Regenerate LA: Creating Beautiful, Fire-Resistant Landscapes
Fire-resilient landscaping isn’t just about picking the “right” combination of fire-resistant plants and mulch. It’s only by thinking with holistic ecosystem health in mind that we create landscapes that are truly climate-resilient.
March 27, 2025
The wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in early January were a powerful reminder of our region’s vulnerability to climate change.
Fueled by weather whiplash, hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, and dense, dry vegetation left over from the previous winter, the fires spread quickly, forcing more than 200,000 people to evacuate and destroying over 18,000 homes and structures.
By the time the fires were contained at the end of the month, entire neighborhoods had been destroyed, and thousands of Angelenos were left wondering how to rebuild—not just their homes, but their landscapes and communities.
In the aftermath, one question has become more pressing than ever: How can we better safeguard our homes against future climate disasters?
For years, the standard advice has been to remove as much vegetation as possible, cover everything in gravel, and hope for the best. But here’s the truth: a bare landscape isn’t a fireproof one. In fact, stripping away all plant life can make fires worse by increasing heat and creating conditions that allow flames to spread even faster.
This is where fire-resilient landscaping comes in. Instead of working against nature, this method works with it, creating outdoor spaces that slow fire spread, reduce wind-driven embers, and keep soil and plant life healthy—all while maintaining beauty, biodiversity, and water efficiency. By making ecologically-sound, water-smart, and sustainable landscaping choices —you can create a space that not only protects your home but also helps regenerate LA’s natural ecosystems.
*Note: The information below was presented by Pamela Berstler, CEO of Green Gardens Group, who partnered with us to present Regenerate LA: A Workshop on Fire-Resilient Landscaping, sponsored by LADWP. For even more information and additional resources, check out the full recording at the bottom of this page.
Another quick note: Much of the existing guidance for fire-resilient landscaping was developed with larger properties in mind; in denser urban areas, adjustments are necessary to effectively create defensible space within a smaller footprint.
Photo Credit: Green Gardens Group
Rethinking Fire Resilience: A Watershed Approach
Before we get into it, let’s clear up a common myth: fire-resilient landscaping isn’t just about picking the “right” combination of fire-resistant plants and mulch. Even Joshua Tree National Park, a naturally sparse desert ecosystem with many of the features traditionally considered “fire-resistant,” still suffered a devastating wildfire back in 2021. In reality, true fire-resilience comes from cultivating a healthy, balanced landscape. It’s only by thinking holistically and with biodiversity and ecosystem health in mind that we create landscapes that are truly resilient to the challenges of our changing climate.
This is where Watershed-Wise Approach comes in.
Some features of watershed-wise landscaping include:
Healthy soil that absorbs water like a sponge, keeping plants hydrated and reducing fire risk.
Rainwater capture and storage that replenishes groundwater instead of flowing into storm drains.
Native plants that thrive with minimal irrigation, support biodiversity, and enhance fire resistance.
Efficient irrigation systems that deliver water directly to roots, reducing waste and preserving moisture where it’s needed most.
Relatedly, we also need to rethink our relationships to wildlands and fire suppression. For thousands of years, moderate fires helped maintain California’s ecosystems. However, over a century of fire suppression policies have thrown this balance out of sync. Instead of low-intensity, regenerative burns, we now see larger, more destructive wildfires fueled by overgrown, drought-stressed landscapes. To break this dangerous cycle, we need to rethink how we manage land and design our communities.
Thankfully, we can start this process right in our own backyards!
How Fire Spreads (And How to Disrupt It)
To build a truly fire-resilient yard, you need to know what you’re up against. Wildfires spread in three key ways:
Wind-blown embers – The leading cause of home ignition, often traveling up to a mile ahead of the main fire and igniting vulnerable materials like dry vegetation, mulch, or debris near structures.
Continuity of fuel – When flammable materials (like plants, fences, or wooden structures) create a direct pathway for flames to reach a home.
Radiant heat – When intense heat from nearby burning structures or vegetation raises temperatures enough to ignite a home, even if flames don’t directly touch it.
Photo Credit: Ward DeWitt
When designing a fire-resilient yard, your job is to disrupt these pathways. That means spacing plants out, maintaining moisture, and creating firebreaks (aka, natural gaps in vegetation that slow fire down).
Zoning for Fire Resilience
Photo Credit: Green Gardens Group
The first thing we want to think about is something called fuel modification zones. These zones are areas around your home that reduce fire risk through strategic design.
A well-planned fire-resilient landscape is divided into three key zones:
Zone 0: The Immediate Home Perimeter (0–5 Feet from Your Home)
This is the most critical zone, as embers can land here and ignite nearby materials. The goal is to eliminate flammable materials and create a defensible space around your home.
Best practices for this zone:
Use hardscape—gravel, decomposed granite, stone pavers, or concrete pathways create a fire-resistant barrier.
Limit plants—if you want greenery, opt for low-growing, moisture-rich species like succulents or well-irrigated native ground covers.
Avoid plastic or flammable furniture – Use metal, stone, or other non-combustible materials for outdoor seating and décor to prevent embers from igniting nearby objects or leaching toxins into the ground.
Install metal flashing and gutter guards – Prevent embers from collecting in vulnerable areas like roof edges and gutters.
Cover vents with 1/8” metal screens to prevent embers from blowing in.
