Thursday, October 19, 2017

By John Voket Fire safety does not always begin in the home; that stove left on accidentally or faulty electric wiring aren't the only fire dangers when it comes to home protection. Wildfires can be equally as devastating and, depending on where you live, a higher threat.

Experts at the Tree Care Industry Association, Inc. (Treecaretips.org) revealed homeowners can protect their properties in two ways: by designing and maintaining a landscape that discourages fires; and by building with flame-resistant materials.

Tchukki Andersen, staff arborist at TCIA, offers these tips for landscaping to combat wildfires:
- If you are in a wildfire-prone area, reduce the amount of potential fuel around your home. Provide enough tree- and shrub-free space between your home and the undeveloped land.

- All dead branches that hang over your roof should be removed. Leaves, needles and other dead vegetation should not be allowed to build up on the roof or in gutters.

- In parts of the country where wildfires are rare but still possible, an area of well-irrigated vegetation should extend at least 30 feet from your home on all sides. In high-hazard areas, a clearance of between 50 and 100 feet or more may be necessary – especially on downhill sides of the lot.

- Further from the house, install low-growing shrubs. When planting trees, space them no closer than 10 feet apart. Beyond 100 feet from the house, dead wood and older trees should be removed or thinned by qualified professionals.

- The lower limbs of tall shade trees should be pruned 6 feet above the ground. Careful pruning preserves a tree’s appearance, enhances structural integrity and assists in the plant’s ability to resist fire.

In addition to pruning, Andersen says a professional arborist can recommend fertilization, soil management, disease treatment or pest control measures to promote healthy trees. He suggests that if your area is in a drought or prone to wildfires, hire a tree care professional to assess your landscape and reduce the fuel wildfires need to burn.

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