DIY bushfire-resilient landscaping

March 24, 2025

Fire-Smart Landscaping: A Practical Guide for Rural Properties

Bushfire season always seems to creep up faster than expected, doesn’t it? One minute, you’re pottering about in the garden, and the next, you’re eyeing off dry grass and thinking, "I should really do something about that." Preparing your property isn’t just about having an emergency kit or a firebreak—your landscaping itself can play a huge role in protecting your home.

Defending Your Home Starts at the Garden Bed

Ever noticed how some properties seem to withstand a fire better than others? That’s not luck. It’s careful planning. The way you arrange your garden, the plants you choose, and even the materials you use can make a dramatic difference when a bushfire comes knocking. The goal is to slow down the fire, reduce heat and ember attack, and create defendable space around your home.

Start with a Fire-Smart Layout

It’s not just about what you plant, but where you plant it. A well-designed landscape keeps flames and embers away from your home, giving you a fighting chance in a fire. A few key principles can make all the difference:

Clear the first 10 metres: Keep this zone mostly free of flammable vegetation. Use gravel, pavers, or well-watered lawn to create a buffer.
Break up garden beds: Separate sections with non-flammable materials like pathways, rock features, or water elements.
Maintain open spaces: Lawns, driveways, and wide pathways can act as natural firebreaks.
Keep trees well spaced: Avoid dense plantings, especially close to the house. Fires love to jump from tree to tree.

Choosing Fire-Resistant Plants

Some plants burn like a pile of dry newspaper, while others take their time smouldering or don’t catch at all. The trick is knowing the difference. Low-oil, high-moisture plants are your best bet. Here are a few dependable choices:

Succulents: Agave, aloe, and pigface are practically fireproof and need little water.
Deciduous trees: They drop their leaves in summer, reducing dry fuel near the house.
Native fire-resistant species: Lilly pillies, banksias, and some wattles hold moisture well.
Groundcovers: Kangaroo grass and dichondra keep soil covered without building up thick leaf litter.

Avoid plants with high oil content (like eucalypts and tea trees) near your home. They’re beautiful, but they burn fast and hot.

Mulch Matters More Than You Think

Some mulches smoulder, while others almost explode into flames. Timber chips, shredded bark, and pine needles? Bad news. Instead, opt for gravel, river pebbles, or crushed brick if you’re mulching near the house. If you prefer organic mulch, keep it damp and away from high-risk areas.

Water Availability Can Make or Break Your Defences

In a bushfire, mains water can fail. That’s where having your own water supply—like a dedicated firefighting tank—makes all the difference. If you rely on rainwater, ensure your tank fittings are metal (not plastic) and your pump is in working order. Sprinklers on the roof and around the garden can help, but only if they’re set up before fire season hits.

Regular Maintenance Keeps Your Property Fire-Ready

A fire-smart garden isn’t a "set and forget" project. It needs upkeep:

Clear dry leaves and dead branches: They become kindling in the wrong conditions.
Trim trees and shrubs: Keep lower branches pruned so flames can’t climb into tree canopies.
Mow and water your lawn: Dry, overgrown grass is a fire’s best friend.
Check gutters and roofs: A handful of dry leaves can ignite from embers.

Your Property, Your Best Defence

No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, but a little planning now could save you headaches—or worse—later. The way you design and maintain your outdoor spaces can put you in a stronger position when fire risk climbs. It’s practical, achievable, and makes your home a safer place to be.

Next time you're at the hardware store, take a look at your landscaping options through a fire-safe lens. It’s one of the biggest steps you can take toward peace of mind in bushfire season.

Stay safe and happy gardening!
Candeece