1 00:00:02,900 --> 00:00:06,466 -Today on a special edition of "Ask This Old House," 2 00:00:06,533 --> 00:00:08,800 we visit the San Francisco Bay area 3 00:00:08,866 --> 00:00:13,433 and show you how to protect your home from wildfires. 4 00:00:13,500 --> 00:00:17,466 First, Jenn helps a homeowner create a welcoming front yard 5 00:00:17,533 --> 00:00:21,500 using native plants and a firewise design. 6 00:00:21,566 --> 00:00:23,600 Plus, Richard brings a hungry crew 7 00:00:23,666 --> 00:00:26,333 to help a homeowner's overgrown yard. 8 00:00:28,833 --> 00:00:33,166 And wind-swept embers cause catastrophic damage. 9 00:00:33,233 --> 00:00:36,066 Tommy shows a homeowner some simple measures 10 00:00:36,133 --> 00:00:37,733 that will harden their home 11 00:00:37,800 --> 00:00:40,866 and protect it from future wildfires. 12 00:00:40,933 --> 00:00:44,300 That's all coming up next on "Ask This Old House." 13 00:00:46,333 --> 00:00:49,633 Welcome back to another episode of "Ask This Old House." 14 00:00:49,700 --> 00:00:52,700 Wildfires are one of the most destructive forces 15 00:00:52,766 --> 00:00:53,933 on the planet. 16 00:00:54,000 --> 00:00:56,866 Severe drought and a prolonged fire season 17 00:00:56,933 --> 00:00:59,933 are making them more frequent and more severe. 18 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:03,766 Here in the United States, we experience 70,000 wildfires 19 00:01:03,833 --> 00:01:05,933 a year ripping through communities, 20 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:08,633 destroying thousands of homes and lives, 21 00:01:08,700 --> 00:01:14,300 and costing a staggering $5 billion a year in damage. 22 00:01:14,366 --> 00:01:17,066 No place is more familiar with the devastating effects 23 00:01:17,133 --> 00:01:20,333 wildfires can cause than California. 24 00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:22,500 With over 5,000 fires 25 00:01:22,566 --> 00:01:24,833 erupting across their landscape each year, 26 00:01:24,900 --> 00:01:27,900 they've adapted their building codes and practices 27 00:01:27,966 --> 00:01:31,666 to help residents exist with this ever growing threat. 28 00:01:31,733 --> 00:01:34,900 Today, we'll show you how homeowners in the Golden State 29 00:01:34,966 --> 00:01:39,166 are safeguarding their homes from future fires. 30 00:01:39,233 --> 00:01:41,833 -With wildfires on the rise in the Bay area, 31 00:01:41,900 --> 00:01:45,133 it could be challenging to balance your landscape desires 32 00:01:45,200 --> 00:01:46,800 with climate change. 33 00:01:46,866 --> 00:01:49,133 So, I'm here at a local nursery in California 34 00:01:49,200 --> 00:01:51,566 to learn about plants that are both beautiful 35 00:01:51,633 --> 00:01:53,000 and firewise. 36 00:01:53,066 --> 00:01:54,433 Hey, Josh. -Hey, Jenn. 37 00:01:54,500 --> 00:01:55,833 Good to meet you. -Good to meet you too. 38 00:01:55,900 --> 00:01:59,333 I'm so glad we found your nursery because we are... 39 00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:00,533 We're working on a project, 40 00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:03,800 and we need to be mindful of firescaping, 41 00:02:03,866 --> 00:02:06,600 creating defensive spaces around the house. 42 00:02:06,666 --> 00:02:08,100 -Yeah. -So we need to be mindful 43 00:02:08,166 --> 00:02:10,100 and not plant plants that have oils in them 44 00:02:10,166 --> 00:02:12,900 that are going to ignite like some evergreens and grasses. 45 00:02:12,966 --> 00:02:15,066 And I think native plants is the way to go. 46 00:02:15,133 --> 00:02:16,433 -Yeah. -To start the process. 47 00:02:16,500 --> 00:02:18,733 -Yeah. Natives are obviously what we do. 48 00:02:18,800 --> 00:02:20,733 It's our thing. We're a native nursery. 49 00:02:20,800 --> 00:02:22,900 One of our big focuses is how you maintain them 50 00:02:22,966 --> 00:02:24,033 to make them fire safe. 51 00:02:24,100 --> 00:02:25,800 -And then, you incorporate them into the design. 52 00:02:25,866 --> 00:02:27,500 And it can be just as beautiful 53 00:02:27,566 --> 00:02:28,833 as a typical foundation planting. 54 00:02:28,900 --> 00:02:30,133 -I completely agree. 55 00:02:30,200 --> 00:02:31,333 -Well, why don't you give me a tour 56 00:02:31,400 --> 00:02:33,166 of all these beautiful species that you have? 57 00:02:33,233 --> 00:02:34,366 -Yeah. 58 00:02:35,600 --> 00:02:38,100 This is one of our most beautiful natives, 59 00:02:38,166 --> 00:02:39,666 the California fuchsia. 60 00:02:39,733 --> 00:02:42,166 -I like the color of the foliage and the flower. 61 00:02:42,233 --> 00:02:44,400 -It works really well with the California Gray Rush 62 00:02:44,466 --> 00:02:45,666 with that vertical element. 63 00:02:45,733 --> 00:02:47,366 -Yeah, they go really, really well together. 64 00:02:47,433 --> 00:02:49,066 I like the contrast. 65 00:02:49,133 --> 00:02:51,933 -We have our classic California coastal redwood, 66 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:53,466 which gets giant, the biggest tree in the world. 