Using Fire Pits – How to Protect Your Lawn

It’s cold outside, which means it’s a great time to have a backyard fire with a few mates or the family under the stars.

Creating an outdoor space where you can enjoy your fire safely is key. So, you must make sure that your fire is placed where it is away from the house, fence and other objects.

Unless you have a purpose-built fireplace away from your grass, the ideal placement for your fire may be on the lawn. If this is the case, you will need to take some steps by using a portable firepit to ensure your fire doesn’t cause those horrible dead scorch marks where it has killed your grass.

Tips For Keeping Your Lawn Safe When Using a Simple Portable Fire Pit:

• Fire safety is the most important aspect, so make sure you have a hose or extinguisher nearby and keep your fire to a manageable size where you don’t lose control. Rake out any debris and dead grass that might light if an ember manages to escape.
• Raise your fire pit on a platform – Using bricks or pavers will create a heat shield for the grass below. Just be sure to remove them once you are done, so that the grass underneath doesn’t die. The higher the fire is the less chance it will have of scorching the grass underneath.
• The grass underneath and surrounding your fire pit can still get quite warm from the heat of the fire, so giving it a water a few times throughout the night will help to cool it down if required.
• Try not to use lighter fluid or other fuels that create extremely hot flames. You want the wood to catch fire naturally and slowly, building nice hot coals at its base.
• There are many new types of fire pits available that are raised and adaptable to smaller backyards. It’s worth shopping around to find one that’s perfect you and your lawn area.

How To Create A More Permanent Fire Pit:

• Plan Your Space
  Start by marking out the size of your fire pit. Then add an extra 500mm to 1500mm around it. This buffer zone will help protect your lawn from any stray embers or heat damage.

• Prepare the Base
  Dig out the grass and topsoil within your marked area. Fill it with decomposed granite, and compact it well to create a sturdy, level surface.

• Build the Pit
  Use blocks or pavers to form a circle (or a square if you prefer) in the center of your granite area. Alternatively, you can simply place a pre-made fire pit right on top.

• Finish & Enjoy
  Set up some comfortable chairs around your new fire pit, light it up, and enjoy relaxing evenings by the fire!