Fire Smart Landscapes

Fire Smart Landscapes is a research-based educational resource designed to help homeowners reduce wildfire risk through thoughtful landscape design and proactive property management. Developed as part of Nebraska Extension’s Weather-Ready Landscapes initiative, the publication provides clear, actionable guidance for creating defensible space around homes—one of the most effective strategies for improving structure survivability during wildfire events. The resource begins by explaining the concept of Fire Smart Landscaping: planning ahead for wildfire, managing surrounding vegetation, and creating buffer areas that reduce the likelihood of home ignition. It emphasizes that house survival during wildfire is not random. Research consistently shows that survivability depends on three primary factors: building materials and design, the characteristics of nearby vegetation and fuels, and ongoing maintenance. While weather and topography influence fire behavior, fuels are the one factor homeowners can directly control. This makes landscape management a powerful prevention tool. The publication outlines Nebraska’s historical wildfire season—typically beginning in mid-February and lasting approximately 13 weeks—reinforcing the importance of preparedness before high-risk conditions arise. It explains how dry conditions, wind, and continuous fuel sources allow fires to spread rapidly, and how strategic plant selection, spacing, and maintenance can interrupt that spread. A major feature of the resource is detailed guidance on plant spacing. Clear horizontal spacing recommendations are provided based on slope and vegetation type, acknowledging that fire moves more rapidly uphill. Vertical spacing guidance focuses on eliminating “fire ladders” by removing vegetation beneath trees and pruning lower limbs to reduce the chance of flames climbing from ground fuels into tree canopies. The publication also cautions against mass planting shrubs at the base of trees and stress…