California fires consume many acres of wilderness -- but they also damage structures. And sometimes draconian measures are taken to hack trees and shrubs away from buildings to minimize fire danger. And that's smart, but what is smarter is to remove those problematic plants in fire-prone areas long before a fire creeps close.
When property is damaged, landscaping is the first line of attack and defense. And remodeling will include landscaping. Here are some suggestions from the Californians who are very experienced with recovery work after fires.
It's important to restore landscapes in an
ecologically sound way. And that's not as intuitive as you might
think. It's not "business as usual." Here are some suggestions from
the California Landscape Contractors Association that might help you
understand the major landscaping transformation that takes place after
a fire.
Recommendations to Help Protect Your Property After a Fire from the California Landscape Contractors AssociationFire
destroys hundreds of homes each year in California and often burns
thousands of acres of land. If your property was damaged by fire, the
California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to offer
some recommendations to help your landscape recover and to help protect
your property.
... In general, many plants and trees are exposed to fire in their native environment and many will recover in the spring and
should be left alone.
Any pruning or cutting back of fire-damaged plants should not be done
until the plants show signs of recovery. Removing bark, leaves or limbs
can expose the plants to sun damage. Heat from the sun can actually
kill the tissue beneath the bark on some trees. It is best to leave
them alone until new growth appears.
...
Some plants recover faster than others.
Burned plants can still be green underneath and still have healthy
roots. If similar plants appear to be recovering, wait a few more weeks
before removing damaged parts. Full damage to woody plants may not be
apparent until the next spring or summer season. Re-examine them at
that time and then carefully remove damaged wood to make room for new
growth. Ash on the plants will not cause damage and should be left
alone.
...
Damaged trees that have branches that are cracked
or overhanging homes, driveways etc., that can be a future hazard,
should be removed. Trees that have shifted in the soil due to wind
or burn damage and those with burned roots should be removed as well,
because they are now considered unstable and could potentially fall.
If fire has completely burned off all the bark around the entire
circumference of the tree and/or fire has burned deep into the trunk,
the tree should also be removed.
...
Fertilization is not recommended.
Immediately fertilizing can cause damage to the roots and cause
additional harm to the plants. Waiting also gives the soil time to
recover. Wait until the spring and fertilize at half rates with a
product containing nitrogen. Do not fertilize with manures at that
time, since they contain a high concentration of salts that can injure
roots.
...
Plastic irrigation lines, parts and drains may be damaged.
Check your existing irrigation system for leaks and damage and document
them for your insurance company. Also shut off irrigation water
immediately after a fire to help prevent erosion and further damage.
...
It is generally not recommended to water plants immediately after a fire.
If your area is experiencing a drought and water is necessary, water
gently by hand. Severely burned soils do not absorb water well. Make
sure the flow of water is slow enough to be absorbed. Also examine and
clean concrete drains and swales. Many become filled with ash and mud
during a fire.
...
In areas where protective plants are removed or destroyed, soil becomes vulnerable to erosion.
Soil erosion can happen slowly or it can happen very quickly in a heavy
rain. The exact measures needed for your property are based on your
soil type, slope grade, home location, weather, water availability
etc. Also areas exposed by fire can open the door for invasive species
and weeds. In some areas erosion control materials or mechanical
control measures may need to be applied. Contact your local CalTrans
office or local forest service for guidelines in your area.
...
Water flow is an important factor of any erosion plan. Never
underestimate the power of storm water and debris. Evaluating the area
and planning for storm events is a critical first step to protecting
your property and improper or inadequate measures can aggravate
potential problems. If you need help with erosion control or fire
prevention landscaping, be sure to hire a licensed professional who
specializes in that area of expertise. Ask for references, insurance
certificates and request to see their license. You'll want to protect
your home and your neighbors' as well.
...
It is also an important time to evaluate your property's landscape and damage.
Take a look at what worked and what did not and try to determine how to
make your property safer in case of a future fire. For future
reference, it is also a good idea to keep records and photos of your
landscape as part of your home inventory list for insurance purposes.
For helpful information about fire prevention landscaping please go to:
www.clca.org/clca/education/fire-protection.phpOur wild and cultivated landscapes are all vital to prevent climate
change -- and especially in the aftermath of disasters such as Western
states' wildfires.
Barbara Landrith
Outreach Specialist
California Landscape Contractors Association
barbaralandrith@clca.org
1491 River Park Dr#100
Sacramento, Ca 95815
(916) 830-2780
www.clca.org