How to Prepare and Protect Your Outdoor Space
Summer is the season for sizzling burgers, laughter with friends and relaxed evenings outdoors. But before you fire up the BBQ or light that fire pit, take a moment to prep your garden properly. Without a little forward planning, what starts as a perfect garden gathering can end with burnt grass, scorched fences, or even an unexpected fire hazard.
Here’s how to BBQ safely while keeping your garden looking its best and how to repair your lawn if things do go a little crispy!
Fire Safety First: Preparing Your Garden
Before the guests arrive and the BBQ is lit, check off these essential safety and protection steps:
1. Pick the Right Spot
- Place your BBQ or fire pit on flat, stable ground
- Keep it well away from fences, sheds, overhanging branches and anything flammable
- A good rule of thumb is at least 1.5–2 metres clearance on all sides
2. Shield Your Grass or Patio
- Protect your lawn by placing the BBQ or fire pit on a heat-resistant mat, paving slab or metal tray. These act as a barrier to prevent scorched grass or grease patches
- Avoid placing it directly on the grass, even if it’s just for a short period as heat radiates downward and can kill the turf beneath
3. Wet Surrounding Fences and Hedges
- Lightly hose down fences or dry hedges nearby before you start. This helps prevent them from catching alight if a spark flies
- Re-wet occasionally during a long cookout, especially during heatwaves or dry spells
4. Keep a Water Source or Extinguisher Nearby
- A bucket of water, garden hose, or fire extinguisher should always be close to hand
- Don’t forget to keep a lid for your BBQ nearby too as it can help smother flames in an emergency
Garden-Friendly BBQ Setups
If you’re a frequent BBQ-er or love a fire pit night, consider investing in:
- A dedicated BBQ station (made with stone, bricks, or metal) away from grass and flammable materials
- Portable fire pits with legs to lift them off the ground
- Grease trays and splash guards to protect nearby plants and surfaces
How to Repair Lawn Burn After a BBQ or Fire Pit
Even with the best prep, accidents happen. Maybe someone moved the BBQ mid-party, or a hot coal made a break for it. Here’s what to do if your grass gets scorched:
Don’t Panic: It’s Usually Superficial
Most BBQ burns only affect the blades of grass, not the roots.
The lawn often recovers naturally within a few weeks as the underground root system remains healthy and will push up fresh shoots.
Encourage Faster Recovery
If you want to give your grass a little helping hand:
- Remove charred debris or clumped ash with a rake
- Lightly aerate the soil with a fork to improve airflow and drainage
- Overseed the area using grass seed that matches your lawn
- Apply a light fertiliser (preferably high in nitrogen) to promote regrowth
- Water regularly, keeping the soil moist until the new grass takes hold
- You can also lightly raise the area by adding a small amount of topsoil
Tip: Avoid mowing the area until the new grass is at least 2–3 inches tall.
A Beautiful Garden and Safe BBQ Can Coexist
Hosting a BBQ doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your lawn or risking fire damage. With a few simple precautions like shielding your grass, wetting nearby structures and having a safety plan, you can protect your garden and enjoy a relaxing, worry-free time.
And if your lawn does get singed? A little patience (and maybe some grass seed) is all it takes to bring it back greener than ever.
Need some grass seed to help its recovery along? See our full range of seeds here.