Most species of deciduous [leafy] trees are more fire resistant than conifers as they have moist leaves and watery sap. The papery bark of birch trees, however, can ignite easily and any dead or dry branches, especially if they are close to the ground, are a fire hazard in any copse, whether wild or urban. Trees that produce resinous sap, or grow aromatic needles, are generally more flammable and need to be managed to protect your home and property – and your neighbour’s as well!

Fire resistant trees can survive wildfires because they have rot-resistant wood and thick bark. Coniferous fire resisters include Western Larch, Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine. Recommended deciduous trees include aspen, maple, poplar, and cottonwood.

Consider the slope of your land when planning fire-readiness. If you are building on a new lot, you may want to think about constructing your home 10 meters or more from the crest of hills or slopes, removing some trees, terracing with stone and landscaping with fire resistant plants. Fire resistant or not, trees still need to be spaced at least 3 meters apart to prevent the spread of wildfires.

Planting too close to your home or other buildings creates the obvious problem of fire spreading into trees and next, to the structure. Maintain a 1.5-meter zone around your buildings and keep debris, [including dead grass, mulch and brush] cleared out of this area. Decorative rock or gravel mulch is not combustible like pine needle or bark mulch.

Remember, fire travels faster up a slope, so trees planted downward of your home create a hazard zone where situations develop more rapidly. If you live in an urban forested area, have an escape plan ready, and remove ground fuel that could lead to a forest fire spreading onto your property. Having firefighting tools such as shovels, rakes and garden hoses ready and available are also part of any good plan.

Regular yard cleanups will reduce the risk of fire damage and hiring a professional tree faller to remove dangerous trees is recommended when necessary. We can assist you in determining which trees should be pruned, crowned or removed on your land to protect your home and property.

Anyone who travels through beautiful British Columbia is well aware of our wild and urban forests from the ancient cedars on the coast to towering Ponderosa Pines scattered throughout the Thompson-Okanagan. The lower mainland proudly exhibits a healthy abundance of coniferous trees, adding greenspace for communities to share. The team at Twin Rivers shares their knowledge and love of tree conservation and health, while maintaining the highest standards of service in the industry. We work with individuals, municipalities and agencies interested in protecting and managing BC’s beautiful forests.

For professional tree falling and landscaping for a fire smart yard, contact Twin Rivers Tree Service and Landscaping in Kamloops (250) 851-1121, Sechelt/Gibsons (604) 989-0588 or Abbotsford (604) 989-0588.