With Bonfire Night approaching, experts are urging homeowners to check seven popular garden plants that could make outdoor fires easier to spread with conifers, pampas grass, bamboo and other common plants increasing risk.
London Fire Brigade recorded 831 emergency calls on 5 November 2025, the highest Bonfire Night total in nine years and a 20% increase on the previous year. Reported incidents included an out-of-control bonfire that caused a grass fire and a tree catching fire, illustrating how quickly celebrations can affect surrounding outdoor spaces.
While many homeowners take precautions around fireworks and open flames, they may overlook potential fire hazards growing in their own gardens.
Outdoor living specialists, Crown Pavilions, say certain popular plants, trees and shrubs can contain natural oils, resins or dry foliage that may ignite more readily when exposed to sparks or flames.
Whilst the plants are not inherently dangerous. Risk depends on factors including dry or dead growth, accumulated debris, proximity to fireworks or open flames, and whether sparks can reach nearby fencing, decking or garden structures.
7 garden plants to watch out for this Bonfire Night:
To help homeowners prepare, Luke Dejahang, co-founder of Crown Pavilions, has highlighted seven garden plants to be mindful of, alongside advice on protecting outdoor spaces and restoring lawns after celebrations.
1. Conifer hedges – Conifer hedges are a popular choice for garden privacy, but dense varieties such as Leyland cypress can accumulate dead twigs and dry foliage within their branches.
Luke said: “Some conifers contain resinous material, while dry growth can provide additional fuel if sparks reach the hedge. Tall conifer hedges are particularly worth checking if they’re close to entertaining areas, fences or garden structures. Remove dead material where safe to do so and keep bonfires and fireworks well away.”
2. Pampas grass – With its tall, feathery plumes, pampas grass is a familiar feature in ornamental gardens, but its dense clumps can retain significant amounts of dry, straw-like material.
“Towards the end of the growing season, dead foliage can accumulate within pampas grass, creating material that may ignite if exposed to sparks or flames,” Luke explained. “Check for dry growth and clear loose debris from around the base, particularly if the plant is close to an outdoor seating area.”
3. Bamboo – Often used to create privacy around patios and garden buildings, bamboo can conceal dead canes and accumulated dry leaves.
“Fallen bamboo leaves can collect at the base of plants, adding combustible material, particularly where bamboo grows alongside fences or decking. Removing dead canes and clearing fallen leaves regularly can help reduce this risk.”
4. Pine trees – Pine trees contain natural resins, while dry needles can ignite readily when exposed to sufficient heat.
“Fallen pine needles can accumulate in gutters, on roofs and around garden buildings, creating additional material that could catch fire. Clear needles from outdoor surfaces where safe to do so and avoid positioning bonfires or fireworks beneath overhanging branches.”
5. Rosemary – This popular kitchen herb might seem like an unlikely fire hazard, but its aromatic leaves contain natural oils.
“Established rosemary shrubs can develop woody stems and retain dry growth, which may make them easier to ignite if sparks or flames reach the plant,” Luke warned. “Keep shrubs maintained and avoid placing fire pits or other open flames directly beside them.”
6. Eucalyptus – Known for its distinctive scent and silvery foliage, eucalyptus is a popular choice in contemporary gardens.
“Many eucalyptus species contain volatile oils within their leaves, while fallen bark and dry foliage can create additional combustible material beneath the tree. Keep the ground beneath eucalyptus trees clear of accumulated debris and avoid lighting fires or setting off fireworks beneath their branches.”
7. Juniper – Juniper is another evergreen commonly found in garden borders and landscaping.
“It’s dense, resinous foliage can trap dead growth, which may increase its susceptibility to ignition under certain conditions. Inspect established juniper shrubs for dry material and keep them away from bonfires, fire pits and other ignition sources.”
Luke continued: “When preparing for Bonfire Night, it’s easy to focus on the fireworks without considering the surrounding garden. Homeowners with garden rooms, gazebos or outdoor entertaining areas should check nearby planting, clear dry debris and keep open flames well away. These simple precautions can reduce unnecessary risks and help protect the outdoor spaces they have worked hard to create.”
How to care for your grass after a bonfire
“A bonfire might only last a few hours, but the damage it leaves behind on your lawn can be visible for months. The good news is that brown, scorched grass doesn’t always mean it’s beyond saving.
“Once the fire is completely extinguished and the ground is cold, start by carefully clearing away ash, charcoal and burnt debris. Before digging up any damaged patches, give the grass time to show signs of recovery, as the roots may still be alive even if the surface looks burnt,” he explained.
“If the grass has been completely destroyed, you may need to remove the dead turf and repair the area with fresh seed or turf. However, with Bonfire Night falling in November, I’d recommend waiting until spring if conditions are too cold or wet for the new grass to establish.
“In the meantime, try to keep foot traffic to a minimum and avoid heavy mowing around affected areas. Giving your lawn a chance to recover naturally could save you from carrying out unnecessary repairs.”