Fire-Resistant Landscape Can Help Protect the House

Here are some suggestions from the California Landscape Contractors Assn. on how to make home landscaping more resistant to wildfires.

DO:

--Keep roof and gutters clean by removing pine needles, leaves and other debris.

--Use masonry walls, patios, walkways and pools to create a safety barrier close to structures.

--Plant trees and shrubbery far enough apart so that their crowns will not touch when vegetation reaches maturity.

--Prune low-growing, deep-rooted ground covers close to structures on hillsides.

--Use timers on automatic sprinkler systems for consistent irrigation and water conservation.

--Urge neighborhood cooperation to develop area-wide landscaping that inhibits flames from spreading.

DON’T

--Allow dead tree limbs or underbrush to accumulate within 30 feet of your home.

--Landscape shrubbery and adjacent trees in a “fire ladder” that allows flames to quickly jump from ground level to heights.

--Plant highly flammable trees such as eucalyptus, pine and juniper. Avoid shrubbery such as red shanks and coyote brush.

--Build narrow archways or passageways, or plant trees in a manner that restricts access for fire-fighting equipment

--Stack wood piles against residence walls.

--Water too frequently if a natural area tends to dry out late in the season.