Xeriscape & Firesmart
Landscaping

We love living in the Okanagan. Lakes, mountains, vineyards and orchards provide one of Canada’s most sought-after places to call home. At Greenpath, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest advances in landscape management to adapt to our changing climate. We can help you transform your property with proven water conservation principles using draught-resistant plants, mulching and hardscaping that will save you money, maintenance, and better protect your home from wildfires. To protect your home in the event of wildfire, we help implement Firesmart recommendations like cleaning debris from around your home and removing cedar hedges and junipers. Let us show you how to create livable, sustainable outdoors spaces that will protect you and your home for the future.

A wooden pier extends into a calm lake with mountains in the background and a few birds flying in the sky. A single sailboat is visible in the distance on the right. The lighting suggests either dawn or dusk.

A well-maintained garden pathway beside a house, with neatly arranged shrubs and small plants lined up along the walkway, complemented by outdoor lights, against a backdrop of a wooden fence and a hilly, forested area.

We all love where we live.

OF COURSE WE WANT TO PROTECT IT.

So many of our customers are experiencing climate anxiety, and feel helpless or overwhelmed.

Like many of you, August 2023 was an eye-opener for me, my community and for my business. The raging wildfire that torched the Okanagan Valley last summer really made me think about being fire smart, about fire proofing our yards and working more with drought resistant landscapes and gardens.

We at Greenpath are here to give you back some peace of mind, to tell you that you can make a difference and you do have the power over your own backyard (and front yard too!). Greenpath is becoming more focused on Xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is a landscaping technique that focuses on water conservation and this is becoming more and more vital here in our Valley with our arid to semi-arid climate and our increasing vulnerability to wildfires. Learn some of the benefits of xeriscaping in the Okanagan here.

Because this is what we do, we can save you from making costly mistakes, and because we treat our customers like family, we work with you to find the perfect solution for your home and budget.

You want to love your outdoor spaces

But would rather spend your free time enjoying your space, not working in it.

You’re worried about the increasing cost of water, and the danger from interface fires

And want to do everything you can to protect your property

You want to feel confident in your investment

And not worry you’ve wasted your time and money on landscaping that doesn’t survive

TELL ME MORE

I can create a custom solution just for you.

I BELIEVE IN HELPING PEOPLE CREATE A BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL OUTDOOR SPACE BY UNDERSTANDING EACH OWNER’S GOALS, BUDGET AND CONCERNS

Over the years, we’ve encountered numerous landscape challenges in both strata and residential properties. Many of these landscapes have remained unchanged for over 20 years, leading to wear and tear, including vegetation overgrowth and hazardous cedar hedges that can rapidly spread wildfire to your home.

Clients are seeking fresh styles and visions to rejuvenate their properties while aiming for reduced maintenance. In light of the 2023 fires, we prioritize fire resistance practices and incorporating drought-tolerant plants to enhance curb appeal.

Creating Fire-Resilient Landscapes with Low Water Consumption

Xeriscaping & FireSmart Landscaping

An orange Kubota mini-excavator parked on a rocky path next to shrubbery, with a clear blue sky and mountain range in the background.

If you worry about losing your home to wildfire, we can help.

Wildfire danger has become all too common where we live. As our community strives to prevent or mitigate the spread of wildfires, firesmarting your property is a wise investment.

Should you have concerns about fire safety on your property or have received advice to remove overgrown or excessively close plants, we’re at your service. Our team is prepared to assist by removing and replacing plants that are prone to fire and highly flammable, notably cedar hedge and juniper hedge removal.

LET’S CONNECT

How to Firesmart Your Property

A night-time view of a city skyline with a large wildfire visible on a hillside in the background, illuminating the sky in a dramatic orange glow.

Get a Firesmart Assessment

Did you know that FireSmartBC provides free FireSmart Assessments of your property? Contact your local FireSmart Representative to arrange an assessment of your home.

VISIT FIRESMARTBC.CA

An infographic titled "Tips to FireSmart Your Home," offering advice on reducing the risk of wildfire damage to homes. It features an isometric illustration of a house with surrounding yard and various preventive measures highlighted, such as maintaining clear gutters, creating non-combustible zones, and relocating firewood. Logos of FireSmart and British Columbia's FireSmart program are visible, along with a web address for more information.

