How to Landscape to Protect Against Natural Disasters

When it comes to protecting your home against fire, flood and wind, you can let Nature battle Nature when you plant the right trees, shrubs and grasses. Here’s how the proper – and properly maintained — landscaping can provide your first defense against calamity.

Protect Against Fire

To protect against fire, set up “zones” around your house that will help Nature slow the spread of flames and help fire fighters battle the blaze.

Zone 1, the first 30 feet from your foundation, should contain hardscaping – flagstone, pavers or gravel – and low-growing foundation plants that burn slowly or not at all. This fire retardant zone gives first responders space and time to fight a blaze.

Zone 2, about 100 feet from the house, should be planted with thinned out trees and shrubs, and should contain pathways that act as firebreaks to slow the fire’s spread.

Although no plant is fireproof, the species you chose can slow or fan the flames. For example, plants with high water content, like sedum, are less flammable than plants with stems that contain oil, like junipers. Hardwood mulch will burn far faster than decorative rock or gravel mulch.

Also, a manicured yard is far less flammable than one with overgrown grass, spent flowers and dead shrubs. So make sure you diligently maintain your property, especially during wild fire season.

Protect Against Flood

Established trees, shrubs, ground cover and grass will slow the flow of flood waters. If you live in a flood-prone area, grab a shovel and start planting before the rainy season.

Trees – the bigger the better – are great barriers. Tree trunks block running water; feeder roots drink rainwater; and leaves intercept and collect rain that evaporates quickly.

Grasses and ground covers with widespread roots prevent erosion and soak up water that otherwise would spill into sewers. Shrubs with deep roots both block flowing water and drink it up.

Protect Against Wind Storms

You can plant trees and shrubs that can block big blows that could damage your house and send energy bills soaring. Plant a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees with low crowns and leafy branches. Some great choices are Arizona cypress, sycamore, ponderosa pine and redbud.

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