Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Protecting Your Colorado Home

Table of contents:

Understanding Fire-Resistant Plants: Building a Resilient Landscape

What Makes a Plant Fire-Resistant?

Fire-Resistant Groundcovers

Fire-Resistant Shrubs and Trees

Additional Tips for Fire-Resistant Landscaping

Proper Plant Spacing: Creating a Fire-Resistant Barrier

Creating a Defensible Space: Protecting Your Home from Wildfire

Local Resources for Fire-Resistant Landscaping in Colorado Springs

Hire a Professional Landscaper

As amazing as Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes are, they are also, unfortunately, susceptible to the devastating impacts of wildfires. As you may well be aware, recent disastrous events, such as the Alexander Mountain, Quarry, and Oakridge Wildfires, have underscored the importance of creating defensible spaces around our homes. By incorporating fire-resistant plants and materials combined with thoughtful plant spacing, we can significantly reduce the risk of fire spreading to our properties.

Over the past years, catastrophic fires across Colorado have caused widespread destruction, including the loss of homes, property, and, tragically, lives. The economic impact on affected communities has been immense, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to protect our homes and landscapes, especially if you live outside of the city near wild areas.

Even though it may take a bit of extra thought and planning, investing in fire-resistant landscaping pays off in the long run. By doing so you can not only safeguard your property but also contribute to the overall resilience of your community. In the following sections, we will explore specific plant choices, design considerations, and maintenance practices to create a fire-safe outdoor haven.
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• Moisture Content: Plants with higher moisture content are less flammable. However, beware of overwatering as consistently wet conditions can create other plant health issues.
• Leaf Structure: Thick, leathery leaves or needles are less likely to ignite compared to thin, dry foliage.
• Resin and Oil Content: Plants with high resin or oil content are more flammable.
• Plant Spacing: Proper spacing between plants reduces the potential for fire to spread rapidly.
• Fuel Load: Minimizing dead leaves, branches, and other debris around plants helps significantly reduce fuel load.

• Plant Growth Habit: Plants with open growth habits allow for better air circulation, reducing the risk of fire spreading.
• Root Systems: Deep root systems can help plants access moisture during dry periods, potentially reducing flammability.
• Plant Age: Younger plants with tender growth may be more susceptible to fire.

• Creeping Phlox: With the added benefit of vibrant colors, its dense, mat-forming growth habit and relatively high moisture content contribute to its fire resistance, making it an excellent choice for a fire-resistant ground cover.
• Sedum: This versatile plant has succulent-like leaves with thick, fleshy tissues that store water, reducing flammability, and comes in various varieties, providing color and texture.
• Yarrow: Known for its drought tolerance due to its natural oils, high silica content, and ability to withstand harsh conditions, yarrow is a valuable addition to fire-resistant landscapes.
• Blue grama: Blue grama is a drought-tolerant grass that is well-adapted to dry conditions and provides erosion control and a habitat for wildlife. Its short stature and dense growth form a protective layer against ground fires.
• Yucca: Yucca species are known for their ability to thrive in arid environments, making them suitable for fire-resistant landscapes. Their thick, fibrous leaves contribute to their fire resistance and the low density of foliage reduces the amount of fuel available for a fire. Various species can be found in Colorado’s arid climate, offering unique textures and blooms.
• Penstemon: This is a diverse genus with many species suitable for Colorado gardens, offering a range of colors and growth habits. While penstemons are generally drought-tolerant, their fire resistance can vary depending on species and growing conditions. Some penstemons have higher moisture content than others, which can influence their flammability. Proper spacing is crucial for reducing fire risk, even with relatively fire-resistant plants like penstemon.

• Manzanita: This native plant offers beautiful blooms and a naturally fire-resistant form due to its thick, leathery leaves and high silica content.
• Ceanothus: Known for its vibrant flowers, ceanothus is a drought-tolerant and fire-resistant shrub. While some species may have higher flammability due to their oil content, proper spacing and maintenance can mitigate risks.
• Oaks: While not all oak species are equally fire-resistant, many varieties exhibit good fire tolerance. Thick bark and lower resin content in many oak species make them relatively fire-resistant compared to other trees.
• Pines: Some pine species, such as ponderosa and lodgepole pines, have thicker bark and lower resin content, making them less flammable; however, proper spacing, pruning, and removal of dead needles are crucial for reducing fire risk.

