles, leaves, and other flammable materials. It's also a good idea to have a working hose in each zone. That way you can saturate the soil, should the need arise.
Change Ground cover
If you have ground covering in your yard, take a close look at it. You might think that any type of ground covering gives you the protection you need. That's not the case though. Some ground covering can encourage the spread of fire. This includes ground cover like natural bark or wood chips. For the best protection, choose gravel or succulent ground covers, such as ice plants. This type of ground cover helps to slow the spread of fire.
Plan for Safe Spacing
Now that you're creating defensible space in your yard, take a look at your plants. If your plants are close together, now's the time to make some changes. Adequate spacing helps protect your home from wildfire damage. This is especially true where trees and shrubs are concerned. For the best protection, be sure to have enough space between your plants.
Schedule an Inspection
If you're concerned about fire safety, schedule an inspection with your tree service provider. They'll come out to your property and assess the risks. This information gives you the information you need to safeguard your home.
Contact a company like Tope's Tree Service to learn more.
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