COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Seeing the destruction the Waldo Canyon Fire left behind was a wake up call for Colorado Springs homeowners on the importance of fire mitigation.

One homeowner got an estimate and an education on the do's and don'ts of combustible vegetation.

First thing, get an estimate and a proper understanding of foliage surrounding your home.

"We look for proximity to structure, limbs, trees, over hangs, what's on your ground as far as ground cover," Alexandra Scholan of Tall Timbers Tree Service said.

Large leaf layers and mulch are a big don't. The small wood chips can create hot spots, then smolder and re-ignite long after the flames of the original fire have been knocked down.

"It would be irresponsible not to take care of the issues that are out there in regard to the dry foliage around the house," Steve Dant, a concerned Colorado Springs homeowner, said.

Plants that sit close to the ground are highly combustible.

So, use rocks instead of scrub oak for landscaping within 30 feet of your house.

Then reduce ladder fuel by cutting your trees into a canopy formation to maintain any possible fires at ground level.

Remember, any bit of mitigation can give your home that extra bit of buffer in the heat of a fire.