Bulletin E2948
Wildfire-Resistant Landscape Plants for Michigan
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November 10, 2015 - Mark Hansen, R. Thomas Fernandez, Michael Penskar
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Selecting the correct landscape plants to place next to or near your home could save it from catching fire. When wildfires occur, the fire moves along the ground or through brush or forests by igniting the vegetation or fuels ahead. If flammable vegetation is planted too close to a home or building and the vegetation ignites, it could also ignite the structure. Figure 1 depicts how coniferous trees can ignite and “torch” during a wildfire. If these trees were growing next to a house or building, the structure would surely ignite. This is why it is important to select fire-resistant plants when landscaping around the home.
Figure 1. Some trees and plants can burn intensely. (Courtesy of Michigan DNR.)
Most Michigan residents are surprised to learn that Michigan experiences as many as 8,000 to 10,000 wildland fires each year. These forest fires, brush fires and grass fires destroy or severely damage 100 to 200 homes, barns and outbuildings annually. This can happen when firebrands (floating embers or pieces of burning debris) land in dry leaves that have collected under decks, around landscape plants and in eavestroughs, setting the eaves on fire. Firebrands can also ignite a wood roof. Many structures also catch fire when flames or intense heat from burning vegetation catches the deck or sides of the house on fire. Firefighters at a wildfire in dune grass near Shelby, Michigan, in 2005 (Figure 2) reported flames as high as 20 feet. Two homes were destroyed in the fire, and a number of others had fire damage. In these situations, vegetation planted or allowed to grow too close to the house served as fuel, igniting the wooden stairways, decks and siding.
Figure 2. This wildfire in dune grass near Shelby, Michigan, in 2005 produced flames 20 feet high and destroyed two homes. (Courtesy of Michigan DNR.)
To help prevent homes and buildings from catching fire — i.e., to make them ”firewise” — simply eliminate these ignition points by creating defensible space around the home. This can be achieved, in part, through proper landscape plant selection and placement. Plants that do not burn easily are less likely to set a building on fire.
Any Plant Can Burn
It is important to understand that any plant can burn if the plant is dry enough or if it is exposed to intense heat long enough. This is true even of plants that are defined as fire-resistant. A fireresistant plant possesses several characteristics that make it less likely to ignite. For example, conifers and certain other plants contain resins and can ignite even when green; they also produce intense flames and heat. Plants such as maple, dogwood and Michigan holly do not contain such resins. Fire-resistant plants also have foliage and stems that retain moisture, such as hosta. Plants that retain dead leaves or needles, such as juniper, are not considered fire-resistant because these dead plant parts can serve as ignition points or intensify a fire. Fire-resistant landscape plants should be your first choice if you live in a rural area or an urban community bordered by natural vegetation where wildfire is a possible threat
Even before homeowners consider the right trees, shrubs and ground covers, they should look at all landscape issues. For example, a dry lawn can burn and carry a fire to the home or other structure. Lawns should be watered, and dead lawn litter should be raked and either removed from the property or composted. A green lawn will not carry a fire.
Wildfire-resistant Plant Species
The species of trees, shrubs and ground covers in Table 1 are considered wildfire-resistant and are recommended for Michigan's climate. Remember that any plant may burn if the plant tissue becomes very dry and if the vegetation is exposed to intense heat for a period of time. Therefore, no plant is completely fireproof. In addition, some plants containing resins will burn even when green. The term “fire-resistant” in this bulletin refers to plants that will not ignite easily as long as they are alive, green and watered. It does not apply to dead plants or dead leaves and plant debris from these plants.
