You’ve probably seen them while driving around – large piles of brush and sticks dotting the landscape. Maybe you’ve even wondered if it’s legal to burn them in your backyard. The answer is…it depends. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the ins and outs of burning brush piles so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
Can You Burn Brush Piles in Your Backyard?
Brush piles are exactly what they sound like- a pile of brush. But, more specifically, brush piles are a collection of twigs, branches, and leaves that have been gathered together. Brush piles can be made up of natural materials or man-made materials, such as lumber from construction projects. No matter the material, brush piles are typically used for one purpose: burning.
Burning brush piles is a common practice for many people because it’s an easy way to get rid of yard waste.
But here lies the question: can you burn brush piles in your backyard?
The answer is: yes, with some exceptions.
Of course, you should always check local burn regulations before burning anything in your backyard. Some areas have complete bans on all outdoor fires, while others may allow small campfires or fires in designated fire pits. Many places have restrictions on what can be burned and when burning is allowed. For example, you may not be able to burn leaves or other yard waste during certain times of the year.
It’s always a good idea to call your local fire department before burning anything in your backyard. They can tell you about any current restrictions and offer advice on how to safely build and maintain your fire. Make sure you have everything you need before starting your fire, including water, a shovel, and a way to extinguish the flames if they get out of control.
When burning brush piles, make sure to:
- Keep your fire small and under control;
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood;
- Never leave your fire unattended;
- Extinguish your fire completely before leaving it; [1] [2]
When Should You Burn Brush Piles in Your Backyard?
The best time to burn brush piles in your backyard is during the late spring and mid-summer. This is because there is less chance of wildfires during these times. The vegetation during these months typically has more moisture, which reduces the chance of your fire getting out of control.
You should also avoid burning during times of drought. Burning during a drought can place unnecessary stress on local resources, such as firefighters and water supplies. If there is a ban on outdoor fires in your area, make sure to follow it. Breaking the ban could result in fines or other penalties. Relative humid weather and no strong winds are the best times to burn brush piles in your backyard. [1] [2]
How to Burn Brush Piles in Your Backyard
Now that you know when to burn brush piles in your backyard, it’s time to learn how.
Building a fire is not as simple as just lighting a match and throwing it on the pile. If done improperly, burning brush piles can be dangerous and cause damage to property. Make sure to follow the next steps when building your fire!
Create a safe burn area
The first step is to create a safe burn area. This means clearing away any leaves, sticks, or other debris that could catch fire. You should also clear space around the pile so that the fire has room to breathe.
Choose a spot for your fire that is at least ten feet away from any flammable materials. This includes houses, trees, fences, sheds, etc. Clear the area around your chosen spot of any leaves, grass, or other debris. This will help prevent the fire from spreading.
You should also make sure that the brush pile is away from any houses or other structures. If you have a large brush pile, you may want to consider burning it in sections.
It’s best to burn your yard waste in a bare dirt area. This will help prevent the fire from spreading. If you don’t have a bare dirt area, you can create one by clearing away any leaves, grass, or other debris. Dig a small trench around the perimeter of your clearing. This will act as a barrier to keep the fire contained.
Next, build your fire. Begin by placing some small twigs and branches in the center of the brush pile. Then, add larger pieces of wood on top. Make sure to leave room in between the pieces of wood so that air can circulate and help the fire breathe. Once you have a good base, light your fire using matches or a lighter.
Cinder block pit
One way to build a safe fire is to construct a cinder block pit. This will contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.
To build a cinder block pit, you will need:
- Cinder blocks;
- Mortar;
- A shovel;
- A level;
The first step is to excavate a hole for your pit. The hole should be slightly larger than the cinder blocks you are using. Next, lay the cinder blocks in the hole so that they are touching each other.
Use mortar to fill in the gaps between the blocks. Once the mortar has dried, you can light your fire in the pit.
Make sure to build your fire in such a way that there is plenty of room for air to circulate. This will help the fire burn more efficiently.
