New California Classics: Landscape Resilience

With wildfires an ever-increasing threat to homes in California and beyond, we need a new paradigm for fire-resilient gardens in fire-prone areas. Smart landscaping practices as well as plant selection and location are key. Keeping a well-maintained and well-irrigated garden can go a long way to promoting fire safety.

It’s important to follow guidelines for use of more fire-resilient plants near structures. State and local fuel-modification plant lists outline types of plants and trees that are safer to use around buildings. Factors such as size, moisture content, leaf litter production and fuel load are all factors that contribute
to fire resilience in plants. Also, maintaining adequate separation between plants is crucial to eliminating fire “ladders,” where fire can spread from understory plants into tree canopies (vertical laddering) and among a continuous blanket planting of shrubs and trees (horizontal laddering). Planting “lean” with spacing between plant groupings is desired.

While these measures are something of a departure from historic practice, they are by no means so restrictive that they preclude the design of beautiful, lush-feeling and inviting gardens. Low herbaceous plants can be used around the house. Within 10 feet of the building, the list widens to non-woody shrubs, selected perennials and grasses. Occasional woody plants can be used as desired, if appropriately spaced. Selected patio-scale trees are also acceptable in this zone. Potted plants can be used directly around the house to soften walls of the home.

Additionally, a textured and layered use of simply or richly detailed (depending on architectural style) landscape materials including hardscape (gravel, decomposed granite, stone, brick and concrete) paving and walls and Class A fire-rated wood or high-density hardwoods for elements such as gates, fences, decks and metal (steel, powder-coated metal, corten) can contribute to a pleasing and visually inviting fire-resilient garden. Water features also add a delightful sense of coolness and calm. Pools can be outfitted with a water pump to provide a water source during a fire. In the Palisades and Altadena, there is a robust heritage of architectural styles. With creativity and good planning, I believe we can preserve the traditions of the gardens of those architectural styles in the paradigm of a resilient future.

-Story by Patricia Benner

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