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Hops in the yard + fire resistant plants #772570

Asked September 21, 2021, 3:18 PM EDT

Are hops considered okay to grow near a house, in terms of fire resistance? If fire resistance is important, does the cultivation need to vary in any way? If the lines are kept short by trimming, what is the minimum height to have some production?

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Linda, thanks for your question. I recommend referring to Home Ignition Zones: https://wildfirerisk.org/reduce-risk/home-ignition-zone/ and https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Training/certification/CWMS/ReducingWildfireRisksHIZ.ashx for information on fire-aware plant placement around your home. Hops, as long as it's kept watered and dead vegetation removed, is okay for zones 2 and 3 (beyond 5 ft from the home). I would be mindful of where you place your trellis that the hops will grow on. If the Trellis is built with wood, make sure it is not connected to your home and is spaced away from other flammable structures, shrubs or trees. This will help disrupt the spread of fire should it occur. The height of the hops should not be a concern as long as it's distanced away from anything else and not below any trees. Happy hopping!

Ariel Cowan (she/her) Replied September 21, 2021, 11:40 PM EDT

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