67 00:02:53,533 --> 00:02:56,533 -Gorgeous, gorgeous. Substantial tree. 68 00:02:56,600 --> 00:02:58,633 So, this project I'm working on in Berkeley, 69 00:02:58,700 --> 00:03:00,200 I need a little help, I'm not familiar 70 00:03:00,266 --> 00:03:01,500 with all the natives out here. 71 00:03:01,566 --> 00:03:02,833 And if you could recommend 72 00:03:02,900 --> 00:03:04,633 some of the plants that I could install. 73 00:03:04,700 --> 00:03:07,466 -Yeah, I'm happy to help. -Okay, great. 74 00:03:07,533 --> 00:03:08,666 -So, Jenn, here are some plants 75 00:03:08,733 --> 00:03:10,200 I thought might work well for your project. 76 00:03:10,266 --> 00:03:11,566 -Okay. -We have 77 00:03:11,633 --> 00:03:12,733 the California coffeeberry. 78 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:15,466 These little flowers are bee favorites. 79 00:03:15,533 --> 00:03:18,200 -Okay. -It gets about 4 to 6 feet tall. 80 00:03:18,266 --> 00:03:20,300 Nice and dense. -Does it grow out that way? 81 00:03:20,366 --> 00:03:21,966 -Yes. It does. -Okay. It looks like it. 82 00:03:22,033 --> 00:03:23,733 -So, it'll get kind of bushy. -Okay. 83 00:03:23,800 --> 00:03:25,866 -Then we have a manzanita. 84 00:03:25,933 --> 00:03:29,000 You can't have a California garden without a manzanita. 85 00:03:29,066 --> 00:03:30,100 -All right. 86 00:03:30,166 --> 00:03:31,233 -This one's called Austin Griffiths 87 00:03:31,300 --> 00:03:32,500 with pink flowers. 88 00:03:32,566 --> 00:03:33,966 Evergreen, looks good all the year. 89 00:03:34,033 --> 00:03:35,600 -So, it's evergreen? -It is evergreen. 90 00:03:35,666 --> 00:03:36,733 -Fantastic. -And it blooms in winter. 91 00:03:36,800 --> 00:03:38,700 -Okay. -Then we have, uh, 92 00:03:38,766 --> 00:03:41,400 monkeyflower, often called sticky monkeyflower. 93 00:03:41,466 --> 00:03:42,666 -Okay. -Beautiful flower. 94 00:03:42,733 --> 00:03:45,033 This is a hybrid. They come in all different colors. 95 00:03:45,100 --> 00:03:47,566 -Yeah. -In this particular case, 96 00:03:47,633 --> 00:03:49,600 this is one called grape. 97 00:03:49,666 --> 00:03:52,166 But our local form ranges from orange to red. 98 00:03:52,233 --> 00:03:53,666 -They really look like orchids. 99 00:03:53,733 --> 00:03:55,133 -Yeah, they're really beautiful. 100 00:03:55,200 --> 00:03:56,500 Custom designed for hummingbirds. 101 00:03:56,566 --> 00:03:57,766 -Yeah, yeah, yeah. -Um, 102 00:03:57,833 --> 00:03:59,600 beautiful plants. -And that even makes it better. 103 00:03:59,666 --> 00:04:01,133 So... -[ Laughs ] Yeah. 104 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:02,766 -It's so cool when a hummingbird swoops in and -- 105 00:04:02,833 --> 00:04:04,100 -Yeah. -It's a moment. 106 00:04:04,166 --> 00:04:05,833 -It's just awesome. -So, I really like 107 00:04:05,900 --> 00:04:07,066 this whole variety. 108 00:04:07,133 --> 00:04:08,400 Like, there's enough color 109 00:04:08,466 --> 00:04:10,266 and different texture and shapes and heights, 110 00:04:10,333 --> 00:04:12,400 and I think it's going to work well. 111 00:04:12,466 --> 00:04:14,066 I could send you a picture of what it looks like. 112 00:04:14,133 --> 00:04:16,100 And thank you for this amazing tour of this nursery. 113 00:04:16,166 --> 00:04:18,200 I really like what you're doing, and the message 114 00:04:18,266 --> 00:04:20,866 you're sending to everyone, it's just -- it's so important. 115 00:04:20,933 --> 00:04:22,600 -Oh, thank you, Jenn. I loved having you here. 116 00:04:22,666 --> 00:04:24,100 -Oh, fantastic. -[ Chuckles ] 117 00:04:24,166 --> 00:04:26,100 -So, I'm going to just take these. 118 00:04:26,166 --> 00:04:28,000 -[ Laughs ] Sounds good. Happy planting. 119 00:04:28,066 --> 00:04:29,766 -Yeah. Thank you. I appreciate it. 120 00:04:29,833 --> 00:04:32,233 -Have a good one. 121 00:04:32,300 --> 00:04:34,400 -Hi, Jamila? -Yeah! 122 00:04:34,466 --> 00:04:35,600 -Nice to meet you. 123 00:04:35,666 --> 00:04:37,000 -Oh, my gosh. -Thank you for writing in. 124 00:04:37,066 --> 00:04:38,166 -Thank you so much. 125 00:04:38,233 --> 00:04:39,466 I'm so glad that you're here. 126 00:04:39,533 --> 00:04:41,400 -So nice to be on the West Coast again. 127 00:04:41,466 --> 00:04:43,500 -Oh, awesome. -So tell me what you're thinking 128 00:04:43,566 --> 00:04:45,166 for the front yard. Well, I want 129 00:04:45,233 --> 00:04:47,300 to have native plants, and I want to have a place 130 00:04:47,366 --> 00:04:49,166 to sit and hang out with my neighbors. 131 00:04:49,233 --> 00:04:50,400 -Well, I think we could do that. 132 00:04:50,466 --> 00:04:52,966 So, I have a designer who's local, 133 00:04:53,033 --> 00:04:55,766 and she's going to help us out. -Wow. Thank you so much. 134 00:04:55,833 --> 00:04:57,833 -You're welcome. Let's go meet her. 135 00:04:57,900 --> 00:04:59,700 This is my friend April Owens. 136 00:04:59,766 --> 00:05:00,900 -So nice to meet you, Jamila. -Same here. 137 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:02,233 Same here. Thank you. 138 00:05:02,300 --> 00:05:03,500 -Before we talk about the design, 139 00:05:03,566 --> 00:05:05,433 I want to talk about, like, design principles 140 00:05:05,500 --> 00:05:07,500 that you have to use now in California. 141 00:05:07,566 --> 00:05:10,700 -Right, right, well, in 2017, we had these big fires. 142 00:05:10,766 --> 00:05:12,800 And so it really, it made us 143 00:05:12,866 --> 00:05:14,500 really think differently about the landscape. 