As wildfire risk rises, taking action now can safeguard your home. FireWise landscaping helps reduce fuel sources near your property. It can slow fire spread. It can give firefighters a better chance.
What Is FireWise Landscaping?
FireWise landscaping is about creating defensible space around your home. Use zones that limit flammable vegetation and promote hardscaping like rock and gravel. This can break the path of fire and embers.
Defensible Zones: Zones 1, 2, and 3
Zone 1 is 0–5 ft from your home. Keep it “lean, clean, green.” No dry plants or mulch.
Zone 2 spans 5–30 ft. Space plants use fire-resistant varieties, and add rock or gravel pathways.
Zone 3 extends beyond 30 ft. Thin trees and remove ladder fuels so the fire can’t climb into the canopy.
Quick Tips to Fire-Proof Your Yard
- Remove dead wood, leaf litter, and debris.
- Prune tree branches at least 6–10 ft off the ground.
- Use non-combustible mulch near structures.
- Space trees at least 10 ft apart and away from your roof.
- Keep grass and weeds below four inches tall.
Maintain Regularly for Lasting Protection
Even a well-designed yard needs upkeep. Mow monthly. Clear gutters and vents. Inspect and irrigate plants to keep them healthy. A neglected landscape quickly becomes a fire hazard.
Beautify While You Protect
FireWise doesn’t mean dull. Choose drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants, such as succulents and native shrubs with high water content. Combine with rock gardens, stone paths, and decorative gravel to strike a balance between beauty and safety.
Work with ZebraScapes for FireWise Design
ZebraScapes offers expert FireWise landscaping tailored for Northern Arizona. We assess your property, create zoned designs, install hardscapes, and schedule maintenance. Our goal is a yard that is both safe and stunning.
Schedule your free consultation today and get a FireWise landscape you can rely on all year long.