A well-maintained garden isn't just prettier and healthier; it's also better protected against wildfire risk.
As dry weather persists across much of the UK, fire chiefs are urging households to take simple precautions in their outdoor spaces.
The advice comes as emergency services tackle wildfires across the country, from North Yorkshire, County Durham, Greater Manchester, East Sussex, West Sussex, to Devon and beyond.
London has borne the brunt of recent blazes. On Sunday evening, around 125 firefighters tackled a fire in East London that damaged two homes and around 30 gardens, as reported by The Standard.
How to protect your garden and home from a wildfire
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Tom Goodall warned that fires in open spaces spread rapidly and can reach nearby properties, as the London incident showed. He stresses that even if it gets cooler, fires remain a risk when plants are dry. He urges everyone to help prevent fires from starting.
According to LFB guidance, here's what residents can do:
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1. Clear a firebreak
Creating a two to three-metre cleared area around the edge of your property (where practical) that acts as a buffer, stopping fire from jumping directly onto your home. Think of it as extending your border maintenance.
2. Keep grass short
Ideally below seven centimetres. Longer grass retains moisture longer and acts as a fuel source for fire; keeping it short means it dries quickly and won't sustain flames as easily.
3. Cut back trees and shrubs close to the home
Remove lower branches and thin out dense growth. Dense foliage can act as a ladder for fire to reach your roof, so clearing lower branches breaks that path.
4. Remove dry leaves and debris
Clear gutters, sweep up fallen leaves and remove dead plant material from beds. Dry leaves are highly flammable and can catch embers; clearing them removes fuel close to your home.
5. Reposition combustible items
Move sheds, fences and garden furniture away from the house where possible. Items positioned against or near your home can catch fire and transfer flames directly to the building.
6. Water gardens during dry spells
Use stored rainwater or other household water sources where hosepipe restrictions are in place. Watering keeps vegetation moist and less likely to ignite, creating a protective buffer around your property during prolonged dry weather.
Thankfully, none of this requires a garden overhaul. It's the maintenance you'd do anyway, just done more intentionally during dry weather. With parts of southern England and the Midlands still facing higher wildfire risk, there's all the more reason to get ahead of it now.
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