The entire Perth area can be subject to the threat of bushfires, but you can minimise the risks and reduce the effect of direct flame contact by making a smart landscape design. Choosing the right plants, trees and turf is crucial, but it is also important to keep them separate and far from the house or any flammable objects.
Firewise Landscape Design Perth
A combination of climate, location and vegetation creates conditions for bushfires all over Australia. Perth is not an exception. Bushfires can destroy houses by ember attack, radiant heat, wind or direct flame contact. While you can’t fully safeguard your home, there are things you can do to minimise chances of severe damage. Landscape design plays a crucial role in creating strategies to protect residential buildings. Carefully planning the layout of your garden can help you protect your home. Technically, there are no fire-proof plants or trees because all of them are combustible, but there are ways to surround yourself with greenery in a safer way. Here are the crucial aspects of firewise garden landscaping Perth locals need to know!
How to Create a Defendable Space
A firewise property layout allows for a defendable space around your house. While it is desirable to have a natural surrounding teeming with greenery, it is important to plant your garden smartly and keep the wild vegetation away from the house. Since this is a challenging task, it is worth investing in the best landscaper Perth has to offer! A professional will know how to position trees, shrubs, flowers, sun decks and paved areas to provide a safe yet green environment.
Since many plants and tree branches can easily catch fire, you need to pick the right species and create a garden design that minimises the risks. The house should be located away from dry and flammable plants and trees, especially from unmanaged foliage and natural bushland. The safe distance is 10 meters from your house. Gravel paths, turf and paved areas around your home can help you break up fuel continuity. Additionally, all the plants, trees and lawns should be properly maintained and watered because dry vegetation can catch fire easily.
Choose Suitable Plants and Trees
To create efficient firewise landscapes, garden designers Perth-wide strive to select plant varieties with low flammability. While many Australian native trees such as eucalyptus, tea tree and bottlebrush are extremely flammable because they contain oils, some plants contain plenty of moisture and are therefore fire-resistant. For example, it is safe to plant succulents and other plants with thick, fleshy leaves because they don’t burn easily, while woody plants and aromatic conifers can be hazardous. Popular firewise trees and shrubs you can choose for your garden include:
- Acacia
- Magnolia
- Viburnum
- Oleander
- Emu bush
- Photinia
- Saltbush
- Bird of paradise
- Lilly Pilly
- Tuckeroo
Succulents can be planted in the ground or in containers. Since they can thrive in hot climates and on different soils, they are ideal for Perth gardens. You can even use them for beautiful vertical gardens or grow them on rocks and gravel. The best firewise varieties include:
- Aloe
- Pigface
- Ice plant
- Little pickles
- Chalk sticks
- Crassula
- Echeveria
- Haworthia
- Sedum
Some of Australia’s favourite turf varieties and ground covers have bushfire protection benefits. To protect your home, it is best to choose buffalo, couch or kikuyu grass and ground covers such as Swan River daisy, kangaroo lobelia, kidney weed, viola, fan flower or boobialla.
