You certainly don’t want to be the cause of a fire, whether it’s contained to your own backyard or turns into a neighborhood conflagration. That’s why it’s so important to use non-combustible materials around your outdoor fire pit or BBQ area.
Creative use of hardscapes can also enhance the fire resistance of your landscaping. Pathways and patios separate planted areas. Perimeter walls made of stone or decorative concrete rather than wood form barriers that make it harder for fire to spread.
Switching to an artificial grass lawn is smart, too. Fake grass is made of high-tech plastic polymers. It will melt if it gets hot enough, but it will not flame up to help spread active fire.
Don’t plant trees so close to your home that flames could easily jump from tree to siding. And don’t allow branches to hang over your roof.
Do water the trees and smaller plants in your yard. A low water landscape is good for the environment, but plants that are stressed from lack of moisture invite fire as well as insects and disease. Shoot for a refreshing balance that minimizes water usage but keeps your landscaping in tip-top condition, physically and aesthetically.
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