Searches for ‘can I set fireworks off in my garden?’ have soared by 5,000% as bonfire night approaches (Nov 5). As many begin planning their own at home fireworks show, not everyone will be aware of potential damages that could be costly for homeowners.
To advise homeowners, London rubbish removal company Clear It Waste have revealed their top tips to protect gardens and homes this bonfire night, as well as the costly mistake that many could make this November 5th.
3 mistakes that could cost you hundreds this Bonfire Night
Burnt lawns and damage to patios
Cost of repair – £750-£1,200
Setting off fireworks repeatedly from the same spot can cause a lot of damage to a lawn, leaving it burnt. Those who plan to have a big bonfire night at home should therefore be careful, as excessive lawn damage could end up costing hundreds to repair.
Recent figures highlight that the total installation cost of replacing lawn, including both the turf and labour costs, is approximately £15 per square metre. This means, for an average garden size of roughly 50 square metres, you could expect to spend up to £750 in total.
Those with patios should also be cautious, as fireworks can cause staining and scorch marks on concrete and stone patios, whilst any wooden decking could melt or burn. The cost of repairing or replacing patio slabs could be up to a few hundred pounds, depending on the damage caused. However, extensive damage could result in a very costly repair job, with the average new patio costing around £1,200.
Damaged Fences
Cost of repair- Up to £1,500
Setting off fireworks in your garden poses risk to fences around the property. The most dangerous and significant risk being fire damage, the wood and vinyl materials of fences is easily flammable.
Secondly, heat or burn marks could discolour or scorch fence materials, causing damage. Should extensive damage be caused to garden fences, the average price to replace one in 2025 is reported to be around £1,500.
Broken Windows
Cost of repair: £50-200
If a firework misfires, travels in an unintended direction, or if there is windy weather, there is a chance it could hit windows on the property, which could be forceful enough to break through and smash entirely. Window glass replacement costs typically range from £50 to £200 per pane, depending on the specific requirements.
Josh Clarke on behalf of London rubbish removal company Clear It Waste provides some key advice on how to protect your home and garden this bonfire night, as well as safe disposal methods:
“Many won’t consider the safety implications of at-home fireworks this bonfire night, as well as the hundreds of pounds in costs that could be incurred as a result of damage to the property. Therefore, there are key steps I recommend before beginning your bonfire night.
“Firstly, ensure that the garden is tidied up before beginning. Clean away dead grass, dry leaves, or flammable debris that may be lying around, and store away your outdoor furniture. I’d always recommend that those who want to set off their own fireworks use a hard, stable surface such as a gravelled driveway, bare soil, or a garden patio. However, as mentioned patios can still endure some damage such as stains and scorch marks, so be sure to take care with this.
“Be sure to lightly water any nearby grass roughly an hour prior to the fireworks, to reduce flammability, but take care not to over-water as this can create an unstable, muddy surface. It is also advised to have a water source very nearby, such as multiple buckets of water in case they are needed to extinguish.
“When it comes to disposing of used fireworks or sparklers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 24 hours to ensure they are properly extinguished. Once done, bag up the remains and put these in your general household waste bin, as they aren’t recyclable. Be sure to never put a hot firework straight in the bin. If you are unsure of any disposal rules, you can check your local council’s guidelines.”