Your autumn bonfire guide
Follow GN’s advice on disposing of garden material
Few seasonal events evoke as many childhood memories as an autumn bonfire: the cold night air on your face while you’re wrapped up in a warm coat and gloves; the glow and crackle of the fire, the smell of smoke as leaves crunch underfoot and a hot mug of soup in one hand with a sparkler in the other.
Nostalgia aside, a bonfire is an excellent way to get rid of garden waste, whether it’s on Bonfire Night or at any time during autumn. It also avoids having to drive garden rubbish to the tip – a process that’s
guaranteed to leave your car full of snails and creepy crawlies.
Of course, green garden waste should be composted, not burned – a bonfire of wet leaves and sappy prunings will belch more smoke than an angry volcano! But for dry plant material a bonfire is a speedy way to clear-up your garden before winter sets in. Read our guide to ensure a safe, fun bonfire.
1 Where’s the safest place for a bonfire?
In the post-war years, most domestic gardens had a bonfire area, usually at the bottom of the plot. With modern gardens being smaller, and a move towards composting instead of burning, careful consideration must be given before choosing a spot for a fire. Site well away from fences, sheds and timber decking, and avoid areas with overhanging trees, telegraph cables and power lines. Ensure that smoke can’t drift across roads and reduce visibility for traffic. Keep a hose to hand, in case the fire should flare out of control. If your hose isn’t long enough, a few buckets of water should do – but avoid filling-up garden trugs because they’ll be too heavy to lift.
2 Incinerator or open fire?
In terms of safety, incinerators win hands-down. These galvanised metal dustbins on legs are cheap (usually less than £20) and easy to light. As they come with a lid featuring an integral chimney, garden waste can be placed in the incinerator and kept dry prior to lighting, without the danger of hedgehogs hibernating inside. Once ablaze, the lid can be put back on if the fire gets too vigorous. The downside is that waste has to be cut-up small to fit and incinerators must be stood on level ground, ideally on paving slabs, to avoid scorching the earth beneath. They lack the charm of a traditional, open bonfire – but open fires are only recommended for big gardens with space to house them safely.
3 What garden waste can be burned?
Perennial weeds are a nuisance and can regenerate from tiny pieces of root if composted, so it’s best to burn them. Once cleared, leave weeds such as ground elder and bindweed to dry out a for a couple of weeks first. Brambles, rose prunings and holly also burn well. Thin branches, yew hedge trimmings, twigs and untreated wood (timber not coated with preservative or paint) will keep your fire alight – but avoid burning long twigs that will make good plant supports next season.
4 What must I avoid burning?
The government forbids burning of household waste in gardens “if it will cause pollution or harm people’s health”. This includes waste such as old plastic plant pots and propagators, as well as rubber, treated or painted wood, paint tins, car tyres and general domestic rubbish. Aerosols and batteries are a big no-no as they can explode and cause injury, while foam-filled furniture can emit toxic fumes.
5 What’s the best way to light a bonfire – and keep wildlife safe?
Wait until dusk, when neighbours’ windows are closed and washing is indoors. For incinerators, place lightly scrunched-up newspaper and dry twigs (or kindling) in the base and light. A firelighter can increase the chances of the fire taking, but never use petrol or paraffin. As the fire crackles and heat builds up, add more dry garden waste. The same process is best for an open fire; although it may be tempting to build a tower of waste, it’s best to start by getting a small base fire going, then add material. Remember that fires built in advance become attractive winter homes for hedgehogs, toads and frogs, so it’s best to build on the day the fire’s due to be lit. Otherwise, despite careful checking, there’s a risk that wildlife could be torched. Always make sure a bonfire is out before leaving it.
6 Is bonfire ash useful in the garden?
Ash contains low levels of potassium and trace elements, so don’t bin it. Once cold, sieve the ash to remove debris and screws or nails from burnt timber, then store it in a dry place. Otherwise it’ll leach nutrients. Small amounts of ash can occasionally be mixed into compost heaps where it raises the alkalinity, assisting worms in breaking down green waste. The resulting compost can be spread on the garden, but because ash has a liming effect, avoid applying this compost around acid-lovers such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Wood ash can be added directly to veg plot soil and raked-in during winter. It’s useful for raising the alkalinity of soil to prevent club root on brassicas, but don’t add it to soil where potatoes will be grown, because it can encourage potato scab. Slugs hate ash, so consider sprinkling it around vulnerable plants.
7 Be familiar with bonfire law
According to the government, there are no laws against having a bonfire in your garden, but there are laws that can be used against gardeners if bonfires become a nuisance. Local authorities can issue an abatement notice if frequent bonfires upset the neighbours. The owner of nuisance bonfires can be fined up to £5,000 if they fail to follow the rules of the abatement notice. It’s also courteous to let neighbours know if you’re planning a bonfire.