Hydrated Landscapes
An aerial view of Andy Stevenson’s property in Mount Victoria (see video below)
Mitigating bushfire risk with hydrated landscapes
The catastrophic fires of 2019/20 came after many years of drought. Keeping soil hydrated may reduce the risk of fire, and maintaining canopy cover can assist in reducing evaporation.
Impact sprinklers and drip irrigation can assist in keeping gardens hydrated.
Read our guides on Landscaping and Stormwater to learn more about the important role of water management in hydrating landscapes. Read our guide on Cool Gardens to learn about the role of vegetation or ‘Green Water’.
Water management for bushfire risk reduction
Rainforest Aircon
Bill Dixon, a Springwood resident, believes rainforest gardens can be an adaptation strategy for a changing climate, providing shade and cooler temperatures. Rainforest species may also help mitigate against ember attack in bushfires due to their dense foliage and less flammable leaves.