Last week we featured information on the Benefits of Firescaping. This week we are focusing on the types of plants and placement to create a more fire resistant landscape along with proper maintenance that will help to protect your property in the event of a wildfire.

Woodside Fire Department, Denise Enea, Fire Marshall, will have a demonstration garden opening in the next few weeks where you will be able to view fire resistant plant materials in an actual setting. The demonstration garden was created for them by Kelly Vie, Kelly Vie Pruning & Fine Gardening and Anita Bueno, Landscape Architect, BuenoLuna Design. Kelly and Anita have shared with Wegman's the list of plants she has researched for this purpose. The list of plants can be viewed by clicking on the link at the end of this article.

Plant flammability (whether a plant will catch on fire, keep a fire going, and propel a fire) is determined by the plant’s physical characteristics. A general rule of thumb is that the flammability of a plant is directly related to its amount of stored moisture and fuel. For example, ice plant (very low flammability) and pine trees (very high) are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Here are some characteristics that make a plant more or less flammable.

• Deciduous plants are less flammable than evergreens.
• Broadleaf plants are less flammable than those with needle and bladelike leaves.
• Moist and easily bent leaves are less flammable than stiff and leatherlike leaves.
• Thick leaves are less flammable than fine or thin leaves.
• Plants that produce a low amount of litter are less flammable than plants with thick, gummy, or resinous sap.
• Plants without fragrance are less flammable than plants with aromatic qualities
• Plants with silver or gray leaves, which have a high mineral and ash content, are less flammable than those without. However, some plants, such as the highly ignitable native fragrant sages, do not follow this rule.
• Plant leaves without hair are less flammable than those with hair; this also applies to the underside of leaves.

Remember, every recommended plant can catch on fire. The ability of any plant to retard or resist a fire depends upon its condition. Any plant that is over-aged, water-stressed, infested by pests, or improperly cared for is more flammable as a consequence. Landscape maintenance –not plant selection—is the key to fire safety.

Replacement of over-mature or unhealthy plants is also important. Since replacement and removal of mature plants are part of the 3-R’s, below is a generalized guide to budget and plan for the removal of mature plants.