Reno, NV - The wet winter we had this year is fueling predictions of a bad fire season. That's why it's more important than ever to make sure what you plant around your home will help keep it safe from a fire.

Jon Bruyn is known as 'The Plant Doctor' at Moana Nursery, and he says what you plant could mean the difference between saving your home, or watching it burn.

"The lilacs would be a good shrub, spiraea, barberry, are all good choices, they're mostly deciduous shrubs, and they have a lower burn point," said Bruyn.

He says roses and lilies are also good plants for fire-prone areas.

As a general rule, plants that hold more water in their stems and leaves are best.

"Most often, they'll smolder if they catch on fire, rather than turn into a blazing inferno," said Bruyn.

Some plants, like pines and junipers, are bad for fire-prone areas.

"When it catches on fire, it burns extremely high and the radiant heat from that will catch the studs inside your house on fire, through your siding. So, if you have stucco, it's not a protection," said Bruyn.

He says it's OK to plant pines and junipers, just make sure they're at least 25 feet away from your home.

It's not just what you plant, maintenance is important, too.

"Clearing away the grasses that are dying off, that are becoming an easy ignitable fuel point, keeping proper planting in perspective, you know, you don't want to crowd a bunch of plants in. That's going to give you a brush fire source," said Bruyn.

This year, at all Moana Nursery locations, you can pick up a free booklet called, "Choosing the Right Plants," to help keep your home safe.

For more information on the best plants for your garden, if you live in a fire-prone area, see Moana Nursery's fact sheet, Defensible Space and Fire Resistant Plants

Another state resource is the Nevada Division of Forestry's website, LivingWithFire.com.