As populations grow in urban areas, cities are expanding their boundaries. Areas that were once rural are becoming urban subdivision, which is creating an increased risk of wildfires in these converted rural areas.

Rural areas in most parts of the country have always had to deal with wildfires. The dry season combined with lightning strikes and combustible debris can quickly turn an overgrown landscape into a powder keg. As these areas become more populated due to urban sprawl, fire departments have their hands full with protecting property and lives.

Among the rural homeowner's options for guarding against wildfire is a consultation with a local professional landscaper. Their work is geared towards creating sensible landscape designs that provide minimum fuel for fires while not sacrificing aesthetics.

The main deterrent against fire is defensible space. Simply put, it gives firefighters room to work. Professional landscaping services excel at creating effective defensible spaces around homes, but they face several issues when working rurally. In states like Colorado for instance where the topography is diverse, unique challenges arise. Among the issues are:

* A resistance to using native plant species over more exotic plants

* Wide variety of terrain that requires unique solutions

Creating defensible space around a rural home involves planning, planting and maintaining. A professional landscaper starts by selecting species native to the area or that are known for their fire-resistant properties. Planning the layout involves avoiding large clumps of vegetation, maintaining plant diversity and keeping trees and shrubs a safe distance from each other and all structures. The use of decorative stones, rocks or gravel judiciously arranged can stop fire in its tracks.

Native plant species vary with each region. Where the risk of wildfire is high, deciduous shrubs are better as they are less flammable than cone-bearing plants. Thick succulents and other low-lying ground covers are both attractive and sensible. All trees should be a minimum of 15 feet from all structures and at least 20 feet apart from each other. Avoid using dry mulches or pine bark.

Proper landscape maintenance helps a defensible space remain effective. Grass should be cropped short close to a home and around all structures. Even away from a home, it should not exceed eight inches in height. Keep tree branches pruned, especially if they begin to touch each other or the house. Wildflowers are attractive but must be contained and cleared when they have died off for the season. Always rake up dried leaves and other debris in a timely manner.

When living either close to rural landscapes or out in the countryside, wildfire may threaten, but it does not have to wreak havoc. With sensibly-designed, region-specific landscaping, homeowners can enjoy their beautiful, spacious vistas while maintaining a safer buffer zone from fire.