Fire Safe Landscaping

Fire safe landscapes include water efficient principals that incorporate low water using plants, efficient irrigation, and mulching. Efficient irrigation includes maintaining sprinklers, using drip irrigation where appropriate, and modifying the watering schedule as the weather changes.

By eliminating fire ladder fuels, flames cannot spread from the ground into shrubs, then into trees, and up to your house. Space shrubs apart so flames can’t jump from yard to house. Trim tree branches at least six feet from the ground for trees more 15 feet tall.Plant trees at least 15 feet or more from buildings. Make sure no branches reach within10 feet of a chimney.

Regular scheduled maintenance decreases the fire hazard. Remove all fallen branches,shreds of bark, and dead or dying foliage. Keep annual grasses and weeds mowed to reduce their fire carrying potential.The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds homeowners to “Landscape for Fire Safety.”