Right now is the perfect time to mow firebreaks that will be used for NEXT year’s spring burns! A “firebreak” is a narrow strip of land that divides the target burn site from an area that you do not want to burn. Some landowners choose to disk or till their firebreaks just prior to conducting prescribed burns, leaving a strip of bare dirt. While it is effective in keeping a burn site safe, this method tends to stimulate weed growth and it can lead to soil erosion on steep slopes. Using a clover-based firebreak is a different strategy that serves the purpose of keeping a burn site safe while also offering wildlife nutrition during the rest of the year. The above photo shows a narrow strip of clover separating a prairie grass site from a white cedar tree planting. The clover seed blend (“Kicker Point Premium Clover” by Back Forty Wildlife Management) was planted in early August 2011. The prairie site was safely burned in 2012. But now that the prairie site is scheduled to be burned again in 2015, the clover site needs to be mowed a few times in 2014 to lower the amount of flammable materials in the firebreak.
Recommended width of a firebreak should be 10 feet to 30 feet depending upon conditions. If burned during a west wind, a firebreak width of 15 feet should suffice for this site. Plans are in place to mow this firebreak again in early August and possibly again in early October in order to assure a safe prairie burn in 2015. Establishing and mowing clover firebreaks can serve two purposes. Consider using clover firebreaks on your property – the wildlife will thank you!