Before planting perennials this spring, take time out to make your home safe from summer wildfires. Douglas Forest Protective Association officials say this is the time of year to perform simple clearing that could save your home in the future.

“Residents should create a ‘survivable space’ around their homes to keep fire out,” says DFPA spokesman Tom Fields. Survivable, or defensible space, is the area between a house and overgrown vegetation. Pruning nearby trees, mowing high grass and moving all fire prone materials at least 30 feet from your home can make a big difference.

The safest method for disposing the material is to haul it to the recycling center at the local landfill. Burning the material is another option as long as it’s done safely. To burn yard debris, start by making several small piles that are easy to manage and will burn more efficiently. Next, refrain from burning on windy days. To keep the fire confined to one space, scrape a trail down to mineral soil around each burn pile. In addition, keep a shovel and charged garden hose at the site to control the fire. Never leave a burn pile unattended and make sure the fire is dead out before leaving. Finally, be sure to periodically check old piles for smoke and heat. Burn piles can hold heat for several weeks and rekindle on hot, windy days.

Fields says cleaning up is half the battle. “You could have perfect firescaping that is lean, clean and green, but your home could still be in trouble if your roof is prone to fire.” He says the roof is the most vulnerable part of your house in a wildfire. Fire embers from an approaching wildfire can be carried great distances and land on rooftops. If it is time to replace your roof, Fields says to consider fire resistant material. It’s also beneficial to clean needles and leaves from your roof and gutters and remove branches hanging over your roof.