Creating Your Outdoor Oasis: Fire-Resistant Plants and Landscaping
Welcome! I’m Ashlynne, co-owner of VP Custom Insurance Solutions.
My goal with this blog is to make insurance easier to understand—answering the questions that often go unasked and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to be an agent.
Now, let’s dive into what you came here for.
Let’s be real—living in California means wildfires are a reality we can’t ignore. But the good news is, there are steps you can take to make your home a little more resilient. One of those steps? Creating a fire-resistant landscape.
Now, no plant is completely fireproof—but some are a lot better than others when it comes to withstanding fire. Fire-resistant plants typically have higher moisture content and less sap or resin, which makes them less likely to ignite or send off sparks and embers. That can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your home.
Here's how to upgrade your landscaping with fire safety in mind:
1. Choose Your Plants Wisely
When you can, go native. Native plants are already built to handle California’s climate—including the wildfires. They’ve adapted to survive droughts and bounce back after fire. Bonus? They support pollinators and local wildlife too.
Some great options:
Succulents – Think aloe, sedum, echeveria. These are water-packed and low on flammable oils.
Perennials – Yarrow, daylilies, lavender, dusty miller, hostas, and even most bulb plants are solid picks.
Deciduous trees and shrubs – Maple, cherry, poplar, and hydrangeas are safer bets.
🚫 Skip the conifers. Most pine, spruce, and fir trees have flammable sap and seed cones. The one big exception? Redwoods—they’re surprisingly fire-resistant.
2. Go for Fire-Resistant Groundcover
Your lawn plays a role too. Grasses like ryegrass, fescue, and Bermuda are more fire-resistant—just keep them mowed and healthy. Dry, dead grass is a major fire risk.
Want to ditch grass altogether? Try these low-growing alternatives:
Creeping thyme
Ajuga
Phlox
Sedum
Wild strawberry
Or, go even simpler with gravel, decomposed granite, or stone in key areas to act as a firebreak.
3. Give Plants and Trees Breathing Room
Spacing matters—a lot. Don’t overcrowd your plants or trees. Fire loves to jump from one plant to the next when they’re packed too tightly.
Trees should be at least 10 feet apart (or more depending on their mature size).
Plant in clusters, but leave generous space between them.
Proper spacing also helps with airflow and water retention—and makes pruning way easier.
4. Water Regularly (It Matters!)
Even fire-resistant plants can become fire fuel if they’re dry or dying. Keep them hydrated—especially during those hot, dry spells.
Use soaker hoses or water low and slow at the base. Buckets and watering cans work great for targeting specific plants. The goal is deep watering at the roots, not just splashing the surface.
5. Prune & Maintain
Dead branches, dry leaves, and overgrown shrubs? Time to clean house.
Trim trees so lower branches are at least 6–10 feet off the ground.
Prune shrubs, clear dead growth, and stay on top of plant health.
Some plants, like lavender, get woody as they age—those dry branches can be dangerous.
If you’re unsure what needs cutting or when to do it, call in an arborist. Or download a plant ID app to help you figure out what’s growing in your yard and how to take care of it.
6. Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home
In many fire-prone areas, a 5-foot noncombustible zone around your home is required—and even if it’s not, it’s a smart move.
Use hardscape like stone, concrete, or gravel near the house.
Avoid dense shrubs or flammable plants close to your siding or under your eaves.
Trim back tree branches that hang near or over your roof.
Patios, walkways, and retaining walls can act as built-in firebreaks and add structure to your landscape at the same time.
7. Be a Plant Steward
A fire-resistant yard isn’t just about picking the right plants—it’s about keeping up with them, too. Regular care, watering, pruning, and smart spacing all work together to help protect your home.
Want to go a step further? Share what you’re doing with your neighbors and encourage them to do the same. Creating a fire-smart community benefits everyone.
Need help identifying plants or planning your landscape? Reach out or leave a comment—I’m happy to point you toward more resources. Let’s work together to keep our homes (and our hometowns) a little safer.
