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When to Plant
The best times to plant are spring (after the last frost) and early fall (6-8 weeks before the first frost).
Construction & Soil Disruption
Building and construction activities can compact soils and increase erosion. Compacted soils reduce water infiltration and limit root growth. Whenever possible, preserve topsoil during construction, as it contains native seeds that help reestablish local plant communities. Stockpile this topsoil and return it to the site after final grading, then turn and loosen compacted soils to promote healthy plant growth.
New Plantings
Keep in mind that new plantings often require supplemental watering to get established, which usually takes 1 to 3 growing seasons. In addition, consider using temporary fencing or other protection to prevent wildlife from browsing young plants while they become established.
Zoned planting is grouping plants by needs (water, sunlight, soil, etc.) and maintenance requirements. Zones planting helps landscapes perform better while also creating opportunities to save water and reduce wildfire risk.
Identify buffer zones to protect against wildfire. Identify areas near structures and along property edges to reduce risk and create defensible space by using low-irrigation, fire-resistant plants, and non-combustible materials
Maintaining Garden Beds
Maintain garden beds through regular watering and weeding to keep plants healthy. Drip irrigation systems are the most efficient for watering garden beds (link to water efficiency page). For fire safety, remove dried or dead plant material promptly after the first frost. However, leaving some plant debris in place can provide shelter and food for pollinators and wildlife—balance fire risk with habitat needs when managing garden beds.
Trees provide shade, wildlife habitat, soil stability, and protection from wind, while also supporting water efficiency by reducing evaporation and slowing runoff. At the same time, trees can act as wildfire fuel, making thoughtful placement, spacing, and species selection critical—especially near homes.
Maintaining Forest Health
On larger properties, maintaining forest health through intentional thinning reduces wildfire risk and competition for water and nutrients. This approach helps remaining trees better withstand insects, disease, and drought, while a diversity of species supports a more resilient forest.
Deciduous Vs. Coniferous
Near homes and other structures, deciduous trees such as aspens are generally preferred over resin-rich conifers because they hold more moisture and are less flammable. In most cases, the best trees to plant are those already adapted to the site. While aspens provide strong ecological benefits, they require more water, so careful placement and efficient irrigation are important to balance water use with fire-safe design.
Whitebark pine, a threatened species, should be preserved wherever possible and generally thrives in the harshest conditions in the upper elevations in Big Sky. Learn more: Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation
Tree Placement & Maintenance
Watering
Trees are best on their own irrigation line, preferably drip, with their own schedules, since they typically need more water to establish than shrubs and smaller plants. This helps avoid overwatering nearby plants.
Shrubs add color, structure, and wildlife habitat, but they can also increase wildfire risk. Dense or resinous shrubs can act as ladder fuels, allowing surface fires to spread into tree canopies.
Fire-Smart Shrub Guidelines
Watering
Drip irrigation is ideal, but any irrigation method can be efficient if scheduled appropriately. Group shrubs with similar water needs—or the same species—so they can be watered on the same schedule and are less likely to be under- or overwatered.
Plant native shrubs link to plant list page
https://alpenscapes.org/water/Grasses add form, texture, and movement to the landscape, and they provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
However, grasses are highly flammable and can carry fire quickly toward homes and other structures, especially once they dry out.
By carefully selecting species, placement, and maintenance practices, you can enjoy the beauty and ecological benefits of grasses while minimizing fire risk and water demand.
Fire-Smart Grass Management
Watering
Irrigating grass can also be a significant source of water use, but there are many ways to conserve water while keeping them healthy. Learn more about efficient grass watering.
Groundcovers
Groundcovers are a fire-smart alternative to traditional turf, especially in areas where grass can dry out and carry fire. These low-growing plants create a living cover that helps protect soil while adding texture and visual interest.
Use groundcovers in difficult-to-mow areas, exposed sites, or steep slopes. Choose species with higher moisture content that spread to form a dense mat of roots and foliage—helping reduce erosion, suppress weeds, and support a more resilient landscape.
Mulch can help conserve moisture, reduce erosion, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Wood chips are excellent for improving soil health, but they can also pose a high fire risk.
Fire-Smart Mulch Choices
Near structures (within 5 feet):
Away from structures:
Avoid
How to Apply
Types of Mulch
Inorganic Mulch: Includes rock, gravel, and stone
Organic Mulch: Includes compost, bark, and wood chips
Choose locally sourced mulch whenever possible to ensure it’s appropriate for Big Sky’s climate and conditions.
Proper plant spacing is imperative to designing a landscape that is fire-resistant, water-efficient and ecosystem-friendly. Consider the following for spacing within your landscape:
Leave 10-15 feet between tree crowns with increased spacing on slopes or areas with high winds to reduce the chance of fire jumping from one tree to another.
Keep a minimum of 5 feet between shrub clusters. Adjust distance based on height and growth habits of shrubs.
Prune tree branches to create a clearance of 6 to 8 feet from the ground to prevent ground fires from climbing into tree canopies.
Group plants with similar water needs to create hydrozones for watering that meets the specific needs of each plant group.
For details on specific spacing between plants, download the Alpenscapes Landscaping Guidelines.
A healthy soil base is a key to a water-wise landscape. Two important factors that influence how soils store water are soil texture and organic matter. Learn more about how water naturally moves through your soil to help you improve soils and support plant growth.
Want more information on Big Sky soils? Download the Alpenscapes Landscaping Guidelines below.
Detailed information on everything from how to get started to how to maintain a thriving fire-safe, water-wise and ecosystem-friendly Big Sky landscape.
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