DOWNLOAD FROM FIRESMARTBC.CA

Implement structural recommendations

Once you have identified areas for improvement – possibly fire-retardant roofing material, installing a chimney spark arrestor, non-combustible vent screens, mesh gutter screens, fire-resistant siding, windows and doors – make a plan to implement these. FireSmartBC has a wealth of resources to help.

VIEW RESOURCES

Create a non-combustible zone

Know your zones. There are 3 zones starting from your home that require different approaches – immediate, intermediate and extended. The 1.5m area immediately adjacent to your home and to any other structures on your property are the most critical to fireproof. There are several options for this, including cutting back or cleaning out vegetation and using hardscaping to create a physical non-combustible area surrounding your home. We at Greenpath have been helping homeowners to implement recommendations to all three Home Ignition Zones.

Prune trees and shrubs

Keeping your trees and shrubs pruned, including dead leaves and needles and ensuring proper distance between tree limbs and structures is critical to aiding in the prevention of wildfire spread. Cedar hedges are a particular fire hazard, and we can help you with cedar hedge removal. We at Greenpath Landscaping are experts in cleaning up your property to remove combustible material and prune back trees to mitigate ember transfer between trees and your home.

Choose firesmart plants

There is a surprising variety of plant, shrub and tree options that are naturally resistant to fire. For a helpful guide, see FireSmartBC’s Landscaping Hub, or learn more in our blog. And for help with planning, planting and care, contact the experts at Greenpath Landscaping. We can help.

A residential area with a concrete pathway flanked by bare trees and overgrown bushes. A lake and mountainous terrain are visible in the background under a clear blue sky. To the right, there's construction equipment parked beside the road.

A close-up photo of a green aloe vera plant, its pointed leaves covered with white dots, beside a variegated plant with white-edged leaves, both resting on gritty soil.

A solitary bench overlooking a panoramic view of a city with lush trees and a large body of water, backlit by a warm sunset with clouds scattered across the sky.

Work with your neighbours

Is your neighbourhood firesmart? Find out, and consider enrolling your neighbourhood in the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program. The FCNRP to officially recognizes neighbourhoods that have taken critical steps to reduce their vulnerabilities to wildfire. Because FireSmart is most effective when neighbours band together.

To learn about FireSmart Canada’s Neighbourhood Recognition Program and how to get your neighbourhood enrolled, click here.

Contact Greenpath Landscaping today and let us help make your property safer and more resistant to wildfire threats.

Resources

The folks at FireSmartBC.ca have a ton of valuable resources to help you assess and implement a FireSmart approach to your home, as well as to your community. Here is a sample of a few resources to get you started.

Self-Assessment

Download FireSmartBC’s Home Ignition Zone Self-Assessment. Use this Self-Assessment as a starting point to finding out how resilient your home and property is to wildland fire (courtesy of firesmartbc.ca).

DOWNLOAD

An infographic titled "Home Ignition Zone Assessment" from British Columbia FireSmart showcasing a house with three labeled zones: 'Immediate Zone' from 0m to 1.5m, 'Intermediate Zone' from 1.5m to 10m, and 'Extended Zone' from 10m to 30m, with trees and landscaping illustrating the concept.

Home Ignition Zones

Local FireSmart Representatives use this tool to assess your wildfire risk. By answering the questions in the assessment they will be able to recommend changes that will make the greatest difference in defending against structure ignition
(courtesy of firesmartbc.ca).

DOWNLOAD

An infographic titled "Understanding Fire Behaviour" with two sections side by side. The left side is headed "FIRE + FUEL = WHY HOMES BURN" with two illustrations: the top one labeled 'Unmitigated Property' showing a house with flames spreading from a forest fire to the home and surrounding trees, and the bottom one labeled 'FireSmart-Mitigated Property' depicting a similar house with no flames reaching it and a clear area around it. On the right side, the title "How Wildland Fires Spread" is followed by three subsections: "Embers & Sparks" with an image of a house and embers being blown toward it; "Extreme Heat" showing heat waves going towards a house making the sides melt and a window break; and "Direct Flame" with flames directly touching a house surrounded by burning objects. The bottom of the infographic states "Fuels include trees, woodpiles, structures, fences, plants, etc." with a flame icon.

