GORGE — The Columbia River Gorge is rich in vegetation, home to more than 800 species of plants, including 15 wildflowers that exist nowhere else on the planet. But as wildfires become more frequent and unpredictable, some plants in the region are best avoided, particularly when it comes to landscaping around your property.
Flammable plants, such as Arborvitae and Juniper, contain volatile oils and gummy resinous sap, have aromatic leaves, and are prone to accumulating dry, dead matter. We can’t control the wind, the heat, or the negligent actions of fellow humans. We can, however, do our part to mitigate risk and avoid adding fuel to the fire by implementing firewise landscaping.
Firewise landscaping requires proper plant selection, placement, and maintenance to reduce the chance of stray embers igniting structures or slow the progression of an existing blaze.
Selection
First and foremost, property owners must consider native plants, which have adapted to the Gorge’s dry summers and are less likely to ignite: fire-resistant species feature watery, odorless sap, open-branching patterns, and wide, supple leaves. While prone to damage, they do not act as fuel.
Combinations of low-growing deciduous shrubs, herbaceous flowers, and groundcover plants are less likely to combust and spread to surrounding vegetation. When selecting new plants for your home landscape, consult Oregon State University’s publicationFire-resistant plants for Home Landscape,which offers an array of aesthetically pleasing, non-flammable options.
Placement
Ornamental conifers, used by orchards as pesticide screens, are better planted 30 feet or more from your home, while Portuguese laurel or Oregon grape work as potential alternatives. Defensible space serves as a buffer against the spread; avoid placing any plants within 5 feet of the structure, and limit the 5-30 foot “Intermediate Zone” to fire-resistant flora. Moreover, linear arrangements offer continuous pathways for flames; allow gaps of at least 10 feet between planting groups to create a firebreak.
Maintenance
Even the most fire-resistant plants are rendered ineffective if not properly maintained. Regular watering helps keep plants healthy, but avoid overwatering, which can cause excessive growth, disease, and dead plant buildup. Prune plants regularly and remove dead material, especially any hidden within dense growth.
Trees add shade and beauty, but should be maintained to reduce fire danger. Trim lower branches 6–10 feet from the ground, and clear away pine cones, fallen branches, dead leaves, and dry grass around the base to prevent ladder fuels. When choosing new trees, deciduous varieties are generally less flammable.
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