To create a landscape that will make your home less vulnerable to wildfire, the primary goal is fuel reduction. Think of the area around your home in zones. Zone 1 is closest to the structure, Zone 4 is the farthest away.

Zone 1. This well-irrigated area encircles the structure for at least 30 feet on all sides, providing space for fire suppression equipment in the event of an emergency. Plants should be limited to carefully spaced fire resistant tree and shrub species.

Zone 2. Fire resistant plant materials should be used here. Plants should be low-growing, and the irrigation system should extend into this section.

Zone 3. Place low-growing plants and well-spaced trees in this area, remembering to keep the volume of vegetation (fuel) low.

Zone 4. This furthest zone from the structure is a natural area. Thin selectively here and remove highly flammable vegetation.

Also remember to:

• Carefully space the trees you plant.
• Take out the "ladder fuels" – vegetation that serves as a link between grass and tree tops. These fuels can carry fire from vegetation to a structure or from a structure to vegetation.

When maintaining a landscape:

• Keep trees and shrubs pruned. Prune all trees up to 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Mow your lawn regularly
• Dispose of cuttings and debris promptly, according to local regulations
• Be sure your irrigation system is well maintained.
• Landscape with less-flammable plants:

Dogwood, Viburnum, Redbud, Sycamore, Magnolia, Beautyberry, Oaks, Red Maple, Wild Azalea, Sweetgum, Coontie, Winged Elm, Black Cherry, Persimmon, Wild Plum, Sugarberry, Florida Soap-berry, Fringetree, Ferns, Wild Olive, Blue Beech, Hophornbeam, and Sparkleberry.