Barrel pit method
If you have a small brush pile, the barrel pit method is a great option. This method is also good if you do not have a lot of space in your backyard. You will need the following materials:
- 55-gallon drum with lid;
- Hose or another water source;
- Shovel;
First, cut several large holes in the bottom of the drum for drainage. Next, place the drum over the brush pile and secure it with stakes if necessary. Fill the barrel halfway with water and let it sit for 24 hours. This will help to prevent any sparks from escaping.
Once you are done burning, douse the flames with water and let the embers cool completely before disposing of them.
Make sure you have firefighting equipment on hand
No matter what method you use to build your fire, it is always a good idea to have firefighting equipment on hand. This includes a water hose, fire extinguisher, and shovel. Having these items close by will help you put out the fire quickly if it gets out of control.
Monitor your fire
Once your fire is lit, make sure to stay close by and monitor it at all times. Never leave a burning fire unattended! If the flames begin to spread, use water from your bucket to extinguish them. When you’re ready to put out the fire, shovel dirt or sand onto it until all the embers are extinguished. Once the fire is completely out, make sure to wet down the area to ensure that there are no remaining hot spots.
Avoid burning poisonous plants
Some plants, such as poison ivy and oak, can release harmful toxins when burned. These toxins can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues. If you’re not sure if a plant is poisonous, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid burning it.
Plan ahead and gather all the supplies you’ll need before starting your fire. This includes water, a shovel, matches or lighter, and something to extinguish the flames (such as a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand).
Make your piles small
To ensure that your fire burns evenly, make sure to build small brush piles. If the pile is too big, the fire will have a hard time igniting the center of the pile. It will also be more difficult to control a large fire.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure that your brush pile is no taller than you are and no wider than your outstretched arms. This will help ensure that your fire burns evenly and doesn’t get out of control. [1] [2] [3] [4]
FAQ
How do you burn a brush at home?
The easiest way to burn a brush at home is with a small fire pit. You can purchase a fire pit or build one yourself out of bricks or stones. If you build your own, be sure to use non-flammable materials like sand or gravel for the base. Once you have your fire pit ready, gather your brush and dry leaves and arrange them in the pit. Be sure to leave room for air to circulate so that the fire can breathe. Then, light the fire using a match or lighter and let it burn until all the material has been consumed.
How can I safely burn brush piles in my yard?
The best way to safely burn brush piles in your yard is to have a professional come and do it for you. If you must do it yourself, be sure to clear the area around the pile, wet down the pile, and keep a fire extinguisher or hose handy. NEVER leave a fire unattended!
Another option is to compost the brush pile. This takes longer but is much safer. Simply build a large bin out of chicken wire or another type of fencing. Fill it with a brush, then cover it with a tarp or more chicken wire. Wait several months, then turn the compost pile and use the nutrient-rich soil on your garden beds.
How long before you can burn a brush pile?
This is a difficult question to answer because it largely depends on the size of the brush pile, the type of wood, and how dry it is. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least six months after creating the brush pile before setting it ablaze.
Another factor to consider is whether or not your municipality has any burning regulations in place. Some towns and cities have laws that restrict when and where you can burn brush piles. Be sure to check with your local authorities before igniting anything.
How do you burn a brush pile in the winter?
If you live in a region where it snows, you may be wondering how to go about burning your brush pile in the winter. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to have a good snow cover on the ground before you start. This will help to prevent any potential fires from spreading.
Once you have a good snow cover, you can begin by clearing away any debris that may be around the area where you plan to burn the brush pile. Once the area is clear, build your brush pile in the middle of it. Make sure that the brush pile is as dry as possible before setting it ablaze.
Useful Video: Burning Brush Safely
Conclusion
Burning brush piles in your backyard can be a great way to get rid of excess yard waste. Just remember to follow all local regulations and safety precautions. Make sure to burn piles only when weather conditions are favorable, and never leave a fire unattended. Don’t forget to clean up after yourself when you’re done, too! With a little bit of planning and effort, you can safely and effectively get rid of your brush piles. With a little planning and care, you can safely enjoy burning brush piles in your backyard all year long!
References:
- https://backyardscape.com/how-to-burn-yard-waste/
- https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/managing-brush-piles.html
- https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/backyard-debris-burning
- https://www.hunker.com/12332134/how-to-burn-yard-waste