Fire Resistant Landscaping
What is it?
Fire safe or fire resistant landscaping is a Landscaping technique used and popularized by high risk fire zones or areas that have been previously affected by a wildfire. Fire Safe Landscaping goes beyond just maintaining, although important, plant choice also plays a large role in your overall resistance towards flames and embers.
Spacing
To reduce fire risk, place high-resin or dense plants away from your home, as they can trap embers. Keep the area around structures clean by regularly removing fallen leaves and branches. Maintain a defensible space, especially if using fast-growing or large-leafed plants. While native, drought-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly plants are beneficial, their fire resistance varies, so choose plant types carefully.
Maintenance
To improve your garden’s wildfire resistance:
Water and fertilize properly to keep plants healthy and less fire-prone.
Prune regularly and clean up debris to reduce fuel for fires.
Use drip irrigation and non-combustible mulch (like rock) near the home.
Avoid flammable mulches close to structures, as they increase fire risk.
Use compost as a safer, less flammable alternative to traditional mulch.
Fire Safe Plants
Not all “fire-safe” plants are equally resistant to fire. While some may be labeled as “fire-safe” or “fire-resistant,” their actual risk of burning can vary greatly depending on how they’re maintained and the environment they’re in. A plant that’s well-watered tends to be healthier, holds onto its leaves longer, and is generally less flammable. In contrast, plants under stress from drought or poor soil conditions can become more flammable due to stunted growth and an accumulation of dry, dead material.
Over time, even low-risk plants can become more dangerous. For example, lavender may start off lush and green but become woody and flammable as it ages. It’s also important to be aware of thatch—layers of dead material that can build up beneath green foliage and ignite easily. Lastly, maintaining proper vertical clearance by trimming lower branches and keeping them off the ground is a key step in reducing fire risk. In short, good plant care and thoughtful landscape maintenance are essential for fire safety.