144 00:05:14,566 --> 00:05:17,700 So now we look at this whole umbrella, looking at firewise, 145 00:05:17,766 --> 00:05:20,566 drought tolerant, and biodiverse landscapes using native plants. 146 00:05:20,633 --> 00:05:22,400 -Right, so, I mean, those are all key -- 147 00:05:22,466 --> 00:05:23,566 key things that pretty much 148 00:05:23,633 --> 00:05:25,200 every landscape should think about, right? 149 00:05:25,266 --> 00:05:26,366 -Mm-hm. Absolutely. 150 00:05:26,433 --> 00:05:28,033 -So how did you apply them here? 151 00:05:28,100 --> 00:05:29,333 What's your game plan? 152 00:05:29,400 --> 00:05:32,233 -Well, we look at the garden from the house out. 153 00:05:32,300 --> 00:05:36,233 So, 0-5 is 0 feet to 5 feet from your home. 154 00:05:36,300 --> 00:05:38,866 And you want to have no plant material in that space. 155 00:05:38,933 --> 00:05:41,000 -Gotcha. -So that's like keeping plants 156 00:05:41,066 --> 00:05:44,000 5 feet off the foundation for fire embers, 157 00:05:44,066 --> 00:05:47,366 but also for firefighters to access if there is a local fire. 158 00:05:47,433 --> 00:05:48,600 Right? -Mm-hm. Yeah. 159 00:05:48,666 --> 00:05:50,800 And so, I know you'd asked for a patio 160 00:05:50,866 --> 00:05:52,466 or some way to be out here with your neighbors. 161 00:05:52,533 --> 00:05:56,166 So, we're going to do a little patio in the 0 to 5, 162 00:05:56,233 --> 00:05:58,600 and then, the 5-30 from your home, 163 00:05:58,666 --> 00:06:01,233 you can have islands of native plants or plants 164 00:06:01,300 --> 00:06:03,533 separated by some hardscape. -That makes sense. 165 00:06:03,600 --> 00:06:05,266 Being native, the plants are going to 166 00:06:05,333 --> 00:06:06,533 adapt better to the situation, 167 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:07,833 because they're supposed to be here. 168 00:06:07,900 --> 00:06:09,366 -Just what I'm looking for. Thank you. 169 00:06:09,433 --> 00:06:11,700 -So beginning this project, I imagine we're going to have to 170 00:06:11,766 --> 00:06:14,433 take the bougainvillea and the flax out, right? 171 00:06:14,500 --> 00:06:16,700 -Yes, yes. -So, shovel time, girl. 172 00:06:16,766 --> 00:06:18,200 -Shovel time. 173 00:06:18,266 --> 00:06:20,800 [ Rock music plays ] 174 00:06:20,866 --> 00:06:26,433 ♪♪ 175 00:06:26,500 --> 00:06:31,666 ♪♪ 176 00:06:31,733 --> 00:06:39,933 ♪♪ 177 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:42,300 -All right, so now we finished clearing the front yard, 178 00:06:42,366 --> 00:06:44,666 and we have the patio laid out over here. 179 00:06:44,733 --> 00:06:47,166 I want to talk about materials, you want to walk us through, 180 00:06:47,233 --> 00:06:48,600 in the plan, what you're thinking. 181 00:06:48,666 --> 00:06:51,166 -Yeah, so instead of landscape fabric, 182 00:06:51,233 --> 00:06:53,466 we use compacted base rock. 183 00:06:53,533 --> 00:06:55,766 And we do about 3 inches of that. 184 00:06:55,833 --> 00:06:57,633 And then, we're going to do about a half an inch 185 00:06:57,700 --> 00:07:00,466 of the crushed Trinity Rock. -Okay. 186 00:07:00,533 --> 00:07:02,166 -And we use this cobble 187 00:07:02,233 --> 00:07:04,800 kind of to accent around the landscape. 188 00:07:04,866 --> 00:07:08,433 -Okay, we call cobble like solid granite cobblestones back east. 189 00:07:08,500 --> 00:07:10,233 So, I would call that river stone. 190 00:07:10,300 --> 00:07:12,533 But I love that accent around the patio. 191 00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:13,900 What are we going to do with the boulders? 192 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:15,833 -The boulders are going to kind of set the scene 193 00:07:15,900 --> 00:07:17,300 with some soil out here. 194 00:07:17,366 --> 00:07:19,766 So, we're going to bring in soil and mound it up 195 00:07:19,833 --> 00:07:22,066 and level it out, so, it looks all natural. 196 00:07:22,133 --> 00:07:24,333 And then, put the boulders in to make it more interesting 197 00:07:24,400 --> 00:07:26,233 and creative versus just, you know... 198 00:07:26,300 --> 00:07:27,833 -Absolutely. Yeah. -...just nothing. 199 00:07:27,900 --> 00:07:29,633 And then, the boulders will kind of accent 200 00:07:29,700 --> 00:07:32,533 some of these wonderful shrubs that we have, like the manzanita 201 00:07:32,600 --> 00:07:34,300 which is great for hummingbirds. 202 00:07:34,366 --> 00:07:36,066 -Right. The coffeeberry. Is that right? 203 00:07:36,133 --> 00:07:38,300 I love how that's going to grow. It's so pretty. 204 00:07:38,366 --> 00:07:39,600 -Yes. -Yeah. 205 00:07:39,666 --> 00:07:41,533 And then, we have the eyebrow grass. 206 00:07:41,600 --> 00:07:43,900 So, it's really sweet. It looks like little eyebrows. 207 00:07:43,966 --> 00:07:45,933 -And then, the sun catches that. 208 00:07:46,000 --> 00:07:48,000 -Perfect. -Just another element 209 00:07:48,066 --> 00:07:50,233 in the landscape. -Uh-huh. Mm. 210 00:07:50,300 --> 00:07:51,766 -Let's do this. 211 00:07:51,833 --> 00:07:57,500 ♪♪ 212 00:07:57,566 --> 00:08:06,900 ♪♪ 213 00:08:06,966 --> 00:08:09,466 -And then, we're just going to tamp it in. 214 00:08:09,533 --> 00:08:10,666 -Is this called crushing it? 215 00:08:10,733 --> 00:08:12,300 -Yep. That's so crushing it. 216 00:08:12,366 --> 00:08:13,800 Tighten the core. 217 00:08:15,066 --> 00:08:16,666 -I think we're gonna try to go right to the edge 218 00:08:16,733 --> 00:08:19,433 of the steel header, so it's not a tripping hazard. 