Wild Earth Gardens

Professional  Landscape services EST. 1996 BOULDER, COLORADO

Firewise Landscaping

Wild Earth Gardens: Your Partner in Firewise Landscaping Practices


​Decades of Mountain Living Wisdom

With nearly two decades of living in the majestic mountains, we've learned firsthand the importance of being firewise. Our experiences have taught us that firewise landscape design and maintenance play a pivotal role in safeguarding your property during wildfires. While we've faced numerous evacuations, we've been fortunate to always return home unscathed. However, the increasing threat of wildfires driven by climate change has made it clear that we all must take action to protect our homes and properties. ​

The Challenge of Urban Wildfires in Colorado

In recent years, Colorado has experienced the encroachment of urban wildfires into what is known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI). This interface is where human development meets or mingles with natural terrain and wildland vegetation, such as grasslands. The effects of climate change have made this phenomenon increasingly common.  The Marshall Fire was a stark reminder that the threat of fire is no longer confined to the remote mountain communities—it is now a top-of-mind concern for everyone across Colorado. This devastating event shook our state, leaving us all acutely aware of the urgent need to address wildfire risks, regardless of where we call home. The Marshall Fire underscored the fact that wildfire preparedness and firewise landscaping practices are essential for every Coloradan. It all begins with a fundamental principle: creating defensible space.​

Defensible Space: Your First Line of Defense
Defensible space is the natural and landscaped area around a structure that is intentionally designed and meticulously maintained to reduce fire danger. It is the foundation of firewise landscaping practices. At Wild Earth Gardens, we are committed to helping you implement these principles to keep your property and loved ones safe. 


Top Firewise Landscaping Principles 

  • 3-Zone Defensible Space: We advocate the use of the 3-zone defensible space principles, which involve creating distinct zones around your home. These zones are designed to reduce the risk of wildfires reaching your property and include the immediate zone (0-5 feet from the structure), intermediate zone (5-30 feet), and extended zone (30-100 feet). 
  • Fire-Resistant Plants: Selecting fire-resistant plants and regularly maintaining and watering them is crucial. We can guide you in choosing the right flora that not only enhances your landscape but also minimizes fire risk. 
  • Fuel Breaks with Hardscape: Installing fuel breaks using hardscape materials such as retaining walls, walkways, driveways, boulder placement, and gravel mulch helps create a barrier against advancing flames. 
  • Mitigation, Pruning, and Maintenance: Remove all flammable material in Zone 1 and reduce ignition potential in Zone 2 and 3.  Remove and regularly prune dead and dying branches from trees and shrubs to reduce potential fire fuel. 
  • Irrigation Systems: Maintain your irrigation systems to ensure that your fire-resistant plants receive adequate water. Access to emergency water supplies, including having a 50-foot hose available for all hose bibs, is crucial to extinguishing grass or surface fires from wildlands. 
  • Deep Watering: Deep watering trees throughout summer and fall, as well as during dry winters, ensures their health and makes them less flammable. 
  • Healthy Plants: Remember that healthy plants are naturally less flammable, making proper care and maintenance essential. 


Consult Wild Earth Gardens for a Firewise Property Assessment


At Wild Earth Gardens, we are dedicated to helping you assess and enhance your property's firewise readiness. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the process of creating a fire-resistant landscape that not only protects your home but also preserves the natural beauty of our beloved Colorado mountains. Contact us today to take the first step in safeguarding your property against the growing threat of wildfires. Together, we can make a difference in the safety of our communities and the preservation of our wildlands.




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