Wildfires have been an ever-present concern in the United States for decades and will continue to threaten more properties and land. In 2021, there were nearly 59,000 wildfires that broke out during the year, causing damage to 7.1 million acres of land. Notably, over 85% of these wildfires were caused by human activity and further exacerbated by climate change. Climate change is one of the global issues affecting humanitarians, as rising temperatures threaten people’s health, water and food supplies, and livelihoods. It has also been causing extreme weather conditions, potentially making wildfires more common over the next few years.
Anticipating and preparing for climate-related crises like wildfires can prevent more issues from occurring, and you can also do your part from your own home or area. Employing the best methods and techniques in grass cutting can hamper the effects of climate change related fires.
Debris management
Climate change has made wildfires even more unpredictable and dangerous. With this, grass cutting is no longer purely cosmetic but can help deter the spread of fire. Regular mowing and cutting remove debris from the area, leaving fewer fire hazards on the ground that flames can easily swallow up. Dry leaves and branches can also be easily disposed of during and after mowing, and regular grass care can ensure any debris will not cause issues.
Combating the heat
You don’t need to be a weather expert to notice that temperatures are rising and that heat and dryness aren’t a good combination. To beat the heat, a healthy lawn with grass that’s well taken care of can keep the ground cooler and trap in more moisture. Constant stimulation to grass through cutting and other activities can result in more liquid carbon being pumped out by the grass plant. This aids in thickening the soil and making the grass healthier. Green landscapes with deep soil retain water even during extreme weather events and prevent damage from occurring. Mowing grass regularly and replacing impervious surfaces with more grass can reduce heat in the air, lessening the chances of fires.
Mitigating fire risks
The increased heat due to climate poses more fire risks to grassland, making it riskier to cut or mow. The wrong timing and poor weather conditions might threaten the surrounding property by aggravating conditions for fires to start. If the day is dry and windy, your mower or equipment could strike a rock and create sparks, potentially causing embers and flames to start and spread. If you are mowing a lawn, cutting when the sun is at its peak can remove moisture and lead to your turf burning if your grass is too short. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are the best times to cut grass because these hours can give the grass some time to dry and heal in the best conditions. These time frames are not new grass-cutting concepts, but they’ve grown more critical now as climate change poses more chances of wildfires. Knowing the best times to undertake grass maintenance can ensure that it is not going to be a hazard. As climate change continues to threaten property and land with wildfires, the need for proper grass-cutting has grown to be more essential. Good and effective mowing equipment can help manage the brush that acts as a fire hazard to an area. Green Climber’s industrial-grade slope mowers reduce fire fuel and keep the land safer without additional hassle and confusion.
Post submitted by Alyson Grace Sheridan
for greenclimberna.com
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