With the winter’s wetter season approaching, now is a good time to plant new or transplant existing plants in your landscape. While there are no fire-resistant plants since all plants can burn, there are aspects to consider when selecting plants to include in your fire-smart landscape. Plant spacing, size, distance from structures
(zones), and maintenance are important considerations.
CONSIDER:
● Plants that have a higher moisture content, lower resin or sap content, and less volatile oils.
● Low-growing plants and plants that don’t produce excessive amounts of dry, combustible vegetation that can act as fuel for fires.
● California native plants that are well adapted to your climate and ecosystem which will be more likely to thrive without excessive watering and maintenance, reducing fire risk.
● Horizontal and vertical spacing between plants and hardscape features that separate plant groupings to break up the path of fire.
AVOID PLANTS THAT:
● Tend to build up dead thatch inside or under a green surface layer.
● Produce and shed excessive dead, dry, or fine debris.
● Create fire ladders such as vines or shrubs that grow beneath trees and create vertical pathways for fire to climb.
● Are invasive.
For more information on Fire Smart Landscaping from the Marin Master Gardeners, click here.
