The garden is a place to express your creativity and beautify your curb appeal. It can also help keep you safe.

Across Canada there were more than 6,500 wildfires in 2023. You can help protect your home and family with your green thumb and these four tips from Co-operators Insurance.

1. First up, is clean up: Some gardeners like to delay cleaning the winter debris out of their gardens until late spring to give more time for friendly insects and critters to wake from their hibernation. But anyone living in a wildfire-prone area should limit this to wide-open, non-combustible areas away from structures. Ideally, your property should be cleaned of sticks and leaves, with grass trimmed to less than 10 cm (4 inches) by May and maintained through September.

2. Zone out: Defining separate outdoor zones for play and entertainment, as well as for vegetable and flower gardens, will help add functionality while keeping people, pets and plants safe. The most important zone for anyone who lives in a place at higher risk of wildfire is the area directly surrounding your home. Using fire-resistant materials for decks, patios and seating with pop-up-shade tents as well as moveable potted plants can go a long way to keeping your home safe while creating a beautiful and inviting space.

3. Choose local: When choosing plants, native species are always a great idea. Flowering plants like windflower, honeysuckle and coneflower are beautiful additions to any softscape. But, because they’re native to Canada, there are added benefits: they need less maintenance, are a preferred food source for bees and other pollinators, and they are typically more drought resistant – meaning they’re less likely to easily catch and spread fire.

4. Look up: Don’t forget to look up when designing your backyard escape. Add dimension to your landscape by incorporating freestanding vertical gardens, creeping vines and hanging baskets in your garden’s green zones. Keep trees and bushes, especially those that touch or overhang your home, trimmed back. While the ladder is out, make sure your eavestroughs and roof are clear of any debris. And while you’re up there, look at your roof and repair any curling shingles. If it’s time for a new roof, consider durable, fire-resistant materials and a simple design. These smart choices can even help lower your insurance premiums.

Find more information on how to protect your garden and home from fire at cooperators.ca