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Firescaping your yard can help protect your home

Firescaping your yard can help protect your home

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Did you know there are several preventative steps you can take to reduce the chance your home will catch fire? By using a technique called firescaping, you can eliminate the energy that could feed a fire by managing how you landscape your yard.

Planting native vegetation can help homeowners minimize risks from wildfires. According to The National Wildlife Federation, When choosing what to plant, it’s important to note that no plant is fire-resistant. However, some do ignite faster than others. Plants that have waxes, oils or sap are quick to burn. Instead, select high-moisture plants that grow close to the ground and have low resin content.

Firescaping isn’t expensive and can even increase your property value and conserve water through the selection of drought-tolerant plants. By strategically planting, you can help combat the spread of fire to your home with these simple steps:

Remove - Be sure to remove any trees, dead vegetation or branches growing within 10 feet of your home, clean debris from the gutters and thin and prune shrubs on a regular basis.

Space - Arrange shrubs and other plants in small clusters, or groups with space in between. Do not use vines since they act as a fuel ladder to a fire, and keep lawns mowed and firewood away from the house.

Mulch - Using mulch can help conserve moisture and keep weeds from growing. Be cautious not to purchase mulch with pine bark or pine needles that can act as a natural fire starter.

Incorporate - By incorporating stone patios, walkways and ponds into your landscape design; they can act as fuel breaks and increase safety.

Maintain - By regularly maintaining your yard, you can ensure your home is safe from nearby flames.

By following these fire-safe landscape steps, you can help reduce the vulnerability of your house being affected by a fire. For more information on firescaping, click here or here.

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