Install double-paned tempered glass windows – Standard windows can shatter from radiant heat, exposing your home to fire. Tempered glass withstands heat longer and also improves insulation and soundproofing.
Photo Credit: Green Gardens Group
Zone 1: The Mid-Yard (5–30 Feet from Your Home)
This area acts as a buffer between your home and the outer landscape, designed to slow fire spread while allowing for more planting options.
Best practices for this zone:
Remove dead vegetation & maintain plants – Regularly clear dry brush, trim shrubs, and cut back grasses to reduce flammable materials.
Use planting beds with pathways in between – Instead of continuous vegetation, arrange plants in defined beds with gravel, stone, or mulch pathways in between to break up fuel continuity.
Select plants that prevent erosion – On slopes or loose soil, choose deep-rooted plants like Ceanothus, Buckwheat, and Asters to stabilize the land and help filter toxins after a fire.
Photo Credit: Green Gardens Group
Zone 2: The Outer Edges (30–100 Feet from Your Home)
This area serves as a buffer between your home and surrounding wildland, helping to reduce fire intensity before it reaches more vulnerable areas.
Best practices for this zone:
Avoid and remove highly flammable species such as Eucalyptus, Pines, and Junipers; instead opt for more resilient plants like Coast Live Oak and Sycamore.
Fire-Safe ≠ Water Wasteful
Another major misconception about fire-resistant landscaping is that it requires excessive watering or expensive irrigation systems. The truth is a well-designed fire-smart landscape is also highly water-efficient.
At first, this might seem counterintuitive. Fire needs dry fuel, so wouldn’t a landscape soaked with water be the safest option? While moisture is key to plant resilience, the goal isn’t to overwater your yard, but rather to keep the soil and vegetation hydrated in a sustainable way.
How Water Efficiency and Fire Safety Can Work Together
Drip Irrigation - Unlike traditional sprinkler systems that spray water inefficiently, drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and ensuring that plants receive exactly what they need—no more, no less. This method is especially effective for native and drought-tolerant plants, which require deep but infrequent watering to establish strong root systems.
Native Plants - California native plants are naturally adapted to periods of drought and intense heat, making them the perfect foundation for a fire-smart, water-wise landscape.
Cisterns - During a wildfire, municipal water systems can become strained, pressurized water access can drop, and in extreme cases, taps can run dry. Having your own dedicated water source—especially one that doesn’t rely on city infrastructure, like an above-ground, solar-powered cistern—can make a huge difference in both fire preparedness and long-term water conservation.
Fire Protection – If there’s a fire on the horizon, having stored water allows you to run irrigation preemptively, keeping your landscape hydrated and reducing flammability. In an emergency, firefighters can even access your cistern water if needed.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, fire-resilient landscaping doesn't have to be about xeriscaping or removing all plants. In fact, the best fire-smart landscapes are lush, vibrant, and full of life—just designed in a way that slows fire instead of fueling it.
When done right, the result is a yard that isn’t just safer, but also creates a thriving habitat for pollinators and a water-efficient oasis. By making thoughtful choices in our own backyards, we’re not just protecting our homes—we’re helping to create a safer, more climate-smart Los Angeles.
FAQ
1. Is it okay to have mulch in the 0–5 foot zone around my home, or should I avoid it altogether?
Mulch is not recommended in the first five feet around your home. Even outside of fire concerns, having wood mulch against your house isn’t ideal, especially if your home has any wood construction.
Instead, this area is best suited for permeable hardscape, such as decomposed granite, pavers, or stone. If you prefer greenery, you can opt for low-growing, well-irrigated ground covers planted with drip irrigation.
2. What’s the issue with artificial turf? Isn’t it a low-maintenance alternative?
Artificial turf might seem like a fire-resistant option, but it comes with several problems:
It’s made of plastic, which means it can melt and release toxic fumes in extreme heat.
It can reach temperatures up to 180°F on hot days, making it uncomfortable for pets and people, often requiring extra water just to cool it down and negating any supposed water savings.
Over time, microplastics from artificial turf leach into the environment, contributing to soil and water pollution.
Additionally, turf replacement rebates do not apply to artificial turf, as many cities are moving toward banning it altogether due to its environmental impact.
3. Are there native trees and shrubs that can act as a fire break around my house?
Yes! Certain native trees and shrubs are not only fire-resistant but can also serve as a natural fire break. Look for plants with:
Thick, waxy, or evergreen leaves (which retain moisture).
Low flammability and slow-burning properties.
Regular pruning and maintenance are essential to prevent excess dry material from accumulating inside shrubs, ensuring they remain an asset rather than a fire risk.
For those in the City of LA, City Plants offers free trees to city residents—a helpful resource, especially for fire-impacted communities. Learn more at cityplants.org.
4. Are there rebates for fire-safe landscaping?
Yes! Many local agencies, including LADWP, offer rebates to support sustainable, fire-resilient landscaping.
Turf Replacement Rebate – In partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) SoCal Water $mart Rebate Program, LADWP residential and commercial customers can receive $5 per square foot to replace traditional grass with a sustainable, low-water-use landscape.
Rain Barrel & Cistern Rebates – LADWP offers rebates starting at $35 per rain barrel and $250 per cistern to encourage rainwater collection and reuse.
For additional fire safety, check out CAL FIRE’s Home Hardening resources to learn how to better protect your home against wildfires: fire.ca.gov/home-hardening