Table 1. Wildfire-resistant landscape plants for Michigan.
|
Botanical name |
Common name |
Category |
Winter hardiness zones*** |
Native to Mich.** |
Descriptors |
|
Groundcovers |
|||||
|
Achillea tomentosa |
Woolly yarrow |
ground cover |
zones 3-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Ajuga reptans |
Carpet bugleweed |
ground cover |
zones 3-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
Kinnikinnick or bearberry |
ground cover |
zones 2-6 |
Yes |
evergreen |
|
Armeria maritima |
Sea pink thrift |
ground cover |
zones 4-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Asarum canadense |
Canadian ginger |
ground cover |
zones 3-7 |
Yes |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Cotoneaster adpressus praecox |
Early cotoneaster |
ground cover |
zones 5-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Epimedium spp. |
Barrenwort |
ground cover |
most spp in zone 5-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Festuca cinerea |
Blue fescue |
ground cover |
zones 5-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Festuca rubra |
Red fescue |
ground cover |
SCD* |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Fragaria spp. |
Wild strawberry |
ground cover |
SCD* |
SCD* |
perennial |
|
Gaultheria procumbens |
Wintergreen |
ground cover |
zones 4-8 |
No |
evergreen |
|
Hedera helix |
English ivy |
ground cover |
zones 4-10 |
No |
evergreen |
|
Hosta spp. |
Plaintain lily/ hosta lily |
ground cover |
zones 3-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Iberis sempervirens |
Evergreen candytuft |
ground cover |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Mahonia repens |
Dwarf Oregon grape |
ground cover |
zones 5-7 |
No |
woody evergreen |
|
Pachysandra terminalis |
Japanese pachysandra |
ground cover |
zones 4-9 |
No |
herbaceous evergreen |
|
Phlox subulata |
Creeping phlox |
ground cover |
zones 2-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Potentilla neumanniana |
Spring cinquefoil |
ground cover |
zones 4-7 |
No |
woody perennial |
|
Sedum album |
Green stonecrop |
ground cover |
zones 4-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Sedum spathyuifolium |
Stonecrop |
ground cover |
zones 6-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Thymus praecox |
Mother of thyme |
ground cover |
zones 5-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Thymus praecox arcticus |
Creeping thyme |
ground cover |
zones 5-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Thymus pseudolanuginosus |
Woolly thyme |
ground cover |
zones 5-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Perennials |
|||||
|
Achillea filipendulina |
Fernleaf yarrow |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Achillea millefolium |
White yarrow |
perennial |
zones 3-9 |
Yes |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Achillea spp. |
Yarrow |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Allium schoenoprasum |
Chives |
perennial |
zones 4-7 |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Antennaria spp. |
Pussytoes |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Aquilegia spp. |
Columbine |
perennial |
SCD* |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Arabis alpine |
Rock cress |
perennial |
zones 5-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Artemisia caucasica |
Silver spreader or Caucasian sagebrush |
perennial |
zones 5-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Aurinia saxatilis |
Basket of gold |
perennial |
zones 3-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Bergenia cordifolia |
Heartleaf bergenia |
perennial |
zones 4-8 |
No |
semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial |
|
Bergenia spp. |
Bergenia |
perennial |
SCD* |
No |
semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial |
|
Campanula poscharskyana |
Serbian bellflower |
perennial |
zones 3-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Campanula rotundifolia |
Harebell |
perennial |
zones 2-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Carex spp. |
Sedges |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Caryopteris xclandonensis |
Blue mist spirea |
perennial |
zones 5-9 |
No |
herbaceous to woody perennial |
|
Centranthus ruber |
Red valerian |
perennial |
zones 5-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Cerastium tomentosum |
Snow in summer |
perennial |
zones 2-10 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Coreopsis auriculata nana |
Dwarf coreopsis |
perennial |
zones 4-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Coreopsis spp. |
Coreopsis |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Dianthus deltoides |
Maiden pinks |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Dianthus plumarius |
Pinks |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Dianthus spp. |
China pinks |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Epilobium angustifolium |
Fireweed |
perennial |
zones 3-7 |
