Fire and gardens
Gardens can help or hinder bushfire threat.
Choosing the right plants, eliminating the build-up of combustible material, appropriate landscaping materials and sprinkler systems can cut fire risk.
Plant trees at a good distance from the house to ensure that limbs and branches do not touch or overhang the roof and that gutters do not fill up with dead leaves.
Shrubs and ground covers should not be planted against the house – maintain a clear area and use non-flammable surface materials such as paving, pebble mulch or irrigated lawn.
Plant fire resistant trees and shrubs as hedges to provide a windbreak on the side from where the worst fires can be expected. This cuts wind, the fire intensity, radiant heat and rate of spread and it intercepts burning embers. The crowns of trees shouldn’t touch each other.
Avoid combustible fencing materials.
Wood piles should be inside a metal shed. Irrigation and garden sprinklers should be installed near the house. Where possible put swimming pools and vegetable gardens to face the fires.
No plant is fire resistant, but some are more flammable than others. Some may recover; others will not.
Many plants are able to live through the intense heat and wind of bushfires and will re-shoot even if they look dead. Soil moisture is required and, after new shoots appear, the damaged growth should be pruned.
Residents should ensure there is no build-up of dried material near the house, including mulch. Mow lawns, and remove fallen material and leaves, including dead branches, twigs and any strips of bark hanging from plants.
It is best to water plants regularly to maintain a high moisture level, within water-restriction limits.
An extension of the garden watering system can be extremely valuable in defending the property. For example, large ground sprinklers placed on the windward and bush sides so that the roof eaves and verandahs can be kept wet before and during a fire will provide some protection. However, these systems may need independent power and water supplies as mains systems may be prone to failure during a fire.
Plastic piping should be underground.
Roof sprinkler systems on the roof may be a useful but might require specialist help.
Further information, including details of plant species that perform well in fire and are suitable for planting in gardens and around homes, is available at www.actpla.act.gov.au