Virginia Firescapes Firewise Landscaping for Woodland Homes

Author: Virginia Firewise Landscaping Task Force

Publication Number 430-300, Posted May 1998

Table of Contents

The Firescape
Landscaping Zones
Lists of "More or Less" Forest Fire-prone Trees, Shrubs, and Ground Covers

The Firescape

In Virginia, one of every three forest fires now threatens at least one woodland home. Forest fires damaged 98 structures in 1995 and 40 in 1996.

When the forest becomes a community, forest fires and homes are inseparable.

A home in a woodland setting is surrounded by flammable vegetation. Firewise landscaping can help you create a defensible space or buffer zone around your home. This not only helps to keep fire from approaching your woodland home, but it also provides a safe space in which firefighters can work.

Your goal in firewise landscaping should be to "break the chain" of fuel between homes and natural vegetation. Examine the yard and determine what can catch fire and what can carry fire to the house.

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Landscaping Zones

Landscaping zones should be used when planning for fire protection.

Zone 1: house to 5 ft. from house -
Have nothing flammable next to the house, including trees, brush, tall grass, leaves, firewood piles, bark mulch and other burnables. Carefully examine decks overhanging dense vegetation and trees overhanging thehouse for possible fire transfer.

Zone 2: 5 ft. to 10 ft. from house -
Maintain a well kept lawn and avoid evergreens that catch fire easily and burn quickly. Use raised beds, rock gardens, stone walkways, walls and patios to create visual interest while maintaining a fuel break. Any trees used in this zone should be kept small and should be at least 10 ft. from the house. Leave 10-15-ft. spaces between tree crowns, and prune or limb trees to a height of 10-15 ft. up from the ground.

Zone 3: 30 ft. to 100 ft. from house -
Remove yard debris and thin vegetation out to at least 30 ft. from the house. Clear and thin up to 100 ft. on the downhill side. Shrubs and groundcovers should be well maintained, kept free of dead material, and kept small. Control brush and weeds annually. Steep slopes can be terraced to slow wildfires down.

Choose Special Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs with the following characteristics are more desirable to have in a firewise landscape:

Landscaping Zones - Site Plan

Virginia Firewise Landscaping Task Force

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