Yes |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Erigeron hybrids |
Fleabane |
perennial |
zones 4-7 |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Fragaria chiloensis |
Wild strawberry |
perennial |
zones 4-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Gaillardia x grandiflora |
Blanket flower |
perennial |
zones 2-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Geranium cinereum |
Hardy geranium |
perennial |
zones 5-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Geranium sanguineum |
Blood red geranium |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Geranium spp. |
Geranium |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
most species perennial, some annual |
|
Helianthemum nummularium |
Sunrose |
perennial |
zones 5 - 7 |
No |
mounding |
|
Heuchera sanguinea |
Coral bells |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Iberis sempervirens |
Candytuft |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Iris missouriensis |
Wild blue iris |
perennial |
zones 3-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Iris spp. |
Iris |
perennial |
SCD* |
No |
most species perennial, some annual |
|
Lavandula angustifolia |
Lavender |
perennial |
zones 5-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Leucanthemum x superbum |
Shasta daisy |
perennial |
zones 4-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Liriope muscari |
Blue lily-turf |
perennial |
zones 6-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Lupinus spp. |
Lupine |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
not strong performers in Michigan |
|
Oenothera macrocarpa |
Evening primrose |
perennial |
zones 4-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Oenothera spp. |
Primrose |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Papaver spp. |
Poppy |
perennial |
SCD* |
No |
most species perennial, some annual |
|
Penstemon spp. |
Beard tongue |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
most species perennial, some annual |
|
Phlox drummondii |
Creeping phlox |
perennial |
zones 4-9 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Potentilla spp. |
Potentilla |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
most species perennial, some annual |
|
Salvia spp. |
Sage |
perennial |
SCD* |
No |
most species perennial, some annual |
|
Santolina chamaecyparissus |
Lavender cotton |
perennial |
zones 6-10 |
No |
mounding |
|
Sempervivum tectorum |
Hens and chicks |
perennial |
zones 3-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Solidago spp. |
Goldenrod |
perennial |
SCD* |
SCD* |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Stachys byzantina |
Lamb's ear |
perennial |
zones 4-7 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Thymus praecox arcticus |
Creeping thyme |
perennial |
zones 5-8 |
No |
herbaceous perennial |
|
Shrubs |
|||||
|
Amelanchier alnifolia |
Alder-leaved serviceberry |
shrub |
zones 4-5 |
No |
deciduous, also small tree |
|
Amelanchier spp. |
Serviceberry |
shrub |
zones 4-9 |
SCD* |
deciduous, also small tree |
|
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
Bearberry |
shrub |
zones 2 - 6 |
Yes |
creeping shrub |
|
Aronia arbutifolia |
Red chokeberry |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous, also small tree |
|
Aronia melanocarpa |
Black chokeberry |
shrub |
zones 3-8 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Berberis buxifolia |
Box-leaf barberry |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
evergreen |
|
Berberis x mentorensis |
Mentor barberry |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Buddleia davidii |
Butterfly bush |
shrub |
zones 5-9 |
No |
deciduous, also small tree |
|
Chaenomeles speciosa |
Flowering quince |
shrub |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Clethra alnifolia |
Summersweet |
shrub |
zones 4-9 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Cornus sericea |
Yellowtwig dogwood/red osier dogwood |
shrub |
zones 2-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Corylus avellana |
European filbert |
shrub |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous, also small tree |
|
Cotinus coggygria |
Royal purple smoketree |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Cotoneaster apiculatus |
Cranberry cotoneaster |
shrub |
zones 4-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Cotoneaster divaricatus |
Spreading cotoneaster |
shrub |
zones 4-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Cotoneaster horizontalis |
Rock cotoneaster |
shrub |
zones 5-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Cotoneaster spp. |
Cotoneaster |
shrub |
SCD* |
No |
SCD* |
|
Daphne x burkwoodii |
Burkwood daphne |
shrub |
zones 4-7 |
No |
semi-evergreen |
|
Deutzia gracilis |
Slender deutzia |
shrub |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Forsythia x intermedia |
Lynwood border forsythia |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Hibiscus syriacus |
