DARREN CRAWFORD
Landscaping with low flammability plants can reduce the impact of wildfire around your home and other buildings.
It’s a perfect time of year to be planting so Fire and Emergency NZ encourage landscapers and gardeners to consider the flammability of the plants they select.
Choosing less flammable plants can starve a wildfire of fuel reducing the fire intensity, and help protect your home and buildings from intense heat.
Avoid using pea straw and bark mulch in gardens especially around the home and other buildings as these mulches are easily ignited and can help a wildfire to spread.
Low flammability plants aren’t fireproof but are less likely to catch fire. They generally have moist, supple leaves, low levels of sap or resin, and watery sap without much smell. They also have little dead wood or dead material inside the plant.
A number of New Zealand’s native tree and shrub species have low or low-moderate flammability and are therefore ideal for planting around your property. Very good information is available on our website: checkitsalright.nz
Fire and Emergency have Partnered with All Black legend Samuel Whitelock, who has a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Plant Science, to help us spread the word about how planting low flammability plants can help defend your home and property from wildfire, Check out Samuel’s ‘plant barbeque’ at checkitsalright.nz
As well as plant selection, these tips can really reduce your risk
Fire safety tips
