If you’ve had a fire pit for some time and want to enhance its appeal, landscaping around it can transform this cozy space into a stunning area. However, it’s crucial to consider safety, ensuring that the materials used are fire-resistant. Here’s how to approach landscaping around a fire pit:
Prioritize Circumferential Safety
Vertical safety is a top concern when building a fire pit. Ensure no trees, low-hanging branches, or flammable materials are directly above it. Check local fire code guidelines; for example, the California Fire Code mandates a 25-foot clearing. Eliminate vegetation within this zone using methods like spraying white vinegar or pouring boiling water.
Define the Seating Area
Establish a clear separation between the fire pit seating area and the surrounding space. Use metal landscape edging or natural stones to create a boundary. Utilize non-flammable compounds such as slate, pebbles, gravel, or river rocks to cover the cleared circular area before placing chairs or benches. Opt for stone furniture as wicker and wooden furniture can be highly combustible and susceptible to damage from smoke and heat.
Fire-Retardant Vegetation
Introduce potted plants within the fire pit area, ensuring they are fire-retardant. Succulent plants like Echeveria elegans, haworthia limifolia, and tiger tooth aloe are both decorative and suitable. Plant them in non-flammable containers like clay pots. Extend the use of fire-resistant succulents beyond the immediate perimeter of the fire pit. When adding trees, choose non-resinous varieties, even if placed at a distance, to prevent embers from starting fires during windy conditions.
Landscaping around a fire pit should always prioritize wildfire safety by adhering to regulations, selecting appropriate materials, and, if needed, seeking expert advice.