219 00:08:19,500 --> 00:08:22,100 [ Country music plays ] 220 00:08:22,166 --> 00:08:27,300 ♪♪ 221 00:08:27,366 --> 00:08:30,766 ♪♪ 222 00:08:30,833 --> 00:08:33,600 [ Grunting ] 223 00:08:33,666 --> 00:08:35,666 -Okay. That's close. 224 00:08:36,933 --> 00:08:38,633 -And then, we'll lay out the plants. 225 00:08:38,700 --> 00:08:41,933 -Natives are more likely to stay hydrated in the drought. 226 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:46,800 The key to less burn ability is to be more hydrated. 227 00:08:46,866 --> 00:08:48,300 -And how deep does it go? 228 00:08:48,366 --> 00:08:51,933 -Well, look at your plant, and that's the depth you want to go. 229 00:08:52,000 --> 00:08:55,233 So, I take it, and then, flip it over and catch it. 230 00:08:55,300 --> 00:08:56,866 Take the top off. 231 00:08:56,933 --> 00:08:58,833 This. I'm going to go like this. 232 00:08:58,900 --> 00:09:00,366 Loosen that up just a little bit. 233 00:09:00,433 --> 00:09:02,333 And you want the top of the plant 234 00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:04,233 to be level with that soil. 235 00:09:04,300 --> 00:09:07,066 Then, we backfill it. 236 00:09:07,133 --> 00:09:08,500 Yes. 237 00:09:08,566 --> 00:09:15,533 ♪♪ 238 00:09:15,600 --> 00:09:20,266 ♪♪ 239 00:09:20,333 --> 00:09:22,966 -My neighbors are going to be so excited. 240 00:09:24,300 --> 00:09:25,966 -Uh, hello? -Hello. 241 00:09:26,033 --> 00:09:28,300 -This is amazing. Oh, hello. Hello. 242 00:09:28,366 --> 00:09:30,266 This is an incredible use of space. 243 00:09:30,333 --> 00:09:33,700 You know, it makes sense. The 0-5 foot zone. 244 00:09:33,766 --> 00:09:36,066 It's functional. Now you have a place to sit. 245 00:09:36,133 --> 00:09:37,800 But this mounded landscape, 246 00:09:37,866 --> 00:09:40,000 it just adds a little bit of privacy. 247 00:09:40,066 --> 00:09:41,200 You just need to keep it watered. 248 00:09:41,266 --> 00:09:42,566 Really? Right? Do you have any instructions? 249 00:09:42,633 --> 00:09:44,833 -A few days a week with a deep soak. 250 00:09:44,900 --> 00:09:46,700 Just come out here with that sprinkler, and then you get 251 00:09:46,766 --> 00:09:48,633 to know the plants better as you're out here, 252 00:09:48,700 --> 00:09:51,133 and you can see the butterflies and the birds come 253 00:09:51,200 --> 00:09:53,433 and just watch everything grow. -Right. 254 00:09:53,500 --> 00:09:55,433 So cheers to that. -Thank you. 255 00:09:55,500 --> 00:09:56,933 -All right. -Cheers. 256 00:09:57,000 --> 00:09:58,266 -Great job on the design, April. -Thank you, Jenn. 257 00:09:58,333 --> 00:09:59,300 -Fantastic education. -Thank you. 258 00:09:59,366 --> 00:10:00,666 -Thank you. -Yes. 259 00:10:00,733 --> 00:10:06,133 ♪♪ 260 00:10:06,200 --> 00:10:11,166 ♪♪ 261 00:10:11,233 --> 00:10:17,833 ♪♪ 262 00:10:17,900 --> 00:10:19,266 -I've often heard Jenn talk about 263 00:10:19,333 --> 00:10:21,433 how improperly maintained landscape 264 00:10:21,500 --> 00:10:25,166 can actually contribute to the spread of wildfire. 265 00:10:25,233 --> 00:10:27,633 You know, overgrowth can act like a tinder 266 00:10:27,700 --> 00:10:29,733 to really make that fire spread, 267 00:10:29,800 --> 00:10:31,300 and clearing out some of that overgrowth 268 00:10:31,366 --> 00:10:36,000 can be a big job and hard work, but it can be outsourced. 269 00:10:36,066 --> 00:10:38,600 We found a team that really loves this job. 270 00:10:38,666 --> 00:10:39,833 I'm not kidding. 271 00:10:39,900 --> 00:10:41,400 You must be Marshall. 272 00:10:41,466 --> 00:10:43,666 -Hey. Great to finally meet you. -It's my great pleasure. 273 00:10:43,733 --> 00:10:46,033 So you wrote us about your backyard? 274 00:10:46,100 --> 00:10:49,133 -Yes, I did, it has gotten completely out of control. 275 00:10:49,200 --> 00:10:51,166 Let's take a look. -All right. 276 00:10:51,233 --> 00:10:53,766 -We moved in this place about 10 years ago. 277 00:10:53,833 --> 00:10:55,966 You could literally see everything here. 278 00:10:56,033 --> 00:10:57,366 -None of this brush was here. 279 00:10:57,433 --> 00:10:59,000 -None of it was here. None at all. 280 00:10:59,066 --> 00:11:01,800 We had a beautiful deck up there. This staircase. 281 00:11:01,866 --> 00:11:03,500 You know, you were able to walk up to the deck 282 00:11:03,566 --> 00:11:05,433 and see the entire view of the city, 283 00:11:05,500 --> 00:11:07,700 but now it's just gotten really bad. 284 00:11:07,766 --> 00:11:10,066 -It has gotten pretty far ahead of you. 285 00:11:10,133 --> 00:11:12,133 So, I see that we've done a little prep work 286 00:11:12,200 --> 00:11:13,833 for the team that's on its way. 287 00:11:13,900 --> 00:11:15,400 Let's see if they're here yet. 288 00:11:15,466 --> 00:11:22,066 ♪♪ 289 00:11:22,133 --> 00:11:24,900 Say hello to your new best friends for the next week. 290 00:11:24,966 --> 00:11:26,533 -Wow, look at that. 291 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:28,600 -They're going to clean up your backyard. 