Rose of Sharon |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous, also small tree |
|
Hydrangea macrophylla |
Bigleaf Hydrangea |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Hydrangea quercifolia |
Oakleaf hydrangea |
shrub |
zones 5-9 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Ilex verticillata |
Michigan holly |
shrub |
zones 3-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Mahonia repens |
Creeping mahonia |
shrub |
zones 5-7 |
No |
evergreen, also ground cover |
|
Mahonia spp. |
Creeping grape holly |
shrub |
SCD |
No |
evergreen |
|
Myrica pensylvanica |
Northern bayberry |
shrub |
zones 3-6 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Philadelphus spp. |
Mock orange |
shrub |
SCD* |
No |
deciduous |
|
Potentilla fruticosa |
Shrubby cinquefoil |
shrub |
zones 2-6 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Prunus americana |
Native plum |
shrub |
zones 3-8 |
Yes |
deciduous, also small tree |
|
Prunus besseyi |
Sand cherry |
shrub |
zones 3-6 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Prunus tomentosa |
Nanking cherry |
shrub |
zones 3-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Pyrancantha spp. |
Pyracantha |
shrub |
SCD* |
No |
can have fireblight problems on more vigorous selection |
|
Rhus spp. |
Sumac |
shrub |
SCD* |
SCD* |
SCD* |
|
Ribes alpinum |
Green mound Alpine currant |
shrub |
zones 2-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Rosa carolina |
Carolina cose |
shrub |
zones 4-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Rosa wichuriana |
Memorial rose |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
semi-evergreen |
|
Rubus spp. |
Raspberry |
shrub |
SCD* |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Sheperdia canadensis |
Russet buffaloberry |
shrub |
zones 2-6 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Shepherdia argentea |
Silver buffaloberry |
shrub |
zones 2-6 |
No |
deciduous, also small tree |
|
Spiraea japonica |
Daphne spiraea |
shrub |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Spiraea nipponica |
Snowmound Nippon spiraea |
shrub |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Spiraea x vanhouttei |
Vanhoutte spiraea |
shrub |
zones 3-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Symphoricarpos albus |
Snowberry |
shrub |
zones 3-7 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Syringa spp. |
Lilac |
shrub |
SCD* |
No |
deciduous |
|
Syringa vulgaris |
Common lilac |
shrub |
zones 3-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Syringa x prestoniae |
Preston lilac |
shrub |
zones 3-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Viburnum trilobum |
American cranberrybush viburnum |
shrub |
zones 2-7 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Viburnum trilobum 'Compactum’ |
Dwarf American cranberrybush viburnum |
shrub |
zones 2-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Viburnum carlesii |
Korean spice viburnum |
shrub |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Viburnum dentatum |
Arrowwood viburnum |
shrub |
zones 2-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Viburnum lentago |
Nannyberry |
shrub |
zones 3-7 |
No |
deciduous, also tree |
|
Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum |
Doublefile viburnum |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Viburnum prunifolium |
Blackhawk viburnum |
shrub |
zones 3-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Viburnum x burkwoodii |
Burkwood viburnum |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Viburnum x rhytidophylloides |
Willowwood or Allegheny viburnum |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Weigela florida |
Old fashioned weigela |
shrub |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Trees |
|||||
|
Acer campestre |
Hedge maple |
tree |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Acer griseum |
Paperbark maple |
tree |
zones 5-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Acer palmatum |
Japanese maple |
tree |
SCD* |
No |
deciduous |
|
Acer platanoides |
Norway maple |
tree |
zones 4-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Acer rubrum |
Red maple |
tree |
SCD* |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Acer saccharum |
Green Mountain sugar maple |
tree |
zones 4-8 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Acer spp. |
Maple |
tree |
SCD* |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Aesculus hippocastanum |
Horsechestnut |
tree |
zones 4-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Alnus cordata |
Italian alder |
tree |
zones 5-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Betula nigra |
River birch |
tree |
zones 3-9 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Betula spp. |
Birch |
tree |
SCD* |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Carpinus betulus |
Upright European hornbeam |
tree |
zones 4-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Catalpa speciosa |
Northern catalpa |
