By KRWG News
Las Cruces – The Las Cruces Fire Department is encouraging residents to remove dead plant material from their yards as it could be a fire risk.
The freezing temperatures Las Cruces and Dona Ana County experienced in February killed many plants and grasses. The warm and dry conditions that southern New Mexico continues to experience have contributed to the problem.
Dry grasses, weeds, chaparral and other flammable landscaping surrounding homes and outbuildings can pose as a significant fire danger.
"Most plants have made their recovery efforts, and people can easily see where to cut back to strong green growth," said Les Finley, horticulturist with the City of Las Cruces. "However, I would suggest that where palms and pines are concerned, some patient monitoring is still in order. There is still a chance that palms may emerge, but the dead fronds can be removed for safety and aesthetics, as long as the terminal bud is not damaged.
"Pines should be showing some new green needles by now," Finley said. "If no green foliage is evident, try using a fingernail or knife to scrape the bark from branches thicker than a pencil. If you don't find green, moist tissue, try larger branches. If you still fail to see green, it might be time to consider removal."
The fire department recommends that homeowners use the concept of "defensible space" to guide them when protecting their home from fires. A defensible space refers to an area, either natural or man-made, where material capable of allowing a fire to spread unchecked has been treated, cleared or modified.
It is recommended that all dry grass, weeds and chaparral - all dead vegetation - be removed from the property. All vegetation that is not fire-resistive should be no closer than thirty feet from any structure. Trees that are near homes should be trimmed so they are no closer than 10 feet from structures and electrical wires.
In an effort to assist residents with the removal of excess dead vegetation from their yards, the City of Las Cruces is doubling the amount of yard waste the curb-side grappler truck can collect. The grappler can now collect up to four cubic yards of yard waste, which is equivalent to about two pickup loads. The enhanced grappler service runs through August. Residents also can dispose of dead plant material at the Foothills Landfill at 555 S. Sonoma Ranch Blvd.
Additionally, the Las Cruces Fire Department encourages residents to be mindful of the increased risk of fire when using fireworks. On June 6, 2011, the City of Las Cruces limited the use of fireworks to areas that are paved, barren or have a readily accessible water source. The city has banned the use of all fireworks in areas that are covered wholly or in part by timber, brush or native grasses.