292 00:11:28,666 --> 00:11:30,400 -Ooh. I'm excited. -Look at that. 293 00:11:30,466 --> 00:11:33,400 [ Country music playing ] 294 00:11:33,466 --> 00:11:38,466 ♪♪ 295 00:11:38,533 --> 00:11:43,633 ♪♪ 296 00:11:43,700 --> 00:11:48,833 ♪♪ 297 00:11:48,900 --> 00:11:54,566 ♪♪ 298 00:11:54,633 --> 00:12:00,366 ♪♪ 299 00:12:00,433 --> 00:12:09,133 ♪♪ 300 00:12:09,200 --> 00:12:11,600 So, Genevieve, we've met your beautiful goats. 301 00:12:11,666 --> 00:12:13,933 Tell us about this process. It's so fascinating. 302 00:12:14,000 --> 00:12:15,500 -So, we are a nonprofit. 303 00:12:15,566 --> 00:12:18,533 We've been in existence for about 11 years. 304 00:12:18,600 --> 00:12:21,533 We've been a nonprofit since 2017, 305 00:12:21,600 --> 00:12:24,366 and we take goats all over San Francisco 306 00:12:24,433 --> 00:12:27,933 and a little bit beyond to do exactly what they're doing here, 307 00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:31,200 eat the vegetation on our hillsides and our fields. 308 00:12:31,266 --> 00:12:33,800 The goats will be here for about a week. 309 00:12:33,866 --> 00:12:35,633 They're just going to eat as much as they can. 310 00:12:35,700 --> 00:12:38,333 -How much will they get of this, all that we see right here? 311 00:12:38,400 --> 00:12:41,866 -They'll get to about 60 or 70% of what you can see right now. 312 00:12:41,933 --> 00:12:44,666 A lot of the native plants benefit from a heavy pruning, 313 00:12:44,733 --> 00:12:46,100 kind of like roses do, 314 00:12:46,166 --> 00:12:48,733 but there are some plants that they won't eat. 315 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:51,200 So, and sometimes that's a happy circumstance. 316 00:12:51,266 --> 00:12:53,100 We have a lot of bottle brush on this hillside, 317 00:12:53,166 --> 00:12:54,733 which is toxic to them, 318 00:12:54,800 --> 00:12:56,200 but they know to not eat it. 319 00:12:56,266 --> 00:12:57,300 It doesn't taste good, 320 00:12:57,366 --> 00:12:59,766 but they're going to eat the ivy. 321 00:12:59,833 --> 00:13:01,633 They're going to eat the Himalayan blackberry. 322 00:13:01,700 --> 00:13:04,033 They're going to eat the invasive fennel 323 00:13:04,100 --> 00:13:05,933 that's on the hillside. -Mostly invasive. Good. 324 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:07,866 -Yes, the seeds will actually get sterilized 325 00:13:07,933 --> 00:13:10,333 as they pass through the goat's digestive system. 326 00:13:10,400 --> 00:13:13,966 -So what are the benefits to using goats over landscape crew? 327 00:13:14,033 --> 00:13:15,833 -Well, #1, personality. -There you go. 328 00:13:15,900 --> 00:13:17,733 -They're so much more fun to watch, right? 329 00:13:17,800 --> 00:13:20,400 -Oh, landscapers smile too. [ Laughter ] 330 00:13:20,466 --> 00:13:25,600 -But they also take a whole loop out of the carbon cycle. 331 00:13:25,666 --> 00:13:28,266 Basically, you're not hauling all of this away, 332 00:13:28,333 --> 00:13:30,366 and then, processing it elsewhere. 333 00:13:30,433 --> 00:13:33,066 You're doing all of your composting 334 00:13:33,133 --> 00:13:35,566 directly on site through the goat. 335 00:13:35,633 --> 00:13:38,466 So, you're feeding your microorganisms in the soil, 336 00:13:38,533 --> 00:13:42,333 and you're creating a stable base that prevents erosion 337 00:13:42,400 --> 00:13:45,566 and that also increases your fertility in the soil 338 00:13:45,633 --> 00:13:47,866 when you want to put in new plantings. 339 00:13:47,933 --> 00:13:50,966 So, all the way around, it's just a definite win. 340 00:13:51,033 --> 00:13:52,266 -Where do you get all the goats from? 341 00:13:52,333 --> 00:13:53,966 -They kind of come from all over. 342 00:13:54,033 --> 00:13:57,233 We have some that people tried to have as pets, 343 00:13:57,300 --> 00:13:59,733 but they weren't zoned for goats as pets. 344 00:13:59,800 --> 00:14:00,833 And so, they call us and say, 345 00:14:00,900 --> 00:14:02,366 "Hey, we have to get rid of these. 346 00:14:02,433 --> 00:14:03,600 We've got complaints from the neighbors." 347 00:14:03,666 --> 00:14:05,366 So we take in some in that way. 348 00:14:05,433 --> 00:14:07,933 We also take in a lot of male goats 349 00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:09,766 who would otherwise go into the meat industry, 350 00:14:09,833 --> 00:14:11,700 that are coming out of the dairy industry. 351 00:14:11,766 --> 00:14:13,966 -So is there anything special I have to do while they're here? 352 00:14:14,033 --> 00:14:16,133 -You have to make sure their water tub is full 353 00:14:16,200 --> 00:14:18,200 and hang out with them a little bit, 354 00:14:18,266 --> 00:14:20,533 socialize with them a little bit, enjoy them 355 00:14:20,600 --> 00:14:22,833 while they're here, because they're so much fun to watch. 356 00:14:22,900 --> 00:14:24,100 -Oh, yeah. -You might want to 357 00:14:24,166 --> 00:14:25,466 sing to them too. -Oh, 358 00:14:25,533 --> 00:14:28,100 I could do a little of that. -Hey, we've had clients 359 00:14:28,166 --> 00:14:30,500 who sat out on their deck and played guitar for the goats. 360 00:14:30,566 --> 00:14:33,333 So, you know, they're expecting a concert, but... 361 00:14:33,400 --> 00:14:34,600 -Well, they certainly seem happy. 