tree |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Celtis occidentalis |
Common hackberry |
tree |
zones 2-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Cercis canadensis |
Eastern redbud |
tree |
zones 5-9; best from local seed source |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Cercis spp. |
Redbud |
tree |
zones 5-9; best from local seed source |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Cornus florida |
Flowering dogwood |
tree |
zones 5-8; best from local seed source |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Crataegus phaenopyrum |
Washington hawthorn |
tree |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Crataegus spp. |
Hawthorn |
tree |
zones 4-7 |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Fagus spp. |
Beech |
tree |
SCD* |
No |
deciduous |
|
Fagus sylvatica |
European beech |
tree |
zones 4-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Gleditsia triacanthos |
Honeylocust |
tree |
zones 4-9 |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Gymnocladus dioicus |
Kentucky coffee tree |
tree |
zones 3-8 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Juglans spp. |
Walnut |
tree |
zones 4-7 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Liquidambar styraciflua |
American sweetgum |
tree |
zones 5-9 |
-- |
deciduous |
|
Liriodendron tulipifera |
Tulip tree |
tree |
zones 4-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Magnolia stellata |
Star magnolia |
tree |
zones 4-9 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Magnolia x soulangiana |
Saucer magnolia |
tree |
zones 4-9 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Malus spp. |
Crabapple |
tree |
SCD |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Nyssa sylvatica |
Black gum |
tree |
zones 4-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Plantanus occidentalis |
Eastern sycamore |
tree |
zones 4-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Platanus x acerifolia |
London planetree |
tree |
zones 4-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Populus spp. |
Aspens, cottonwoods, poplars |
tree |
SCD* |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Populus tremuloides |
Quaking aspen |
tree |
zones 1-6 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' |
Flowering plum |
tree |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Prunus serrulata |
Kwanzan Oriental cherry |
tree |
zones 5-7 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Prunus subhirtella |
Higan cherry |
tree |
zone 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Prunus virginiana |
Chokecherry |
tree |
zones 2-6 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Prunus xyedoensis |
Yoshino cherry |
tree |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Pyrus calleryana |
Callery pear |
tree |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous, may break under heavy snow/ice loads |
|
Quercus alba |
White oak |
tree |
zones 3-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Quercus macrocarpa |
Bur oak |
tree |
zones 3-8 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Quercus rubra |
Red oak |
tree |
zones 3-7 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Quercus spp.**** |
Oak |
tree |
SCD* |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Salix spp. |
Willow |
tree |
SCD* |
SCD* |
deciduous |
|
Sorbus aucuparia |
Euopean Mountain ash |
tree |
zones 3-7 |
No |
deciduous, several pest problems |
|
Vines |
|||||
|
Campsis radicans |
Trumpet vine |
vine |
zones 4-9 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Clematis hybrids |
Clematis |
vine |
SCD* |
No |
deciduous |
|
Lonicera sempervirens |
Trumpet honeysuckle |
vine |
zones 4-9 |
No |
deciduous |
|
Lonicera x heckrottii |
Goldflame honeysuckle |
vine |
zones 4-9 |
No |
semi-evergreen |
|
Parthenocissus quinquefolia |
Virginia creeper |
vine |
zones 4-9 |
Yes |
deciduous |
|
Wisteria sinensis |
Chinese wisteria |
vine |
zones 5-8 |
No |
deciduous |
|
*SCD — Species and/or cultivar dependent. |
|||||
|
**Michigan’s critical dune guidelines allow only native plants to be used within 100 feet of the crest of a dune. In addition, any alteration on the lake side of the dune requires a permit, including establishing or reestablishing. |
|||||
|
