Updated August 4, 2023
Fire pits are becoming a popular addition to backyards, but they can also ruin your lawn area if you’re not careful. Many people don’t know how to properly use fire pits without damaging their lawn. If you have a fire pit on grass, it’s important to prevent it from causing heat stress damaging your lawn as it can easily scorch and burn your grass if you’re not careful.
In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on stopping the heat from your fire pits from burning your grass. Keep reading for more information!
Reasons why fire pits damage your grass underneath
There are many reasons why a fire pit damages your grass and it’s important to be mindful of how you use it. We’ll explore some of the most common causes. By understanding what causes fire pits to burn your lawn, you can take steps to protect grass and ensure that your backyard remains green and healthy
Here is some of the most common reasons why fire pits damage your grass.:
If the fire pit or fire bowl is too close to the grass, it can easily lose control and scorch or burn the blades. It’s quite a good idea to have an elevated fire pit to prevent scorch marks.
Using too much wood in the fire pit can create intense heat and cause heat stress and damage the roots of the grass underneath.
If you don’t have enough ventilation in the fire pit, it can cause the build-up of smoke and fumes, which can damage the grass. Finding the ideal placement is one of the best ways, especially with smaller backyards.
Not putting out the fire properly can continue to smoke and damage the grass. always protect your lawn.
If you are not using the proper fuel in the fire pit, it can also damage the grass.
Now that we know some of the reasons why fire pits damage your grass underneath the fire pits lets explore the most important aspect of how to prevent it. You can enjoy your fire pit without worrying about damaging your lawn by following these tips
Tips to prevent fire pits from damaging your grass.
Using a fire pit screen
One of the most common reasons fire pits damage your grass is that you’re not using a fire pit screen or heat shield. A fire pits screen helps contain the flames and prevent them from spreading. If you don’t have a fire pit screen, keep the fire contained within the pit.
You can also build a DIY fire pit screen. All you need is some wire mesh and metal rods. Simply build a frame around the fire pit and cover it with the wire mesh. This will help contain the flames and prevent them from completely destroy your grass
Placing the fire pit on a protected surface
Another common reason a fire pit damages your grass is that you’re placing it on an unprotected surface. If you’re placing your fire pit on grass, make sure to put a layer of protection down first to protect from the burning fire. This can be anything from a fire pit pad to a layer of sand. Anything that will create a heat shield is what you need
This will help to create a barrier between the fire pit and your grass. It will also help to prevent the heat from damaging the roots of your grass
Wind direction and speed
Another reason a fire pit damages your grass is that you’re not taking the wind direction and speed into account. If the wind is blowing towards dry dead grass, it can easily catch fire. Always be aware of the wind conditions before lighting a fire.
You can also use a spark screen or windscreen when using your fire pit in an outdoor space to help protect your grass. A spark screen is a simple wall that you can build around your fire pit.
This will help deflect the wind away from your dry grass and prevent it from catching fire. Remember, with a little bit of preparation you can stop most of the radiant heat and prevent a dangerous backyard fire.
Use bricks and pavers as a fire pit mat.
If you’re using a fire pit on grass, it’s important to use a fire pit mat. This will help protect grass from the extreme heat of the fire pit. You can use brick pavers as a fire pit mat. Simply place them around the fire pit. This will help deflect the high heat away from your grass ( and nearby structures) and prevent it from being damaged.
Put out the fire properly.
Another important thing to consider is the type of fuel you’re using in your fire pit. If you’re using wood, make sure that it’s dry. Wet wood can create a lot of smoke and fumes, damaging your grass as well. Yuk!
You should also avoid using treated wood or lighter fluid as it can release chemicals into the ground that can be harmful to your grass. These chemicals can damage the roots of your grass and cause it to die. If you do need to use a fire starter, then a solid cube one is best.
Some extra tips to stop a fire pit from burning your grass underneath
Use a portable fire pit on grass:
If you’re worried about damaging your grass, you can always use portable fire pits. This way, you can enjoy your fire pit without worrying about the damage.
Use a fire pit heat shield:
You can also use fire pit heat shields to help protect your grass. A heat shield is a simple wall that you can build around your fire pit. Heat shields will help to deflect the heat away from your grass and prevent it from being damaged. Heat shields are usually made of metal.
Using the fire-resistant mat to protect grass:
If you’re using a fire pit on grass, it’s important to use a fire pit mat. This will help to protect your grass from the heat damage of the fire pit.
Using a fire-resistant mat will help to create a barrier between the fire pit and your grass. It will also help to prevent the heat from damaging the roots of your grass.
Maintaining enough distance to protect the grass.
When setting up your fire pit, be sure to maintain enough distance between the pit and your grass to protect the lawn and other objects. This will help to prevent burning fire and the heat from damaging the roots of your grass.
Watering the grass beneath after using the fire pit:
Once you’re done using the fire pit, be sure to water the grass well. This will help to prevent the heat from damaging the roots of your grass.
You can enjoy your fire pit without damaging your grass by following those extra tips. With a little bit of care, you can keep your grass healthy and green
Move the fire pit around
If you’re having trouble keeping the fire pit directly from damaging your grass, you can move the fire pit around. This will help distribute the heat more evenly and prevent any area from being damaged.
Safety precautions when using a fire pit on grass.
When using a fire pit, it’s important to take some safety precautions to protect the grass. Here are some proper precautions to follow:
- Make sure the fire is completely out before you leave it.
- Pour water on the fire to extinguish it.
- Extinguish all wood shavings, embers and ashes before leaving.
- Stir the ashes to cool them down.
- Do not use lava rocks or treated wood as they can release harmful chemicals.
- Make sure the water hose is close by in case of an emergency.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby should it be needed.
- Do not use gasoline, kerosene, or other fuels.
- Do not allow children or pets near the fire.
You can enjoy your fire pit while keeping your lawn safe by following these safety precautions.
Tips for Fixing Grass Damaged by a Fire Pit.
How-To: Fire pit on grass
Even with taking precautions, the grass may still become damaged from the heat of the fire pit. If this does happen, don’t worry, as it is fixable with a few steps in this How-To-Guide below.
Total work time 10 minutes
Keep the lawn well watered.
Water the damaged area regularly. This will help to protect the grass from heat stress and promote new growth in an around the fire pit.
Use mulch on the affected area
Apply a layer of mulch to the damaged area. This will help protect the grass’s roots and promote new growth.
Fertilise the area with a slow-release fertiliser
This will help to promote new growth and keep the root system healthy while the grass recovers.
Aerate the lawn area that is affected.
This will help to improve the drainage and promote new growth.
Conclusion.
Fire pits are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have a cosy gathering with friends and family. However, if you’re not careful, they can damage the grass backyard.
We’ve provided some tips on how to prevent your fire pit from damaging your grass and how to fix any damage that may occur and some safety precautions you should take when using one.
We hope that you can safely enjoy your fire pit without any worries about harming your lawn by following these tips.
Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below. We would love to hear from you!