As temperatures climb and fire warnings become more frequent, many homeowners start eyeing their backyards with a new level of concern. It’s natural to want to protect your home, but there’s a fine line between being fire-ready and going too far — especially if your fire prep ends up doing more harm than good to your property or local environment. Clearing away dead plants, trimming trees, and removing flammable clutter is essential. But that doesn’t mean you need to strip your yard bare or bulldoze your garden. In fact, strategic vegetation removal paired with smart landscaping can make your home safer and healthier at the same time. Here’s how to get your home fire-ready without turning your outdoor space into a dustbowl — or exhausting yourself in the process.
Know Your Risk Zone
Not all properties face the same level of fire risk. If you live near bushland or on the edge of a rural area, you’ll likely need to take more precautions than someone in a suburban street with concrete fences and minimal plant life. Start by checking your local council or fire authority website for:- Bushfire-prone area maps
- Vegetation management guidelines
- Advice on ember zones and buffer areas
Focus on the 20-Metre Zone
One of the most important principles of bushfire safety is creating a defendable space around your home — typically the 20 metres immediately surrounding your house. This zone plays a critical role in slowing the spread of fire and giving firefighters (or you) a fighting chance if flames approach. In this zone, aim to:- Remove dry leaves, twigs, and bark from gutters, garden beds, and under decks
- Trim lower branches on trees to at least 2 metres from the ground
- Clear out ladder fuels (plants that could carry flames from the ground into tree canopies)
- Mow grass short and keep it well-watered if possible
- Avoid planting directly under windows or alongside timber walls
This doesn’t mean removing every single tree or shrub — just managing them in a way that reduces their flammability and spread potential.
Use the Right Plants, Not No Plants
Many homeowners make the mistake of clearing their gardens completely in preparation for fire season — only to find the area dries out quickly, becomes prone to erosion, or invites invasive weeds. The goal isn’t to eliminate all vegetation — it’s to choose the right kind. Plant smart by:- Opting for low-flammability species like succulents, native groundcovers, and leafy green shrubs
- Avoiding oil-heavy or resinous plants like conifers and tea trees near the house
- Spacing plants apart to prevent fire from jumping between them
- Keeping mulch at least 1 metre away from your home, and using non-combustible options like gravel or stone where practical
Don’t Forget Non-Plant Hazards
It’s not just vegetation that poses a risk. Everyday outdoor items can become serious fire hazards if left unchecked. Take time to:- Move wood piles away from walls and decks
- Secure gas bottles with valves pointing away from the home
- Store flammable liquids in a shed or container well away from living areas
- Clear under and behind outdoor furniture, BBQs, and fences
Plan for Maintenance, Not Just a One-Off Clean
Preparing for fire season isn’t something you do once in November and forget about. Wind, heat, and regular growth mean your yard can quickly return to its pre-cleared state if you don’t stay on top of it. Set a maintenance schedule that includes:- Monthly checks of your gutters and roof valleys
- Weekly mowing or whipper-snipping during the driest months
- A seasonal tidy-up of dead branches or plant debris
- Trimming fast-growing hedges or shrubs that creep back into no-go zones
Make It a Family or Neighbourhood Project
Fire safety isn’t just about your house. It’s also about your neighbours — especially if you share fences, trees, or access lanes. If you’re taking fire season seriously but the house next door is overgrown and cluttered, your efforts could be undermined.
Have a friendly chat, offer to lend a hand, or suggest a joint clean-up day. A coordinated approach makes a bigger impact — and fosters a stronger sense of community resilience in high-risk areas.