***Winter hardiness refers to the ability of the plant to withstand average low winter temperatures. Winter hardiness zones listed in the table refer to the USDA National Arboretum Plant Hardiness Zone Map (see page 12) which can also be found at http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html. Other factors will also affect the suitability of a plant for a particular climate, such as heat, humidity, soil characteristics, and water availability. |
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The plants and trees listed were selected after the authors reviewed and compared 15 fire-resistant plant lists from the United States, Canada and Tasmania. Because basic research where plants were exposed to fire in a laboratory setting is limited, most of the species are listed on the basis of observations of survival after being exposed to real wildfire or structural fire situations. In some cases, an entire genus is listed in the table; in other genera, only selected species are listed. One must also recognize that although the canopy of Quercus species (oak trees) will typically not ignite, dead oak leaves on the ground do not decompose quickly and are very flammable. Oak leaves serve as one of the more common fuel threats in Michigan wildfires. Therefore, it is important to keep oak leaves and other dead leaves, needles and plant debris from collecting around foundations and under decks
Your local lawn and garden centers may sell or have access to many of the fire-resistant plant species mentioned in this publication. An excellent source of information on local landscape dealers is the MSU Extension office in your county. Both the landscape dealer and the Extension agent can provide information on growing characteristics, required growing conditions, winter hardiness and planting sites required for various species.
Locating Shrubs and Trees in the Landscape
Where you locate ornamental plants is just as critical as the species selected. Spacing between trees and shrubs is important so that fire cannot jump from a plant to a structure or from one plant to another and finally to your home. Spacing depends on the species selected. It is also important to remember that the distance between two plants will decrease as they grow larger. Space plants according to their mature size, not their size at planting. The spruce trees shown in Figure 3 were planted too close to the home and are now a threat because of direct flames and radiant heat if the trees ignite.
Figure 3. The spruce trees in this photo are located too close to the house. If they catch fire, they will likely create enough radiant heat to ignite the home. (Courtesy of MSU Extension.)
When creating defensible space in the yard, provide a minimum of 3 feet of clearance between the building and landscape plants. Non-flammable landscape material such as limestone, marble chips or even mineral soil can be used in this area. Avoid using organic mulch such as peat or wood chips within the 3-foot barrier. These materials can ignite when dry.
Leave at least 30 feet of defensible space between the building and solid stands of natural vegetation. Studies from two major wildfires in the western United States have shown that 85 to 90 percent of homes that survived those wildfires had 30 to 50 feet of defensible space and fire-resistant roofing materials. Liquid propane tanks, stacks of firewood and other potential fuels should also be located outside of this perimeter.
Houses and structures built at the crest of a hill should have 60 feet of defensible space because fire traveling uphill will move faster, be more intense and radiate more heat than a wildfire moving on level ground.
The term “ladder fuels” describes low-hanging branches and limbs that could catch fire from a wildfire moving across the ground. If the tree is combustible, such as a spruce or pine, the fire will ignite the lower branches and move upward. Should this happen, the radiant heat given off could set a nearby house or building on fire. Remove limbs and branches of combustible ornamental landscape trees within 6 to 8 feet of the ground so that fire cannot move from the ground to the lower branches of the tree and then into the canopy
When you're planting any tree or shrub, it is important to match the species with the conditions in the planting site. Some species may grow better in sandy soils than in heavy clay soils. Some will do better than others in poorly drained areas. Other species may do better in the sun than in the shade. This information is often included on a tag attached to the tree or shrub at the garden center. If there is no tag, ask an informed employee about the preferred environment before purchasing. Again, your local Extension office will likely have this information as well. To obtain more information on planting landscape plants, obtain a copy of Extension bulletin E-2941, A Guide for the Selection and Use of Plants in the Landscape, from your county Extension office.
Maintaining the Yard and Shrubbery
If the landscape is not maintained properly, a wildfire can move across the yard and ignite a home and other structures. To decrease this possibility, keep your lawn mowed and watered. A green lawn is unlikely to catch fire and will typically serve as a protective barrier around the home. On the other hand, a yard that is managed in natural vegetation or a lawn that has become very dry could allow a wildfire to move across it and pose a danger of igniting a deck or wood siding and then the house. The home and garage shown in Figure 4 were damaged because tall grass was allowed to grow too close to the structures.
