Landscaping With Firewise Tree Species

In Virginia, the expanding wildland-urban interface consists of many homes adjacent to fire-prone natural areas. To be “firewise” is to be adequately prepared for the possibility of wildfire. Firewise has many components including community design, escape routes and plans, construction materials and landscaping around a home.

www.firewisevirginia.org

The creation of defensible space is a landscape strategy for reducing the risk of damage from wildfires. Defensible space surrounding a home allows for easy access by firefighting equipment and personnel, but also increases the chance of a home surviving even if firefighters are unable to reach each home.

In high-risk areas, creating defensible space generally includes vertical and horizontal separation of plants surrounding a home. Branches of trees should be separated from plants beneath them by at least 10 feet. There should also be at least a 10foot separation between branches of individual trees, and between branches and structures. Landscape plantings should be grouped into isolated landscape islands separated by less flammable materials such as maintained lawn, pathways or gravel. Any landscape beds next to a home should consist of sparse, low-growing ground cover separated from the home by gravel or stones with no flammable landscaping materials in contact with the home. Plant arrangement is one of the most important factors affecting the survivability of a home during a wildfire.

Although some plants are more fire-resistant than others, THERE ARE NO FIRE-

PROOF PLANTS. UNDER EXTREME FIRE CONDITIONS, ALL PLANTS WILL

BURN! A general flammability rating has been placed on the trees listed in this publication. These ratings can help you make sound landscaping choices and subsequently create a Firewise Landscape around your woodland home.

Flammability of the Species

EXTREME (not firewise): These species should be avoided in landscaping within 100 feet of your home.

HIGH (at-risk firewise): These species could be placed in the landscape beyond (greater than 50 feet) the defensible space surrounding your home.

MODERATE (moderately firewise): These species can be placed within the zone from 30 to 50 feet from your home. Routine maintenance is needed to keep the plant less flammable.

LOW (firewise): These species have no known characteristics of high flammability. These species are appropriate for placement within your defensible space.

For more information, visit www.firewisevirginia.org or contact your local VDOF office.