Protecting Homes from Wildfire
Firewise landscaping focuses on designing and maintaining outdoor spaces that slow the spread of wildfire and protect nearby structures. It’s built around the principle of creating defensible space, a carefully managed buffer zone that acts as a shield between your home and surrounding vegetation. By reducing flammable materials and using strategic plant placement, you can interrupt a fire’s path and give firefighters time to respond.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), homes with well-maintained defensible space are up to five times more likely to survive a wildfire than those without it. Their Firewise USA® program provides practical guidelines that help property owners reduce ignition risks through landscape design and maintenance.
To make this concept easier to apply, both the NFPA and the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) recommend dividing your property into three zones of defensible space. Think of these zones as layers of protection that work together to slow a wildfire and keep your home safe.
The Three Zones of Defensible Space
- Zone 1: Immediate Zone (0–5 feet)
- Zero to five feet from your home is the most critical area for keeping flames away from your home. Remove dead leaves, pine needles, and any flammable debris. Choose non-combustible materials like gravel or stone for borders and walkways. Avoid storing firewood or propane tanks near walls or decks.
- Zone 2: Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet)
- Between five and thirty feet, the goal is to slow a fire’s progress. Space trees and shrubs to prevent flames from jumping between them. Mow grass regularly and prune lower tree branches. Opt for fire resistant plants such as aspen, columbine, and blue flax that retain moisture and resist ignition.
- Zone 3: Extended Zone (30–100 feet)
- Beyond thirty-feet, focus on reducing heavy vegetation and ladder fuels that allow fire to climb from the ground into treetops. Create open areas, maintain healthy native species, and clear fallen branches. This zone helps weaken the fire before it reaches your home’s perimeter.
Together, these zones form a complete defensible space plan that reduces wildfire risk while preserving the natural beauty and character of your property.
Choosing Fire Resistant Landscaping Materials
Every detail matters in firewise design, from the plants you select to the materials that shape your outdoor spaces. Thoughtful choices can greatly improve your home’s wildfire resilience.
Fire-Resistant Building Materials
• Use stone or concrete instead of wood for retaining walls, patios, and pathways.
• Replace wood fencing that connects directly to your house with metal or masonry alternatives.
• Incorporate gravel or decomposed granite pathways that act as natural firebreaks and improve drainage.
• Add raised stone planters to separate greenery from structures and define outdoor living areas.
Selecting Fire-Resistant Plants
• Choose species with high moisture content, thick leaves, or low resin levels.
• Avoid plants with oily or aromatic leaves, such as juniper or sagebrush, which ignite easily.
• Favor native Colorado plants that thrive in local soil and moisture conditions while providing natural fire resistance.
• Group plants with similar watering needs to conserve water and keep vegetation consistently hydrated.
Consistent care ensures these features continue to perform as intended, keeping your property both beautiful and protected year after year.
Maintenance: The Key to Lasting Wildfire Protection
Blending Aesthetics and Safety
Start Your Firewise Plan
At Scott Homes Ltd., we build custom homes in the Woodland Park, CO area that balance performance, comfort, and safety. Our designs consider site orientation, local vegetation, and long-term fire resistance from the ground up. Learn more about our approach to custom home design.
