Fire pits can be placed in many different locations. Your grass is one of the main places you may want to use your fire pit. The last thing you want is for your lawn to be destroyed while you are having fun with your fire pit.
Will a fire pit kill grass? If your fire pit sits on the grass where the fire is burning, you may have some damage or even kill the grass under it. The longer you use your fire pit in the same spot, the greater the possibility of killing your grass. There are measures you can take to protect your grass.
Is it OK to put a fire pit on grass?
You can put a fire pit on grass, just take a few precautions before placing it there.
First, make sure the grass is not dry. Dry grass can catch on fire easily. Some grass becomes dry during the winter months. Dry grass can also be left when grass is cut and not picked up.
Second, your fire pit should be raised. It should not touch the ground. This will help keep the heat from scorching your grass.
Third, if you don't want the grass underneath the fire pit to die, don't use the fire pit in the same spot every time. It is best to move the fire pit around. But don't move it while it is hot.
How do I protect my grass from a fire pit?
There are a few ways to protect your grass from being damage by a fire pit.
It is best to have a fire pit with legs so that it doesn't touch the grass. This will keep the hot pit from making direct contact with your grass.
You can put bricks or pavers under the fire pit to keep it off of the grass. This will let you use the fire pit in the grass, but provide you with a separate platform to place the fire pit on. The only downside to this is you will probably kill the grass under the bricks.
Another alternative to the bricks and pavers is to use a fire pit mat. Fire pit mats are usually made of rubber. A mat will create a good insulator between your fire pit and your grass, but it may also kill the grass if you leave it in the same spot. If you don't want the grass to die under the mat, move it after each use once the fire pit has cooled.
Also, placing a heat shield between your fire pit and your grass can keep the heat from burning the grass. Some fire pits come with heat shields. If yours didn't come with a heat shield, you can create one by with a piece of aluminum or copper.
Is it safe to put mulch around a fire pit?
It's best not to put mulch around your fire pit. At least don't put it right up against it. Mulch is made of dried wood and is flammable.
If you decide to use mulch near your fire pit, be sure to take safety precautions. Don't allow guest to put hot roasting sticks into the mulch. Be sure not to remove any smoldering material from the pit and place it in the mulch. Do not toss anything on fire, like a roasted marshmallow burning, into the mulch.
As an alternative to wood mulch, you can use rubber mulch. Rubber mulch is made from old tires. It is resistant to heat. Rubber mulch will stand up better to the heat from your fire pit than wood mulch.
How far away from a house should a fire pit be?
A fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any house or structure. This is a general rule of thumb. Each municipality sets its own ordinances on burning fires. Be sure to check with your local government for specifics in your area of where you can use your fire pit.
Also, make sure you are not directly under tree branches or bushes. The heat or embers from the fire can catch them on fire if they are too close.
Will a fire pit burn grass?
It is not likely that your fire pit will burn your grass. Fire pits are made of metal or stone. The fire in your fire pit can get hot enough to melt some types of metal. Generally, to much heat will deform your fire pit, but not burn your grass.
Some fire pits come with a heat shield. The heat shield helps to protect the surface below it from being damaged by the heat coming from the pit. A heat shield will help prevent your grass from being burned.
If your fire pit is rusted through or has holes in the bottom, then you may have embers or flames come out of the bottom. This can cause your grass to burn.
How do I fix my grass that has been damaged by a fire pit?
First, you need to move your fire pit off of the spot it has damaged. Then, determine how much damage has occurred. If only a small section has been damaged, you may be able to leave it alone and the grass will grow back.
If more extensive damage has occurred, you will need to re-seed, sod, or transplant new grass to the damaged area.
Will grass damage your fire pit?
Grass, itself, will not damage your fire pit. Leaving your fire pit in the grass may expose it to elements that will damage it.
Prolong exposure to water will damage metal. Leaving your fire pit in the grass will expose it to rain, snow, and dew. Covering your fire pit will help to protect the top, but the legs will still make contact with the ground. This contact will expose your fire pits legs to moisture that will rust it.
Will the burnt wood and ashes from my fire pit hurt my grass?
Wood ash is a good source of nutrients for your soil and grass. Ashes from some processed logs may not be good for your grass. They could have chemicals in them that are not health for your yard.
If you are going to put the ashes from your fire pit in your grass or garden, be sure that they have cooled down. Placing hot ashes on your grass will damage it.
If your fire pit has burnt your grass, checkout our article on How to Fix Burnt Grass From Fire Pit.
Conclusion
Using your fire pit in your grass can be fun and safe. You can keep your grass from getting burned or damaged by the heat and fire. Be sure you don't leave your pit in the same spot. Make sure you don't have holes in the bottom of your pit. Place a fire mat under your pit to protect your grass.
Also, don't put flammable materials like mulch next to or under your fire pit. If you are going to put the ashes from your fire pit in your grass, let them cool completely.
Finally, don't worry if you burn your grass or kill it with your fire pit. It can be repaired.
