Landscaping for a Firesafe Environment

Fire-resistant plants are plants that don't readily ignite from flames or other ignition sources. Though fire-resistant plants can be damaged or killed by fire, their foliage and stems don't contribute significantly to the fuel -- and therefore the fire's intensity. "Fire-resistant" does not mean fire-proof. Plants that are fire-resistant have the following characteristics:

Leaves are moist and supple
Plants have little dead wood and tend not to accumulate dry, dead material within the plant.
Sap is water-like and does not have a strong odor

Most deciduous trees and shrubs are fire-resistant. However, it's important to remember that even fire-resistant plants can burn, particularly if they are not maintained in a healthy condition.

In contrast, plants that are highly flammable have these general characteristics:

Contain fine, dry or dead material (twigs, needles, and leaves) within the plant
Leaves, twigs, and stems contain volatile waxes, terpenes, or oils
Leaves are aromatic (strong smell when crushed)
Sap is gummy and resinous and has a strong odor
May have loose or papery bark

Both ornamental and native plants can be highly flammable. One highly flammable ornamental shrub often planted in home landscapes is ornamental juniper. Highly flammable native shrubs include bitterbrush, manzanita, sagebrush, and ceanothus. Avoid planting these plants around your home.

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