10 Plants That Could Save a Home from The Next Wildfire

Recent wildfires have forced many to drastically alter their way of life. Learn how to prevent such a tragedy by strategically planting fire-resistant trees.

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) November 7, 2007 -- Why does one house burn while its neighbor goes untouched?

Firefighters have come to realize that landscaping choices have a lot to do with protecting your home.

Structures with evergreen trees, which are high in resins, increase the risk of spreading wildfire. Resins are natural oils that burn at intense temperatures. Some of the most dangerous evergreens are pine, cedar, cypress, spruce, hemlock and fir trees.

Generally, trees that are fast growing, drought tolerant, and deciduous do best. They retain moisture, and therefore need less water to survive. Plus they can pull water from deep underground.

Faster growing trees generally have higher moisture contents and watery sap. Other benefits include greater carbon dioxide absorption and quicker shade.

Trees producing fleshy leaves are preferred to evergreens. Green leaves are fire resistant. However, it's important to remove dead foliage and limbs.

Travis Zboch, Nursery Manager for Fast-Growing-Trees.com (http://www.Fast-Growing-Trees.com), recommends trees with a ground clearance of 10 feet or more, so that foliage stays well above ignited grasses or shrubs.

Zboch says to avoid planting ornamental evergreens next to your home. "They act like a ladder for flames, carrying them right up to your roof-line." He also recommends mulching around the base of your trees to reduce evaporation.

Top Fire Resistant Picks:

1. Crape Myrtle Trees (http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/CrapeMyrtles.htm)

2. Maple Trees (http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/RedMapleTrees.htm)

3. Poplar Trees

4. Empress Trees (http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/EmpressTree.htm)

5. Flowering Cherry Trees

6. Dogwood Trees (http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/DogwoodTrees.htm)

7. Aspen Trees

8. Weeping Willow Trees (http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/WeepingWillow.htm)

9. Ash Trees

10. Birch Trees

Zboch also points out that having a fire-resistant landscape does not have to mean settling for a dreary landscape. Butterfly Bushes and Forsythia are fire-resistant shrubs known for their beauty, and gardening favorites like Aster, Black Eyed Susan, Geranium, Honeysuckle, Iris, and Shasta Daisies are all fire-resistant perennials.

For more information about fire-resistant trees contact Deborah Bartley, horticultural enthusiast and avid writer at (704) 644-4488.

###