Fire Smart Plants

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How to Choose Plants for Your Yard

In UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 8695, Valachovic, Quarles, and Swain* raise the question: "Can a plant be considered 'fire safe'?" Although certain plants are marketed as "fire safe" or "fire resistant," all plants can burn under specific conditions, regardless of their classification. The combustibility of a plant is more influenced by its environment and maintenance than its designation as fire safe or not. For instance, a well-watered plant may exhibit robust growth, while a stressed or drought-affected plant might have stunted growth and accumulate dead materials. Consequently, a species may be relatively fire resistant in one setting and less so in another.

Fire-smart landscaping involves selecting and maintaining plants strategically to resist the spread of fire to your home. The key to a fire-smart landscape lies in careful maintenance and design, which often outweigh the importance of the plant species itself. However, certain plants labeled as "fire-hazardous" burn readily and should be avoided in residential landscaping.

View the photo albums below or download the following:

Plant List - San Mateo County.

Plant List for the Town of Portola Valley. (courtesy of Conservation Committee)

Low Fire Hazard California Native Plant List. (courtesy of Conservation Committee)

Native Ferns
Contains 4 Photo(s)
Native Groundcovers, Bunchgrasses
Contains 11 Photo(s)
Native Perennials
Contains 12 Photo(s)
Native Shrubs
Contains 18 Photo(s)
Native Shrubs (Riparian or Irrigated Areas)
Contains 7 Photo(s)
Native Trees
Contains 6 Photo(s)
Native Trees (Riparian or Irrigated Areas)
Contains 5 Photo(s)

Key Elements of Firescaping

Fire-Resistant Plants

Proper Plant Placement

Hardscaping Features

Mulch

Regular Maintenance

Community Collaboration

Benefits of Firescaping

Enhanced Safety: The primary objective of firescaping is to establish a protective buffer zone around homes and structures, mitigating the immediate threat of wildfires. Implementing fire-resistant landscaping techniques empowers homeowners to considerably diminish the risk of property damage and elevate overall safety.

Environmental Stewardship: Firescaping frequently involves the utilization of native, drought-tolerant plants, contributing to the conservation of water resources. Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced ecosystem supports local wildlife and enhances biodiversity.

Aesthetic Allure: Contrary to the misconception that fire-resistant landscaping compromises visual appeal, firescaping can be aesthetically pleasing. Thoughtful plant selection and design can yield beautiful, resilient landscapes that augment property value.

Firescaping epitomizes a proactive and sustainable approach to wildfire prevention. By embracing this method, individuals and communities can significantly diminish the susceptibility of their homes to wildfires while concurrently fostering environmental consciousness. In the face of the escalating threat of wildfires, adopting firescaping emerges as a pragmatic and effective strategy for safeguarding lives, properties, and the natural landscape.