• Native Plants: Prioritize native plants as they are often adapted to local conditions and have evolved alongside local insects and wildlife.
• Mulch Carefully: Use fire-resistant mulch like gravel or decomposed granite. Avoid using wood chips or bark mulch, as they can ignite easily.
• Regular Maintenance: Prune plants regularly to remove dead or dying material, reducing fuel load.
• Create Defensible Space: Clear vegetation and debris from around your home to create a buffer zone. See below for more information.
  Consult Local Experts: Contact your local extension office or nursery for specific plant recommendations and advice.

By incorporating fire-resistant plants, you can create a beautiful and resilient landscape that helps protect your home from the threat of wildfires.

Remember: Even though these plants offer some level of fire resistance, it’s essential to combine them with other fire-safe practices, such as creating defensible space and regular maintenance, to create a truly protected landscape.

• Horizontal Spacing: Maintain adequate distance (at least 3-6 feet) between plants to prevent fire from jumping from one plant to another. Consider using hardscaping elements like rocks, gravel, or pavers to create firebreaks.
• Vertical Spacing: Prune trees and shrubs to create vertical space between plants. This reduces ladder fuels, which can carry fire from the ground to the tree canopy.
• Plant Grouping: Group similar plants together to create defined areas. This makes maintenance easier and helps to contain potential fire spread.
• Consider Plant Size: Mature plant size should be factored into spacing. Allow ample room for growth to avoid overcrowding.
• Slope and Terrain: Steeper slopes require greater plant spacing to prevent fire from running rapidly downhill.
• Thinning: Regularly thin out dense plantings to improve air circulation and reduce fuel load.
• Fuel Breaks: Consider incorporating fire-resistant groundcovers or mulch in strategic locations to act as natural firebreaks.

A defensible space is the area around your home where vegetation and other fuels have been modified or removed to slow the spread of wildfire. By creating a buffer zone, you significantly reduce the risk of your home igniting.

Understanding the Zones:

• Zone 1: 0-5 feet from the home: This is the most critical area. Remove all flammable materials such as leaves, pine needles, mulch, and firewood. Prune trees and shrubs to create a 6-foot clearance from the ground.
• Zone 2: 5-30 feet from the home: Thin out vegetation, remove dead branches, and create space between plants. Consider using fire-resistant plants in this zone.
• Zone 3: 30-100 feet from the home: Reduce fuel load by clearing away deadwood and underbrush. Maintain a healthy, well-managed landscape.

Additional Tips:

• Roof and Gutter Maintenance: Regularly clean gutters and remove debris. Consider using fire-resistant materials for roofing.
• Vent and Chimney Protection: Install spark arrestors on chimneys and vents.
• Deck and Patio Safety: Remove flammable materials from decks and patios. Use fire-resistant materials for outdoor furniture.
• Water Sources: Ensure access to water sources such as hydrants, ponds, or swimming pools for firefighters.

Creating a defensible and well-managed space around your home significantly reduces the risk of your home becoming a wildfire victim. Remember, prevention is key.

Fortunately, Colorado Springs, situated in a fire-prone region, offers several resources to help homeowners create fire-resistant landscapes and prevent wildfires before they start:

Local Government and Extension Services

• Colorado Springs Fire Department: The Colorado Springs Fire Department provides information on fire safety, permitting, and local regulations.  
• Colorado State University Extension – El Paso County: CSU offers educational programs, workshops, and publications on gardening, landscaping, and fire safety. Click here to find out more about low-flammability landscape plants.

Nurseries and Garden Centers

• Research local nurseries: Check out your local Colorado Springs nurseries. Many offer a selection of fire-resistant plants well adapted to the Colorado Springs climate.
• Consult with experts: Seek advice from knowledgeable staff about plant choices and care. Fredell Enterprises can help you to plan out and implement your next fire-resistant Colorado Springs landscape. Contact us today to set up a free consultation!

Community Organizations

• Colorado Springs Urban Forestry: Check out the Colorado Springs forestry page, which provides information on tree care, planting, and wildfire mitigation.
• Local homeowner associations: If you are part of a local homeowner association, it may offer guidelines or recommendations for landscaping in your neighborhood.

We encourage you to check out these local resources, where you can access valuable information and support to create a fire-resistant landscape that protects your home and enhances your outdoor living space.

Not sure that you’re confident or knowledgeable enough to take on the task of planning a fire-resistant landscape on your own? Fredell Enterprises has been creating thoughtfully planned-out landscapes in the Colorado Springs area for over 35 years. Give us a call today to receive a free consultation on how you can get started on planning your Colorado Springs landscape that withstands the arid, native, fire-prone Colorado climate.