362 00:14:34,666 --> 00:14:36,000 They are voracious eaters. 363 00:14:36,066 --> 00:14:37,900 -They do stop. You'll see them. 364 00:14:37,966 --> 00:14:40,133 They'll all just lay down at the same time of day, 365 00:14:40,200 --> 00:14:42,366 about twice a day, and just chill out. 366 00:14:42,433 --> 00:14:44,633 -Is that like a siesta? -It is like a siesta. 367 00:14:44,700 --> 00:14:47,433 It is like a union break because they'll all stop at once. 368 00:14:47,500 --> 00:14:49,100 It's really fun on the bigger properties 369 00:14:49,166 --> 00:14:51,100 where we'll have 70 or 80 goats. 370 00:14:51,166 --> 00:14:52,400 About 10 a.m., 371 00:14:52,466 --> 00:14:55,300 everybody just lays down like a bell was rung, 372 00:14:55,366 --> 00:14:57,766 and then, they'll all chill out and rest. 373 00:14:57,833 --> 00:15:00,033 And it kind of depends on the weather how long they rest. 374 00:15:00,100 --> 00:15:02,833 The warmer and sunnier it is, the longer they rest. 375 00:15:02,900 --> 00:15:04,233 And on those hot days, they'll get up and eat 376 00:15:04,300 --> 00:15:06,800 in the middle of the night. -Yeah, I do that too. 377 00:15:06,866 --> 00:15:08,333 -Yeah. Exactly. Just like us. Right? 378 00:15:08,400 --> 00:15:10,166 [ Laughter ] 379 00:15:10,233 --> 00:15:12,733 -Genevieve, thank you so much. This is a really cool solution. 380 00:15:12,800 --> 00:15:14,566 -Thank you so much. Lovely to meet you. 381 00:15:14,633 --> 00:15:16,633 -It was great. -Thanks for having us here. 382 00:15:16,700 --> 00:15:25,666 ♪♪ 383 00:15:25,733 --> 00:15:28,133 -Hi, Misha. -Hi. Nice to meet you. 384 00:15:28,200 --> 00:15:30,000 -Nice to meet you. I'm Tom. 385 00:15:30,066 --> 00:15:32,966 So you wrote us about fire hardening your house, 386 00:15:33,033 --> 00:15:34,933 making it more safe in cases of fire. 387 00:15:35,033 --> 00:15:36,233 What's going on? 388 00:15:36,300 --> 00:15:39,533 -Yes. We were really impacted by the 2017 fire. 389 00:15:39,600 --> 00:15:42,266 We could actually see it from this ridge right up over here. 390 00:15:42,333 --> 00:15:43,966 Actually, I have a photo I can show you. 391 00:15:44,033 --> 00:15:45,100 -Oh, really? -Yeah. 392 00:15:45,166 --> 00:15:46,666 Um, we were standing right in this spot, 393 00:15:46,733 --> 00:15:49,266 and you can see right up on that ridge, you can see, 394 00:15:49,333 --> 00:15:50,933 like, little embers. -Oh, my gosh, there's flames 395 00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:52,900 right there. -Yeah, it was pretty scary. 396 00:15:52,966 --> 00:15:55,200 -I can actually smell smoke right now. 397 00:15:55,266 --> 00:15:56,700 -Yep, unfortunately, that's something 398 00:15:56,766 --> 00:15:58,133 we have to deal with nowadays. 399 00:15:58,200 --> 00:16:00,366 Just, um, a fact of life around here, 400 00:16:00,433 --> 00:16:03,600 but, um, we just kind of do what we can. 401 00:16:03,666 --> 00:16:05,666 And that's why we called you, because we want to figure out 402 00:16:05,733 --> 00:16:06,966 what we can do to protect our house 403 00:16:07,033 --> 00:16:08,600 in case it ever gets that close again. 404 00:16:08,666 --> 00:16:10,600 -Right, I don't know if you're aware that we did a story 405 00:16:10,666 --> 00:16:13,633 a few years back about that fire up in Paradise. 406 00:16:13,700 --> 00:16:15,666 I did a segment with a company that demonstrates 407 00:16:15,733 --> 00:16:18,000 how they harden homes against wildfires. 408 00:16:18,066 --> 00:16:20,066 Oh, wow. Look at that. -As you can see... 409 00:16:20,133 --> 00:16:22,166 -And someone from the company is actually working 410 00:16:22,233 --> 00:16:23,933 on your home right now. 411 00:16:25,533 --> 00:16:27,333 All right, so Nate's over there working away. 412 00:16:27,400 --> 00:16:29,866 How's it going, Nate? -Oh. Hey there. It's going good. 413 00:16:29,933 --> 00:16:32,000 -Hi, Misha. Nice to meet you. -Hi, Misha. I'm Nate. 414 00:16:32,066 --> 00:16:33,833 -Tom. So tell me what's going on. 415 00:16:33,900 --> 00:16:35,700 -Well, we are hardening this home. 416 00:16:35,766 --> 00:16:37,433 Right now, I'm currently working on the vents, 417 00:16:37,500 --> 00:16:39,933 but there's a few other things that need to occur. 418 00:16:40,000 --> 00:16:42,233 Uh, just trying to get ready for the fire season. 419 00:16:42,300 --> 00:16:43,900 -Yeah, so we've done our roof, 420 00:16:43,966 --> 00:16:47,466 and those vents are, you know, up to more recent code 421 00:16:47,533 --> 00:16:50,500 and more protective from embers getting in. 422 00:16:50,566 --> 00:16:52,066 -Roof is a good place to start. 423 00:16:52,133 --> 00:16:54,266 That's generally where the embers will hit first -- 424 00:16:54,333 --> 00:16:56,200 That and the foundation. 425 00:16:56,266 --> 00:16:58,900 So you want to make sure that all vents on the home 426 00:16:58,966 --> 00:17:00,766 are fire and ember safe. 427 00:17:00,833 --> 00:17:03,266 Most people think that during a wildfire event, 428 00:17:03,333 --> 00:17:06,400 this big scary flame wall, you know, attacks the buildings. 429 00:17:06,466 --> 00:17:09,433 And it does, but long before that, 430 00:17:09,500 --> 00:17:12,166 those fires are generating embers by the trillions, 431 00:17:12,233 --> 00:17:13,800 and they're blowing everywhere. 