Knowledgebase
Hops in the yard + fire resistant plants #772570
Asked September 21, 2021, 3:18 PM EDT
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!