What Kansas Citians Can Learn from the California Wildfires

Certified Arborists Share Advice You Can Apply on Your Own Property

Last year, wildfires in California destroyed 4.4 million acres. And while our climate in Kansas City doesn’t necessarily lend itself well to the development of massive wildfires, property owners must still be aware of the fire risk that the trees and plants on their property can create.

To help mitigate the risk of your yard becoming a fire hazard, follow these tips from the certified arborists at Arb Tech. Proper Kansas City tree care and planting choices can help prevent disaster, if a fire ignites on your property.

Keep Trees, Brush, and Shrubs Away from Structures

Plantings along the foundation of homes are quite popular in our area and add to the curb appeal of suburban houses, like raised ranches. But shrubs too close to structures can be highly flammable.

In areas prone to wildfires, experts recommend avoiding planting anything nearer than 30 feet from your home. However, keeping in mind that the Kansas City area is not prone to them, you’ll want to keep your foundation plantings trimmed and tidy instead, and clear out any debris, like dead leaves, that could gather at their base.

You may also want to hire a tree pruning service near you, like Arb Tech, to cut back branches of trees that are too close to your roofline. This is generally good practice anyway, as it prevents damage should a branch fall, and eliminates a direct pathway for rodents like squirrels to enter your home.

Kansas City tree pruning services also can trim back branches that reach the ground. If there is a small fire in your yard, it can rapidly climb the branch directly into the crown of your tree.

Choose Fire-Retardant Plants and Trees in Your Landscape

Invasive plants are a problem in almost every region of the US. Ensure they aren’t a problem in your yard by opting to plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers, which can also be less flammable. Remember that no plant is fireproof, but some are less likely to play a role in spreading a fire.

If you’re looking for a small, but flashy tree, consider an Eastern redbud. It grows to about 30 feet tall, and blossoms in beautiful pink flowers in the spring. In the fall, leaves turn a lovely light yellow to add a pleasant pop of color to your yard.

Another smaller tree option that Missourians will find familiar is the flowering dogwood. In spring, white flowers give way to deep green leaves, and in the fall, they turn stunning shades of red.

If you need a larger shade tree in your yard, think about planting a river birch. It enjoys full sun or partial shade and grows up to 70 feet tall. Its toothed green leaves turn yellow in the fall, and its white bark peels off in sheets; crafters will love having this source of natural materials in their yard.

Consider the buffalo currant and Adam’s needle as smaller shrubs to dot your landscape. The buffalo currant is happy in a variety of soil types and forms edible fruits you can enjoy in late summer. Adam’s needle, or needle palm, puts out five to eight-foot tall white, flowered stalks in late spring, a showpiece in your yard.

For help planting trees and large shrubs, call the certified arborists at Arb Tech. We are specially trained in proper planting techniques that give your new growies the best chance at thriving.

Irrigation is Key to Maintain Moisture During Dry Seasons

You water your lawn, and you water your flowers, so why wouldn’t you make sure the trees on your property also get a drink?

Proper irrigation not only helps you maintain healthy plant life in your yard, but it also can prevent the spread of fire, especially on those nights where the family is sitting around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows.

Well-irrigated spaces play defense against the spread of fires.

Schedule Tree Pruning Near You with a Certified Arborist

As we mentioned, pruning trees can be a vital part of preventing the uncontrollable spread of fire. Calling Arb Tech to have your trees pruned as needed is a wise idea to help keep your property safe.

Certified arborists also can help you choose the right arrangement and spacing of plants in your yard. Not only do they need a specific amount of space between them for their roots to spread out, but properly spaced plantings prevent the spread of fire, too.

Call Arb Tech at (913) 954-7004 to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online to learn more about how you can create a safe, but beautiful outdoor space on your property.