432 00:17:13,866 --> 00:17:17,100 So the number one threat to structure loss 433 00:17:17,166 --> 00:17:20,166 during wildfire events is wind-blown embers. 434 00:17:20,233 --> 00:17:22,700 You want to think about it like you're a little ember. 435 00:17:22,766 --> 00:17:24,433 Fire needs three things to live. 436 00:17:24,500 --> 00:17:27,033 It needs fuel, heat, and oxygen. 437 00:17:27,100 --> 00:17:30,833 An ember is two of those things. It's its own little fuel source. 438 00:17:30,900 --> 00:17:33,200 It's its own little heat source. It lands. 439 00:17:33,266 --> 00:17:34,933 It already has everything it needs. 440 00:17:35,000 --> 00:17:39,333 It transfers its heat to those dry leaves in the gutter, 441 00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:42,100 to the dead weeds underneath the house, 442 00:17:42,166 --> 00:17:43,933 cardboard boxes in the attic. 443 00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:46,266 Right, so thinking about it from that perspective 444 00:17:46,333 --> 00:17:48,300 can help you harden your home better, right? 445 00:17:48,366 --> 00:17:49,800 If I was an ember, how would I get in? 446 00:17:49,866 --> 00:17:52,500 We're starting on the foundation back here, 447 00:17:52,566 --> 00:17:54,533 and then, we'll move to the rest of the house. 448 00:17:54,600 --> 00:17:56,466 -Sounds good. -Sounds good. 449 00:17:56,533 --> 00:17:58,400 All right, Nate, how do these vents work? 450 00:17:58,466 --> 00:18:00,166 -There's two main parts to this vent. 451 00:18:00,233 --> 00:18:04,266 The back of the vent is a 304 stainless steel mesh. 452 00:18:04,333 --> 00:18:08,000 Very simply, it blocks embers for the life of the vent. 453 00:18:08,066 --> 00:18:11,533 No activation required. Repeatedly blocks embers. 454 00:18:11,600 --> 00:18:17,066 The inside of the vent is a honeycomb aluminum material 455 00:18:17,133 --> 00:18:18,800 with an intumescent coating, 456 00:18:18,866 --> 00:18:21,033 meaning that it reacts to heat. 457 00:18:21,100 --> 00:18:22,666 At imminent failure, 458 00:18:22,733 --> 00:18:26,166 when this reaches 450 to 500 degrees, 459 00:18:26,233 --> 00:18:30,200 the vent will actually puff up with a carbon layer 460 00:18:30,266 --> 00:18:33,666 and seal the vent shut, allowing the building material 461 00:18:33,733 --> 00:18:35,233 to fend off the flames. 462 00:18:35,300 --> 00:18:36,400 You don't want a hole in your building 463 00:18:36,466 --> 00:18:38,033 when there's a fire outside, right? 464 00:18:38,100 --> 00:18:41,266 -So, when that pops up, it stops all the embers? 465 00:18:41,333 --> 00:18:44,366 -No, the back of the vent, 466 00:18:44,433 --> 00:18:46,866 the stainless steel mesh, that blocks embers. 467 00:18:46,933 --> 00:18:48,833 The honeycomb intumescent material, 468 00:18:48,900 --> 00:18:51,266 that's for radiant heat and flame. 469 00:18:51,333 --> 00:18:53,900 -So, that's if the flames like right under the vent? 470 00:18:53,966 --> 00:18:55,800 Like you have flame right along your house? 471 00:18:55,866 --> 00:18:57,866 This is going to keep it from getting inside? 472 00:18:57,933 --> 00:18:59,833 -Exactly. That's your last ditch effort. 473 00:18:59,900 --> 00:19:02,133 But prior to that, when the fire's miles away, 474 00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:05,433 and there's embers flying around catching things on fire, 475 00:19:05,500 --> 00:19:07,700 this vent will just easily block embers, 476 00:19:07,766 --> 00:19:09,233 because of the stainless steel mesh. 477 00:19:09,300 --> 00:19:10,466 -Interesting. -Yeah. 478 00:19:10,533 --> 00:19:11,733 -All right, so what do we do now? 479 00:19:11,800 --> 00:19:13,233 -The first thing we did was we got 480 00:19:13,300 --> 00:19:15,100 a standard foundation vent. 481 00:19:15,166 --> 00:19:16,933 Now for the fire caulking. 482 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:22,633 -That's really to seal the air around that flange 483 00:19:22,700 --> 00:19:24,333 so no embers can get in there. 484 00:19:24,400 --> 00:19:25,566 -That's exactly right. Yeah. 485 00:19:25,633 --> 00:19:27,300 You want to make sure there's no gaps. 486 00:19:27,366 --> 00:19:28,966 -Pretty cool. 487 00:19:32,066 --> 00:19:33,766 -You get your fasteners. 488 00:19:52,166 --> 00:19:53,766 -So what do you have next, Nate? 489 00:19:53,833 --> 00:19:55,366 -Next is gutter guards. 490 00:19:55,433 --> 00:19:57,900 Gutters can fill up full of leaves. 491 00:19:57,966 --> 00:20:01,366 They become dry. Instant tinder bundle during a wildfire event. 492 00:20:01,433 --> 00:20:03,133 Place these on top of the gutter. 493 00:20:03,200 --> 00:20:04,766 It keeps leaves out. 494 00:20:04,833 --> 00:20:08,100 Water can still penetrate this because of the raised pattern, 495 00:20:08,166 --> 00:20:11,866 high performance, high flow, ignition resistant, 496 00:20:11,933 --> 00:20:15,033 and does a great job of keeping your gutters clean. 497 00:20:15,100 --> 00:20:17,166 -I think that little pattern also gives the wire 498 00:20:17,233 --> 00:20:18,566 some strength and rigidity. 499 00:20:18,633 --> 00:20:21,766 -Yeah, it also breaks surface tension of the water. 