How to Build a Landscape That Fights Back Against Flames
San Diego County is experiencing dry conditions, which are elevating wildfire risk for both commercial and residential properties in our region. With more than 60 percent of all properties in San Diego County located in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, the risk of wildfire devastation is real.
Contrary to popular belief, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are not just limited to rural areas in San Diego County. These zones also include suburban communities such as Carmel Valley and Scripps Ranch, as well as urban neighborhoods like North Park and South Park. Many homeowners and business owners remain unprepared.
Over the last 20 years, the amount of land burned by wildfire has increased. In fact, 15 of the last 20 largest wildfires in California history have happened since 2000. Ten of the most destructive and costly wildfires have occurred since 2015.
It’s essential for homeowners and commercial property owners to take a proactive approach to protect their property from wildfires. Start by clearing flammable vegetation, maintaining rooflines and gutters, and creating a fire-defensible space. Take action now to reduce risk and protect your investment.
Fortunately, a fire-safe landscape can be very attractive and add curb appeal while helping create a fire-defensible zone for your property. Fire-safe landscaping requires removing some plants and replacing them with fire-resistant plants. By making thoughtful choices, you can enhance your home's safety and beauty at the same time.
Fire Resistant Plant Characteristics
Before we dig into our fire-resistant plant recommendations, let’s discuss the attributes of fire-resistant plants. First off, we must note that no plant is completely fireproof. Under the right conditions, any plant can ignite. That said, some plants have qualities that make them less prone to ignition. These qualities include:
- Keep your yard and landscape well-maintained by removing dead branches. Remove leaf litter beneath plants.
- Low levels of resins or volatile oils on the branches, stems, and leaves
- Remove densely crowded branches
- Leaves with high moisture content
- Extensive root systems (more likely to bounce back after fire damage)
How about trees? Which trees are best for fire-resistance? If you’re looking to add a tree or two to your property, opt for deciduous trees instead of evergreen, especially trees that have fine needles, as these types of evergreens have a high resin content. Evergreen trees with high resin content include pine and juniper trees. For deciduous trees, opt for Western Redbud, Flowering Plum/Cherry, and Big Leaf Maple.
Of course, you can’t ignore succulents, especially those with thick, fleshy leaves. Consider adding ice plants and sedum around your property.
Tips: For fire-resistant landscapes, avoid plants that die back in winter. Plants like tall ornamental grasses leave highly combustible dried leaves and stems above the ground. Trees with peeling papery bark should also be avoided.
Fire-Resistant Plants to Consider
Agave (Agave spp.)
Agaves are an aesthetically pleasing plant, and larger varieties make an excellent addition to commercial and residential properties. These beauties have thick and broad, water-filled leaves making them ideal for San Diego County.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
You can use these fire-resistant plants as hedging or screening plants. Their attractive spring blooms make them a crowd-pleaser wherever they’re planted.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox sublata)
Plant this ground-hugging plant in your landscape and come springtime, you’ll enjoy flowers in shades of pink, lavender, rose, or purple.
Hardy Ice Plant (Delosperma spp.)
With a name like ice plant, you know it’s going to be a great plant that fights back against flames. These succulents bloom brightly colored flowers from early summer to fall.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
These drought-tolerant plants make an attractive addition to landscapes. While they are fire-resistant, removing any dead or damaged is crucial to ensure fire resistance and keep them healthy. Fortunately, these plants require little pruning and are very low maintenance.
We've only covered a few varieties. However, there are many fire-resistant plants, including trees, shrubs, and groundcovers that are ideal for both residential and commercial properties in San Diego.
- Create a fire defensible space within 30 feet of your property. Remove any dead or dry vegetation and prune back any overgrown trees.
- Keep plants well hydrated. Consider installing a drip irrigation system
- Add zones that are vegetation-free. These zones can act as barriers to better control rapidly spreading fires.
- Plant fire-resistant plants
Experience Quality Service The Difference...Is Growing
From weed abatement services to landscape maintenance and design, Westturf has you covered. If you're searching for a new landscape maintenance service company for your HOA, apartment community, or commercial property, look no further than Westturf Landscape Management Inc. We have enhanced and maintained landscapes in Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and throughout San Diego County since 1972. Our crew takes pride in ensuring your community looks pristine, while providing viable solutions that can save you money.
Are you ready to partner with a landscape maintenance service company that can take your property to new heights? Here's how: Contact us at 760-650-3120 or send us a message.
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Do you have a landscaping project in mind? is it time for a new HOA landscaping company? Westturf Landscape Management is ready to help. We offer a wide range of services, from synthetic turf installation to weed and brush clearance and complete landscape transformations. When it comes to quality, efficient landscaping services, we have you covered.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120