Bushfire Safety: A Simple Test You Can Do To Reduce The Flammability Of Your Garden

A recent report advises there has been a 40% increase in the number of bushfires in Victoria since 2007. As a new resident of Victoria, this is of concern, and you can never be lax when it comes to looking for ways you can protect your home from bushfire danger. One aspect of your home the previous owner may not have given much thought to is how flammable the trees in the back garden are. It is not only the location of the trees that stop bushfire embers getting too close to your home, but also the type of tree you have out there. So, what do you need to know about making changes to the trees you have out back?   

Tree Burn Test

Some trees burn faster than others, and the faster the tree burns, the quicker the fire gets close to your home. If you want to know how fast the trees you already have will burn, all you need to do is step outside and pick sample  branches from each of your trees. Place them in your fireplace and see how quickly they go up in smoke. 

Pine and eucalyptus trees, for example, are classed as being "high-hazard" because they are so flammable they will go up in smoke quickly. If you have these trees located in your back garden, it is worth considering replacing them with other options that are classed as being fire retardant.

What Are Fire Retardant Trees?

Fire retardant trees are ones that have a high moisture content in their leaf tissue. Because they take some time to catch alight, they can form a protective barrier around your home that may reduce the chances of burning embers getting close. Additionally, when planted close together, these trees also help to reflect back some of the heat generated by the force of the fire.

The most common fire retardant trees are ones that are deciduous. Maple and oak trees fall on the list of specimens you can plant in your garden for fire protection, and varieties of these can be readily found at your local plant wholesaler. They can give you advice on which varieties of these trees will best suit the size of your back garden. After all, you don't want to plant trees that are going to grow so tall they tower over your home and block out the sun.

A few new trees in your back garden could make all the difference when it comes to keeping the flames at bay if you are unfortunate enough to get a bushfire in your area. Talk to a planting specialist and get your new trees settled in the ground now before the weather gets too cold during winter.