500 00:20:21,833 --> 00:20:23,833 -Ah. -So this is a micro mesh. 501 00:20:23,900 --> 00:20:26,366 It's not only aesthetically pleasing, but it's functional. 502 00:20:26,433 --> 00:20:28,866 -So, how would I maintain my gutters 503 00:20:28,933 --> 00:20:30,166 now that I have a guard on it? 504 00:20:30,233 --> 00:20:32,000 I don't obviously have to clean them out. 505 00:20:32,066 --> 00:20:33,333 Is there anything special I need to do 506 00:20:33,400 --> 00:20:35,000 with these now when they're installed? 507 00:20:35,066 --> 00:20:36,300 -In the event that there's some litter 508 00:20:36,366 --> 00:20:37,666 that could accumulate on the top 509 00:20:37,733 --> 00:20:39,700 that's not blown off by the wind, 510 00:20:39,766 --> 00:20:41,733 a little sweep and you're done. 511 00:20:41,800 --> 00:20:43,166 -Sounds easy. -Pretty easy to maintain. 512 00:20:43,233 --> 00:20:44,566 -Yeah, definitely. 513 00:20:44,633 --> 00:20:47,466 -So they look like about 5 or 6 inches for that size gutter. 514 00:20:47,533 --> 00:20:49,966 But how do you install them onto the gutter? 515 00:20:50,033 --> 00:20:51,600 -There's two edges. There's a beaded edge. 516 00:20:51,666 --> 00:20:52,833 -Yep. -It's got a little trim on it. 517 00:20:52,900 --> 00:20:55,266 Lift the shingle, place it under the shingle. 518 00:20:55,333 --> 00:20:58,533 This snaps to the front of the gutter, edge of the gutter. 519 00:20:58,600 --> 00:21:00,100 Three fasteners. 520 00:21:02,933 --> 00:21:04,433 -Well, that was simple enough. 521 00:21:04,500 --> 00:21:06,700 -On to the next run. 522 00:21:06,766 --> 00:21:08,633 This is ember mesh. 523 00:21:08,700 --> 00:21:12,700 It's a 304 stainless with a fine powder coating. 524 00:21:12,766 --> 00:21:14,566 Give it a little bit more resilience. 525 00:21:14,633 --> 00:21:16,166 We're going to skirt this deck out. 526 00:21:16,233 --> 00:21:19,133 Underneath decks is a great place for embers to hide. 527 00:21:19,200 --> 00:21:21,866 -I noticed that it's much heavier than a screening wire 528 00:21:21,933 --> 00:21:25,133 that I would use in like a storm window or something like that. 529 00:21:25,200 --> 00:21:26,433 -It is a bit heavier. 530 00:21:26,500 --> 00:21:28,600 You want it to have some structural integrity, 531 00:21:28,666 --> 00:21:31,000 so it's not easily kicked in or deforming. 532 00:21:31,066 --> 00:21:32,433 You want it to stand up. 533 00:21:33,933 --> 00:21:35,533 We're going to bury the edge of it 534 00:21:35,600 --> 00:21:37,266 so it can stay in place. -Okay. 535 00:21:38,900 --> 00:21:45,633 ♪♪ 536 00:21:45,700 --> 00:21:47,333 Nate, I gotta say, it looks good. 537 00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:49,666 All the vents are in, even the gable vent. 538 00:21:49,733 --> 00:21:52,133 You did a good job. -Yeah, it's looking really good. 539 00:21:52,200 --> 00:21:54,400 -Yeah. Thank you, Tommy and Nate, so much. 540 00:21:54,466 --> 00:21:57,000 I feel a lot of relief having this 541 00:21:57,066 --> 00:22:00,966 piece of the fire hardening all finished and so secure. 542 00:22:01,033 --> 00:22:03,533 -It's hard to believe that these simple little measures 543 00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:06,066 can protect the house the way they do. 544 00:22:06,133 --> 00:22:07,433 -Yeah, and we've seen it in action. 545 00:22:07,500 --> 00:22:09,666 Right, there's a house in Paradise, California 546 00:22:09,733 --> 00:22:12,000 that comes to mind, there was a fire, of course. 547 00:22:12,066 --> 00:22:15,133 And they had gutter guards. They had vents. 548 00:22:15,200 --> 00:22:17,733 They had done their landscaping. And they have a home today. 549 00:22:17,800 --> 00:22:20,466 But all the homes around this one particular home, 550 00:22:20,533 --> 00:22:23,200 unfortunately, were lost, so we know it works. 551 00:22:23,266 --> 00:22:24,633 I'm really happy that you did it. 552 00:22:24,700 --> 00:22:26,600 Maybe you can spread the word throughout the neighborhood. 553 00:22:26,666 --> 00:22:28,333 -Absolutely, the more everybody does it, 554 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:30,366 the more neighborhoods are protected. 555 00:22:30,433 --> 00:22:32,600 And hopefully nobody loses their house to a fire. 556 00:22:32,666 --> 00:22:34,333 -Yeah. -And we all learned a lesson. 557 00:22:34,400 --> 00:22:35,766 We sure did. -Great job, everybody. 558 00:22:35,833 --> 00:22:36,900 -Thank you, Nate. -Thank you so much. 559 00:22:36,966 --> 00:22:38,466 -All right. 560 00:22:41,333 --> 00:22:43,033 -Next time on "Ask This Old House." 561 00:22:43,100 --> 00:22:44,433 -So, this is our pool area. 562 00:22:44,500 --> 00:22:46,233 -Oh, this is an awesome space. -Nathan finds a solution 563 00:22:46,300 --> 00:22:50,166 for a sunny pool area that could use a little shade. 564 00:22:50,233 --> 00:22:53,700 Plus, we highlight two brothers who are carrying on the legacy 565 00:22:53,766 --> 00:22:55,466 of their great grandfather's 566 00:22:55,533 --> 00:22:58,700 fourth-generation landscaping business. 567 00:22:58,766 --> 00:23:02,400 And Mark helps a landlord make some safety improvements 568 00:23:02,466 --> 00:23:04,966 to her tenant's cracked concrete walkway. 569 00:23:05,033 --> 00:23:08,166 All that on "Ask This Old House."