FireSmart Begins At Home Guide

This guide outlines how each homeowner can make their property and neighbourhood FireSmart (courtesy of firesmartbc.ca).

VISIT

KIND WORDS

Working with Rocco & Crew is the best decision I ever made.

A well-maintained garden with a curved concrete pathway, surrounded by an arrangement of smooth rocks and pebbles, interspersed with decorative grasses, coniferous shrubs, and a row of potted plants with red blossoms in the background near a building.

How we work

An elegantly lit wooden pergola adorned with sheer white curtains, string lights, and a cozy seating area with cushions and candles, set in a tranquil garden at dusk.

01. We begin with your vision

AND OUR ARTISTIC STYLE

We work with you to design and plan your outdoor space, taking into consideration patios, pathways, shade trees, sun exposure and views you’d like to frame (or hide). Consider how much turf area you’d like and where, keeping only as much as you’ll need. Then we draft the design on paper to help visualize the result and organize the work flow.

02. The work begins

Soil preparation

Our process commences with the removal of existing landscape elements, including material, shrubs, and irrigation systems, paving the way for a rejuvenated environment. Typically completed within a few days, our team begins by laying commercial underlay and arranging plants with precision. We ensure a fresh start by replacing old soil around all plants with nutrient-rich soil. This step ensures healthy plants, lowers maintenance and saves water. Efforts at this stage will pay off in time and money later on.

A person is raking a freshly tilled soil bed in the front yard of a residential home with stone exterior features, under a clear sky.

Two bright red poppies in focus in the foreground with blurry stone steps and a stone wall surrounded by greenery in the background.

03. Mapping the zones

Irrigation, plant selection, mulch CHOICE

Plants with similar sun and moisture needs are grouped together. A diversity of plants can promote beneficial bees, butterflies and birds that can prevent issues with pests naturally. Organic or rock mulch is selected to retain moisture, protect plants roots from temperature extremes and soil and reduce weed growth. Rock mulch is available in various colours and textures and has the added benefit of being non-combustible. Organic mulch builds up the soil and nourishs plants, avoiding the need for chemical fertilizer.

04. We bring your vision to life

installation

Following site and soil preparation, after selecting appropriate plants, we do the planting and install irrigation drip lines for each plant. Once the planting is complete, we offer a selection of landscaping materials, including rock, feature rocks or bark mulch to complete the transformation.

Landscaping scene with bare soil, several plants in black pots ready for planting, a garden rake to the side, multiple buckets filled with soil, and a dark house in the background.

A modern outdoor deck with two single-seater wooden chairs with grey cushions, a double-seater sofa with similar cushions, a round wooden side table, and decorative potted plants. The deck is surrounded by a landscaped garden with a lush greenery border.

05. Keep your sanctuary looking amazing

sustainable draught-resistant spaces FOR relaxing

At Greenpath, we’re dedicated to creating enduring outdoor spaces. That’s why we carefully select drought-resistant species that demand minimal upkeep, ensuring your landscape remains stunning throughout the seasons. Living in the Okanagan means embracing outdoor living, and we believe your outdoor space should be the pride of your home—a sanctuary where relaxation and cherished moments with loved ones thrive. Beyond initial landscaping, Greenpath offers ongoing care, including annual pruning and soil enrichment, to promote the long-term health and vitality of your plants.

LET’S CONNECT

SUCCESS STORIES

THE MISSION

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A modern house with a large black garage door, wooden siding, and a landscaped front yard with a variety of plants and rocks, partially obscured by a black pickup truck parked in the driveway.

LAKE COUNTRY

WEST KELOWNA

The transformation blew us away. We love our new outdoor space. Perfection.

– the james family

THE DETAILS

THE INVESTMENT

OPTION I

$1,500

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