ONLINE ESTIMATE FORM
Fill out the following form for more information.
The spring months, with the varying rain and sunshine, can lead to an abundance of vegetation and growth around your home. This area is known to firefighters as the “home ignition zone.” This excess growth can be highly flammable and can quickly fuel wildfires. Experts say that it is important not only to take care of your yard to limit excessive growth, but also to include features which can help deter wildfires from harming your home.
Making Your Yard Fireproof
First, it is most important to plan for proper access and escape routes. It is not your job to fight the wildfire, only to stay out of its way. However, you should consider the size of your driveway, for example, as it can limit the reach of firefighters and their equipment if it is too small. The ideal driveway is wide enough for a large engine to turn around without having to back up. If your driveway is extremely narrow and difficult to use with a smaller vehicle, it may be time to consider expanding it.
The next step is to remove any flammable plants from your landscaping. Plants that contain resins, oils, and waxes, such as ornamental junipers, holly, red cedar, and young pine, burn quickly and easily during a wildfire.
Just because some plants are fire-friendly does not mean all are. There are many options you can utilize to not only increase your landscaping’s fire-resistance, but also create a beautiful and relaxing green space. Plants with high moisture content are recommended to be planted nearest the home, while avoiding bark or mulch close to the home. Aside from plants, it is also important to also maintain a well-mown and green lawn.
Utilizing firebreaks can create defensive landscaping designed to withstand wildfires better than more traditional designs. Some examples of firebreaks include brick or gravel walkways, concrete retaining walls or borders, and water features such as a pond or pool. These additions are not only useful but can also be beautiful.
If you are considering a landscape redesign, or simply wish to incorporate more fire-resistance into your current design, it is important to utilize the services of experience landscapers such as those at Juniper Landscape Company in San Diego. Juniper Landscape Company provides professional landscaping, with services ranging from landscape design, maintenance, and installation of garden features such as foliage or a waterfall. Contact the expert landscaping crew at JCMS for help planning and implementing your new landscaping design.
