Hardscaping

Hardscape features serve as firebreaks in the firewise landscape.

The term hardscape refers to paved areas of a landscape such as brick patios and concrete sidewalks and also includes retaining walls and many water features. When used in the wildland/urban interface, hardscape features also serve as firebreaks.

• Use your driveway and gravel or paved walkways to separate foundation plantings from the rest of the landscape.
• Large, paved patio areas not only provide effective firebreaks but also increase your outdoor living space.
• Raised beds of non-flammable materials such as rocks, bricks or landscape blocks are another good way to create firebreaks between adjacent landscape areas. Even a short rock wall will provide an effective break between a lawn and your home, or between fire protection zones.
• Islands of vegetation in raised beds, surrounded by well-watered turf, allow for a beautiful and fire resistive landscape.
• Use gravel mulch, versus bark, against structures, under decks and porches, and in areas adjacent to wooden stairs and fences. These areas should be kept free of debris.
• Consider replacing wooden or wicker tables and chairs with ones made from nonflammable material such as metal and glass.
• Cushions, umbrellas, furniture covers, planters and window boxes are all areas where embers can collect, smolder and start a fire well after the flaming front has passed.
• Store firewood 30-100 feet from structures and create a vegetation-free zone around the pile.
• Make a clearing around your propane tank, which should also be well away from your home. Replace wooded fencing around tanks with chain- or a stone or brick wall.