Now that we are on the tail end of summer, fire season is at its peak. If you live in a hot, dry climate it is likely that the areas surrounding your home are dead, brown and crunchy --  in other words, perfect fuel for a fire. You can take protecting your home from wildfire into your own hands by assessing and improving the safety of your landscaping. 

Here are 10 tips for firewise landscaping from Maureen Gilmer, landscape designer and author of California Wildfire Landscaping.

Check out this fire safe landscape that was restored by Grace Design Associates following the 2008 Santa Barbara Tea Fire.

View a collection of fire-resistant plants that will reduce your property's fuel load.