How to Prepare Your Property and Home for Fire Season

Fire Season In New Zealand

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• Scrub Cutting - Overgrown scrub can ignite easily.

• Keep Grass Short - Long grass fuels fires.

• Maintain Gutters and Roofs - Dry leaves in gutters are a fire hazard.

• Remove Flammable Materials - Relocate woodpiles, gas bottles, and other flammable items away from buildings.

• Establish Firebreaks - Clear land around your property to stop or slow fire spread.

• Plant Native, Fire-Resistant Plants - Low-flammability, drought-resistant plants reduce fire risks and conserve water.

• Support Local Wildlife - Provide water sources, retain patches of native vegetation, and create wildlife corridors to help animals during fire season.

• Partner with Native Restorations - With over 20 years of experience, we can help you protect your property and the environment.

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As the weather warms across this beautiful land we call home, it's crucial to remember that the risk of fire also increases. With many New Zealand areas now scarred with the evidence of extensive fires, as home and land owners, the time to get prepared is now. Ensuring that you safeguard your homes as much as possible from the threat of fire is an urgent task. At Native Restorations, we are passionate about educating the community to help protect our homes and native bush from extensive damage caused by wildfires.

Why Should I Prepare for Fire Season?

New Zealand's fire season, typically running from late spring through summer, is exacerbated by rising temperatures and dry weather. Unmanaged vegetation, such as long grass and overgrown scrub, acts as fuel for wildfires, increasing the risk to homes and native bushland. Proactively preparing for fire season is critical for protecting your property and the natural environment. Trimming trees and removing excess bark from around trees, scrub cutting and keeping grass short, and instigating essential home maintenance can help keep your home and property safe.

How Do I Fireproof My Property?

1. Cut Back Overgrown Scrub

Scrub cutting is one of the most critical steps in preparing for fire season. Overgrown scrub can ignite from embers, causing flames to quickly spread to surrounding areas. Use the following tips to manage scrub effectively:

• Timing: Cut back overgrown vegetation before the weather becomes too hot and dry.

• Tools: Use appropriate tools for large areas, such as a scrub cutter or mower.

• Disposal: Remove or chip the cut material to avoid creating a pile of flammable debris.

Regular scrub cutting minimises fire hazards and supports the health of native plants by reducing competition for resources.

2. Keep Grass Short

Long, dry grass is highly flammable and can spread fire rapidly across your property. Regular mowing is crucial to keeping grass at a safe height. Now is the time to mow your paddocks and large areas. Always check in rural areas that mowing has not been restricted due to the hot, dry weather. Many fires are started when mowers hit rocks, causing sparks that lead to uncontrollable grass fires.

 Aim to:

• Mow frequently: Particularly around your home and other structures.

• Create a buffer zone: Maintain a low-grass perimeter (at least 10 meters) around your property. Consider cultivating or spraying this zone.

• Irrigate wisely: Water grass early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent evaporation and maintain a healthy lawn.

3. Maintain Gutters and Roof Areas

Clogged gutters filled with dry leaves and debris can ignite from stray embers. To prevent this:

• Clean gutters regularly: Especially in the lead-up to fire season.

• Install ember guards: In high-risk fire areas, consider installing ember guards. These are mesh or metal screens that cover openings in your home, such as vents and gutters, to prevent embers from entering your roof space. They can reduce the likelihood of embers igniting flammable materials in your home.Inspect roof materials: Ensure they are fire-resistant and in good condition.

4.  Remove Flammable Materials

Minimise the presence of potential fire hazards near your home by:

• Clearing woodpiles, gas bottles, and other flammable items from around your house.

• Relocating storage sheds containing flammable materials away from main buildings.

• Pruning low-hanging branches near your home.

5. Establish Firebreaks

Creating firebreaks—areas of cleared land that stop or slow the spread of fire—is a vital strategy for rural properties. Firebreaks can:

• Protect your home and outbuildings.

• Act as a safe zone for wildlife.

• Help firefighters access your property in an emergency.

Consult local fire authorities or professionals for guidance on implementing firebreaks.

The Role of Native Plants in Fire Prevention and Water Conservation

Planting native species is an innovative, sustainable way to prepare your property for fire season while reducing your garden's water needs. Native plants are naturally adapted to New Zealand's conditions, making them more drought-resistant, and some are even less likely to ignite during a fire.

