Thoughtful landscaping around the home is essential for reducing risk in the event of a wildland fire. Regular watering and maintenance of your landscape helps create and sustain defensible space around your property.

Although all plants can burn under the right conditions, some are more FIRE-PRONE than others, while some are considered more FIRE-RESISTANT. Incorporating fire-resistant vegetation, along with proper maintenance, is key to reducing the risk of home loss.

General Maintenance Recommendations

Regular upkeep is essential for reducing wildfire risk. Key practices include:

• Cleaning roofs and gutters to remove leaves and debris
• Watering plants located near the home
• Raking and removing dry leaves, pine needles, and other debris
• Pruning trees and shrubs to maintain healthy spacing

General Landscaping Guidelines

Firewise landscaping focuses on creating defensible space and reducing fuel sources around the home. Consider the following:

• Maintain appropriate plant height and spacing
• Incorporate hardscape features such as patios and walkways to serve as firebreaks
• Prevent “ladder fuels” by removing lower branches and spacing vegetation vertically
• Select fire-resistant plants appropriate for each zone around the home.

Plant selection is a key part of fire-resistant landscaping. Choose plants with fire-resistant characteristics:

• High moisture content in leaves for slower ignition
• Minimal dead or dry material buildup
• Open branching structure
• Low plant density (fewer leaves and branches)
• Slow growth habits requiring less maintenance
• Non-resinous plant material
• Avoidance of highly flammable species such as juniper, pine, spruce, fir, and arborvitae