Commercial Lawn Care Tips for Fire Pit Safety

As a commercial lawn care company, Landworks, Inc. knows that outdoor fire pits make the backyard and accompanying outdoor space more comfortable and livable even during the coldest months of the year. Adding a fire pit can also increase a home’s value and draw attention to the architecture of the home and surrounding environment. Follow these commercial lawn care tips to ensure your family and friends enjoy your fire pit safely.

Fire Pit Safety

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, your fire pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structure. 20 feet is preferable.
• Never place a fire pit under a tree, porch, or overhang.
• Clear away any low overhanging branches and shrubs as well as dry leaves and sticks from the ground around the fire pit.
• Do not use a fire pit on dry, windy days as these conditions are ideal for accidentally spreading fire.
• Keep your fire small. Large fires can get out of control quickly.
• Never leave your fire unattended.
• Do not use gasoline or other combustible liquids.
• Keep adequate water nearby to put out the fire. Stir the embers and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished before leaving it.

Commercial Lawn Care Tips For Choosing And Storing Firewood

The best wood for fire pits is kiln-dried hardwood (such as hickory, oak, or maple) logs of roughly uniform size and shape. If not kiln-dried, it is critical to ensure that the wood is sufficiently seasoned. Softwoods like pine and cedar can be used, but they produce more sparks and smoke. Uniformity helps keep the fire burning at a steady pace.

If you want to chop your own firewood, you should be aware that you can’t simply cut it and burn it immediately. Fresh cut wood needs to be seasoned for around six months before it is dry enough to burn well. 

To store firewood:

• Place it in a dry area with good circulation, and at least 20 feet from your house to keep away pests that may be residing in it.
• If the wood is stored near a structure, leave a few inches of space between the wood and the structure to ensure air circulation.
• Stack wood in rows not more than 4 feet tall.
• If the wood is still seasoning, stack it with the bark-side down to allow for the best drying. If the wood is already fully cured, stack it bark-side up to protect it from the elements.

Landworks is a full-service grounds management company, providing complete residential and commercial lawn care services since 1995, including landscaping design & installation, sprinkler system installation, maintenance and repair, and fertilization programs. For more information, call Landworks at (913) 422-9300. To request a quote, click here.