Firescaping

Firescaping is a type of landscape design that reduces a home’s vulnerability to a wildfire. The goal is to develop and design a landscape with plants that offer fire protection and still enhance the property. The idea is to surround the home with plants that are less likely to burn. There is no such thing as a fireproof plant. Any plant will burn under the right conditions; however, a fire-resistant landscape puts a natural fire barrier around your home. Plants may be classified as fire-resistant or flammable.

Fire-resistant plants are less flammable. Characteristics of fire resistant plants are:

• Little or no seasonal accumulation of dead leaves
• Non-resinous wood and leaves
• High moisture content of leaves
• Drought tolerant

Examples: most native deciduous trees and shrubs, such as oak, hickory, maple, ash, dogwood, redbud and sumac.

Flammable plants will burn readily or quickly. Characteristics of flammable plants are:

• Needle-like or other fine leaves
• Resinous, oily or waxy foliage or wood
• Loose or papery bark

Examples: most conifers, such as junipers, pines and cedars.

Fire-resistant plants should be selected for their ability to survive in Missouri’s environment. Contact your nearest Conservation Department forester or University Extension Office for recommendations on suitable plant species.

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