Figure 4. A wildfire in a grassy field melted the siding on this garage and home. (Courtesy of Michigan DNR.)
It is also important to provide adequate water for newly planted trees and shrubs. Once these plants have grown and have established extensive root systems, they should usually be able to absorb sufficient nutrients from the soil and from lawn fertilizers. Regular watering will still be necessary, however, to reduce the possibility of ignition. Ornamental plants may or may not need special fertilization. This can be determined by a soil test, which is available through your local Extension office. For more information, pick up a copy of North Central Region publication 356, Fertilizing Garden & Landscape Plants & Lawns, from your county Extension office.
Summary
Each year in Michigan, wildfires damage or destroy homes and other structures. A firewise home requires adequate defensible space, fire-resistant building materials, and eavestroughs and spaces around and under the base of the home kept clean of accumulated plant litter and debris. Firewise homeowners also place other fuels such as LP tanks and firewood stacks at a safe distance from the home (Figure 5). Adding fire-resistant plants and pruning trees can greatly increase the chances that a home or outbuilding will still be standing after a wildfire passes, while also providing the esthetics that the homeowner desires.
Figure 5. Firewise landscaping reduces the chance of wildfire damage to a home. (Courtesy of Dr. Jon Bryan Burley, ASLA, associate professor, LAP director, MSU.)
For more information on Michigan wildfires and protecting your home and family, pick up copies of Extension bulletins E-2831, Protect Your Michigan Home from Wildfire, and E-2882, Understanding Wildfire Behavior in Michigan, from your county Extension office.
Supporting Resources:
Wildfire in Michigan
www.firewise.msu.edu
Firewise Communities, 2009
www.firewise.org
Firewise Plant Lists, 2009, Firewise Communities/USA.
www.firewise.org/usa/fw_plantlists.htm
Living With Fire: A Guide for the Black Hills Homeowner.
www.state.sd.us/doa/forestry/publications/Living%20With%20Fire.pdf
Firewise Plants Offer Colorful Choices for Fire Safe Gardens
www.firewise.org/usa/files/Arkansas PlantGuide.pdf
Fire Resistant Landscaping Plants for the Sierra Springs Area
http://ceeldorado.ucdavis.edu/files/4017.pdf
Firewise Plant Materials
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/natres/06305.html
Making Your Landscape More Resistant to Wildfires
www.firewise.org/usa/files/florida.pdf
Protecting and Landscaping Homes in the Wildland/Urban Interface
www.cnr.uidaho.edu/extforest/Fire ProtectBro.pdf
Fire-Resistant Plants for Montana Landscapes
http://extn.msu.montana.edu/publications.asp
Firewise Plant Materials
http://aces.nmsu.edu/defensible_zone/protect/docs_pdf/fire_wise.pdf
Firewise Plant Materials
www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/pdf/ag/firewise_landscaping.pdf
Fire-Resistant Plants for Home Landscapes
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/pnw/pnw590/pnw590.pdf
Fire Retardant Garden Plants for the Urban Fringe and Rural Areas
www.fire.tas.gov.au/mysite/publications/1709%20Brochure.pdf
Quick Guide to Firewise Shrubs
www.interfacesouth.org/products/pdf/Shrub_Flammability.pdf
Firewise Plants for Utah Landscapes
www.utahfireinfo.gov/prevention/firewiseplants.pdf
Fire Resistant Plants
www.srd.gov.ab.ca/wildfires/firesmart/default.aspx
Fire Resistant Plants for your Landscape
http://plumasfiresafe.org/Documents/PNF_BRD%20Fire%20Resistant%20Plants.pdf
Firewise Landscaping
http://estore.osu-extension.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=2050