Flammability of Native Plants In New Zealand

The flammability of native plants varies significantly. Studies have assessed the flammability of numerous native species, categorising them into different flammability classes. Some native species possess low flammability and are recommended for creating green firebreaks to reduce fire spread.

However, it's important to note that certain native species may have higher flammability, and factors such as drought conditions can increase the flammability of vegetation. Therefore, while some native plants can contribute to fire resistance, this characteristic is not universal across all native species. Selecting appropriate species is crucial for achieving desired outcomes in drought tolerance and fire resistance.

What Are Some Fire-Resistant Native Plants In New Zealand?

Many native New Zealand plants are excellent choices for fire prevention. They typically have:

• High moisture content in their leaves.

• Low levels of flammable oils.

• Dense growth habits that can act as windbreaks.

Selecting native plants with low flammability is a strategic approach to reducing fire risk around your property in New Zealand. The following native species are recognised for their fire-resistant properties and are suitable for landscaping:

• Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata): Known for its low flammability, this species is suitable for creating green firebreaks.

• Lancewood (Pseudopanax crassifolius): This native tree has been identified as having low flammability, making it a good choice for fire-resistant landscaping.

• Five Finger (Pseudopanax arboreus): Five Finger is Recognised for its low flammability and is effective in reducing fire spread.

• Karamu (Coprosma robusta): This species is classified as low flammability and is recommended for green firebreaks.

• Kanono (Coprosma grandifolia): With low flammability, Kanono is suitable for fire-resistant landscaping.

• Hangehange (Geniostoma ligustrifolium): Identified as having low flammability, Hangehange can help reduce fire risk.

• Taupata (Coprosma repens): This species has low flammability and is effective in creating defensible spaces.

• Marbleleaf (Carpodetus serratus): Recognised for its low flammability, Marbleleaf is suitable for fire-resistant landscaping.

• Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus): This species is classified as low flammability and can help reduce fire spread.

• Broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis): Known for its low flammability, Broadleaf is effective in creating green firebreaks.

• Shining Broadleaf (Griselinia lucida): Shining Broadleaf is suitable for fire-resistant landscaping and has low flammability.

• Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum): Identified as having low flammability, Kawakawa can help reduce fire risk.

• Poroporo (Solanum aviculare): This species has low flammability and is effective in creating defensible spaces.

Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum): Identified as having low flammability.

It is important to note that while these species are classified as low flammability, factors such as drought conditions, plant age, and maintenance can influence their actual flammability. Regular upkeep, including removing dead material and ensuring adequate spacing, is essential to maintain their fire-resistant properties.

For more detailed information on plant flammability and landscaping for fire resistance, Native Restorations can help. By thoughtfully incorporating these native species into your landscape, you can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property while contributing to fire safety.

Water-Wise Landscaping Tips For My Home and Property

A well-designed garden using native plants can thrive with minimal water while looking lush throughout summer. Here's how to create a water-wise garden:

• Mulch generously: Apply mulch around native plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

• Group plants by water needs: Place drought-tolerant natives together for efficient irrigation.

• Use drip irrigation: Target the roots directly to minimise water waste.

Supporting Wildlife During Fire Season

Fire season can also be challenging for local wildlife. Protect and support native species by:

• Providing water sources: Place shallow dishes of water around your property for birds and insects.

• Retaining native vegetation: Where safe, leave patches of bush to act as habitat.

• Building safe corridors: Connect native planting areas to give wildlife escape routes during emergencies.

Partnering with Native Restorations

At Native Restorations, we're passionate about helping Kiwis protect their homes and natural surroundings. From scrub cutting and pest plant control to native reforestation, we bring over 20 years of practical experience to every project.

By choosing sustainable fire season preparation methods and integrating native plants into your landscape, you can reduce fire risks, conserve water, and create a thriving environment that reflects New Zealand's unique beauty.

Visit www.native-restorations.com to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for fire season. Together, let's protect what makes New Zealand special.

Stay Safe This Summer

Proactive preparation is the key to a safe, fire-resistant property. Start now with scrub cutting, short grass, and thoughtful native planting to enjoy a beautiful, safe summer season.