Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
As the UK braces for warmer temperatures expected to soar above 20C next week, gardeners are being urged to take extra precautions. Experts at Environment Controls are warning that several common garden plants could pose a fire risk in hotter and dryer conditions. Some plants are more likely to set fire to your garden including invasive grasses like Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron, Himalayan balsam, and Eucalyptus trees.
Darren Greatbatch, specialist ddvisory manager at Environment Controls, said: “These plants might look harmless, but when the heat hits, they can become a serious fire risk. They dry out fast, especially if they’ve been left untreated and the stalks can ignite easily, especially if they are near fences, decking or sheds.”
These seemingly innocent plants can dry out quickly in the heat and lead to some serious consequences.
Invasive species like Giant hogweed also pose additional dangers, releasing toxic sap that can even cause severe skin burns, making them a threat beyond fire risk.
However, the expert shared some easy things you can do to reduce the risk of fires during warmer weather.
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Environment Controls recommended five simple gardening hacks to prevent fires from taking place.
The first is watering early in the day – this will lock in the moisture before the sun reaches its peak as it will just evaporate if you decide to water your plans at midday.
The next is adding mulch with a layer of compost or bark to help retain soil moisture, keep the roots cool and slow weed growth.
Creating shade using parasols or furniture to protect and shielf vulnerable and dry areas will also help.
Remove garden waste as dried dead plants in the heat of the sun can quickly become more flammable.
This will prevent buildup, but be aware that certain invasive plants require specialist contractors and seek profesional advice if you’re unsure instead of binning, ditching, or composting the plants.
Lastly, the experts from Environment Controls advises to not wait before tackling those invasive species as acting early with a quick survey and treatment could help prevent a fire or a costly repair later down the line.