Using your landscaping to reduce the threat of wildfires.
The California drought is not only leading to strict water usage laws, but it is also increasing the risk of wildfires across the state. Even if your house is not surrounded by trees, your landscaping could be making you more vulnerable to a fire. Keep these landscaping tips in mind to help reduce your chances of dealing with a fire.
Create a defensible space
- The closer vegetation is to your house, the more spaced out and low growing they should be.
- Using hardscape elements, such as gravel, rock, and stepping stones can help you break up the vegetation in your yard, helping to slow down the spread of the fire.
- Keep up with your regular yard maintenance, such as trimming bushes and mowing your grass, to help contain any overgrowth.
- Watch out for “fire ladders” that occur when vegetation extends from the ground up a tree or structure.
- Avoid using mulches that will easily catch fire, such as pine bark.
Think before you plant
- Consider planting fire-resistant plants, such as aloe, iceplant, bush honeysuckles, and hedging roses.
- When choosing a tree, consider hardwoods such as maple and cherry that are not as flammable as other types of trees. Make sure to remove any fallen leaves as soon as possible since they pose a strong fire risk.
- Most plants that are fire resistant do not need a lot of water to stay looking their best, which is ideal in the current drought conditions.
Along with keeping your landscape in check, investing in the right home insurance policy will help to keep your home and assets covered in case of a fire. Contact the independent insurance professionals at Bisson Insurance Services in Yorba Linda, CA for all of your homeowners insurance coverage needs.
