In learning the principles of "Firescaping" you can also learn how to use roses in a manner which is both attractive and beneficial at the same time.

The History of Fire

Throughout history man has used fire to his advantage. First, man learned to cook the game he killed over fire. Man then learned that he could use fire to force the game to run toward a hunting party by setting fire to brush. Native Americans and the Aboriginals used fire to control game while hunting and to renew the grasses on which the game grazed. In the 19th century plains settlers used fire to destroy grasshoppers and locust that plagued their fields and crops.

Firescaping

No matter what you personal belief, the history of climatology shows us climates are cyclitic. Climates have changed throughout the history of the earth. The difference now is that with the advent of the industrial age, man is causing the change in climates to occur faster than ever before. In the late 20th and now the early 21st centuries we are seeing areas which were once green because of an over abundance of annual rainfall to be dry and more arid. We are seeing already arid climates become even drier and in some cases arid climates now experience unprecedented annual rainfall. Unfortunately climate changes have allowed many communities to experience the destructive force of fire.

Some states and communities have instituted laws to help lessen the loss of forest fire destruction. Oregon is one of those states. In Oregon if you live in an area designated as fire prone, a landowner must clean up his/her property, removing brushy undergrowth and thinning tree canopies in recommended manners to receive a free certification of a fire safe landscape. In the event a fire passes through the landowner's property that landowner is liable for up to $100,000.00 of suppression costs for fighting the fire on his/her property without that certification.

So what is "Firescaping"? It is simply a method of landscaping which can help to drastically lessen damage to, or prevent the loss of your home and/or outer buildings when a forest fire roars past your property.

Why is it necessary? Because it can prevent property loss. Remember destructive fires can occur in the middle of a city that has a greenbelt.

How do you "Firescape" your property and still grow roses?

It is not hard. When possible, you need to provide a defensible space of at least 100 feet from your outermost buildings and in this case, more space is better. This does not mean you have to give up your roses and scalp the ground down to dirt. It means that for at least 30-40 away from buildings you plant cultivars which don't attain a height of more than 18 inches. It also means that you don't plant any vegetation right against your buildings. Why? The taller the growth habit of a plant, the more likely it will provide a path for the fire to get to the building eves. This is referred to as "ladder material".

When growing taller Hybrid Teas and shrubs, provide them a bed, surrounded by materials such as rocks or concrete block, more than 40 feet from a building. While roses don't like shade there is a greater incentive to plant them in full sun. If planted under trees, they can be ladder material to allow a grass fire to become a tree fire. Grass fires are always preferable to tree fires. They have a tendency to burn cooler and are less destructive than a tree fire which can jump from tree to tree and house to house. Climbing roses can be placed on "tee-pee" trellises in a yard rather than against a building or fence. They not only look great, but they are not ladder material. We have all seen the beauty of a climbing rose blooming in a tree. In fire prone areas that is extremely dangerous.

Remember that as we choose to move deeper and deeper into forests or grasslands, we subject ourselves to greater fire danger and the resultant loss. Forest and grassland fires are hard to stop therefore, we must take measures to protect our own properties and lessen the potential for damage. We need to better protect ourselves.

If you are interested in learning more on the subject there is an excellent paperback titled: Firescaping: Creating Fire-resistant Landscapes, Gardens, And Properties In California's Diverse Environments by Douglas Kent. Although the title suggests the book is only for California the information and principles are applicable to every locale. You can also contact either your state Department of Forestry or Department of Natural Resources or your State Fire Safe Council. These departments generally have materials which provide recommendations and explain any laws concerning required defensible space in your area..