How to Design Fire-wise Gardens for Pollinators

County officials are encouraging property owners to make sure their landscaping will not provide fuel for flames. Do some of these suggestions run counter to recommendations for creating a thriving native plant garden for pollinators? Yes, to an extent, but there are workarounds that can satisfy both goals.

First, pick the right plants. Many types of native trees and pollinator plants are fire resistant. If you are selecting new plants, this list of fire-resistant and fire-prone plants can be very helpful. In general, less fire-prone plants have leaves that are high in moisture, contain less wax, oil, and resin, and have an open structure.

Second, pick the right mulch. Native plant gardeners have typically been advised to allow organic matter to remain on the surface of the soil in order to accommodate plant self-seeding and to provide habitat for insects and other creatures.

Current fire-safe advice is less supportive of leaf litter, specifying the removal of dry, woody vegetation including clumps of fallen leaves and pine needles. One option is to remove the leaf litter near your home, but allow some of it to remain in a portion of your garden.

Fire-safe advocates typically acknowledge the role of organic mulch in conserving soil moisture, impeding the grown of weeds, and adding organic matter as it breaks down. However, fire-safe versions commonly recommend that gardeners use nonorganic mulch such as rocks and gravel in the five foot zone surrounding homes. In the area beyond the five foot zone, it is better to use composited wood chips — rather than fine, stringy mulch.

To obtain detailed information on these topics, consult these helpful guides by Fire Safe Marin and the Marin Master Gardeners.