Wildfires have been raging across Southwestern United States, highlighting the need for preventative fireproofing of landscapes. Fire-resistant landscaping is a critical proactive measure, creating a defensible yard that reduces both the risk and spread of wildfire damage reaching your house. Fireproofing yards and protecting homes is more important now than ever. Moon Valley Nurseries also offers FREE landscape assessments, to anyone in an area we operate in.
Firescaping is landscaping with fire resistant plants to defend your home from catching fire and preventing flames from spreading if any plant material does begin to burn. Fire-resistant landscaping applies the Zone Theory — explained below — to the design of the yard with the goal of limiting or stopping the spread of flames while using trees and plants that are fire-retardant, and sizzle when exposed to fire and intense heat, but rarely ignite.
Remove Dead Trees, Plants, and Debris
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One of the biggest reasons wildfires spread so quickly, especially in residential areas, is due to brush and dead plants not being properly disposed of. This dead vegetation is essentially a tinder box, resulting in devastating losses. Our first tip for firescaping your home is clearing out any brush and trimming dead branches and foliage of all trees and shrubs to minimize any potential ‘tinder boxes’ that might be hiding on your property. If pruning dead foliage or branches on your trees and plants doesn't sound too fun, our Tree Care Team is here to help.
Three Defensible Zone
- Zone 0 (0 to 5 feet from home): Create the most fire-resistant zone in the area immediately surrounding your home to prevent home ignition from blowing embers.
- Keeping branches away from your walls, staying away from climbing plants, maintaining litter in roof gutters, and keeping combustible material away from your home is key for protection.
- Keeping branches away from your walls, staying away from climbing plants, maintaining litter in roof gutters, and keeping combustible material away from your home is key for protection.
- Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet from home): Reduce heat and movement of flames by creating a "lean and clean" environment.
- Plant well-irrigated plants that are on the fire-safe list (below), use non-combustible materials for paths, and maintain trees and plants with proper tree care.
- Plant well-irrigated plants that are on the fire-safe list (below), use non-combustible materials for paths, and maintain trees and plants with proper tree care.
- Zone 2 (30+ feet from home): Decrease the energy and speed of fire by eliminating continuous, dense vegetation both vertically and horizontally.
- Vertical spacing is crucial and determined by the type and size of the trees and plants. It's best to remove all tree branches at least six feet from the ground and allow extra vertical space between shrubs and trees. A lack of this space can help fires move from the ground to tree tops, like a ladder. Horizontal space depends on the landscape slope, but trees should be spaced at least 10-20 feet apart and planted 4-10 feet apart.
- Vertical spacing is crucial and determined by the type and size of the trees and plants. It's best to remove all tree branches at least six feet from the ground and allow extra vertical space between shrubs and trees. A lack of this space can help fires move from the ground to tree tops, like a ladder. Horizontal space depends on the landscape slope, but trees should be spaced at least 10-20 feet apart and planted 4-10 feet apart.
What Makes A Plant Fire-Resistant?
While no tree or plant is fireproof, some varieties have characteristics that make them less vulnerable to fire and intense heat. Qualities like high moisture content in the leaves, limited accumulation of dead vegetation on or under the plant, non-compact branching habits, low levels of resins or oils on the plant's foliage, and extensive root systems are typically indicators of fire-resistant plants.
Fire-Resistant Trees & Plants
Some of the best fire-resistant trees and plants are most likely varieties you are familiar with or have heard about. Get a closer look below at a few of our favorites that can be found at your local Moon Valley Nurseries location.
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This special variety is grown exclusively by Moon Valley Nurseries for optimum growth and hardiness! With growth between 8 - 12 inches per year, this hedge is prized for its resilience!
With an expansive root system and tremendous growth rate, the Ficus Nitida hedge can bounce back from nearly anything, even intense heat and fire!
Majestic Ash
The Majestic Ash is a grafted seedless variety specially grown by Moon Valley Nurseries. It is prized for its shiny green foliage and quick growth rate.
The Majestic Ash's canopy is the most ideal; it is not too compact and has a high moisture content for dealing with flames and high heat.
Strawberry Tree
A strikingly beautiful, medium-sized tree that will bring year-round interest to your landscape. It's a drought-tolerant tree with lots of beauty and character.
The Strawberry tree's foliage features relatively low levels of resin and oil, meaning it will be much more resistant to fire when near fire and extreme heat.
Red Push Pistache
A beautiful deciduous shade tree that brings stunning, bright red color in the fall.
Similar to the Majestic Ash, this tree features a canopy ideal for minimizing fire damage due to its high moisture content in the foliage, the low levels of oils, and the canopy periodically dropping its dry, dead foliage.
Manzanillo Olive
A picturesque, high-quality fruit-producing tree with a billowing crown and a gnarled trunk that make it one of the most desirable plants for dry climates.
The Manzanillo Olive features a very high moisture content, as its trunk is the lifeline for water storage during its fruit-producing seasons, making it an excellent addition for fire-resistant landscaping.
Crape Myrtle
This extremely colorful, stylish tree is perfect for any homeowner looking for a splash of color. It is one of the very few landscape favorites that provides summer flowers and fall color.
Due to its deciduous nature, the Crape Myrtle offers a thin bark and minimal deal foliage. That, coupled with its ability to retain moisture, is what makes this tree great for any landscape.
Japanese Boxwood
This hardy evergreen is an excellent choice for low—to medium-formal hedges along walls or walkways.
The Japanese Boxwood is a great choice for firescaping due to its dense, moisture-rich foliage and low resin content, which help it resist ignition and slow the spread of flames.
Indian Hawthorn
This dark green shrub produces large clusters of pink flowers in mid-spring. You can let them grow naturally so that they can also be used as a colorful privacy screen.
With compact growth, low maintenance, and moisture-rich leaves, the Indian Hawthorn is less likely to ignite than most other shrubs.
Cape Plumbago
This shrub is a perfect way to add a refreshing splash of blue color to your yard. Easy to grow with fantastic evergreen foliage all year long, and light blue flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Cape Plumbago features lush, moisture-rich foliage and sprawling growth habit that helps reduce fire spread and damage.
Mexican Bush Sage
Medium-sized perennial shrub blooms breathtaking purple flowers from late spring through fall.
The Mexican Bush Sage is a smart choice for fire-resistant landscaping due to its drought tolerance, low resin content, and ability to regrow quickly after exposure to heat.
Agave varieties
Most Agave varieties have water-filled, broad leaves that allow them to thrive in hot, dry climates and easily adapt to various soils.
With fire-retardant properties like extremely high moisture content and the ability to bounce back after exposure to intense heat, agaves are ideal for firescaping.
Need Landscape Help After Fire Damage?
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