Landscape Architects have the expertise and knowledge to select fire-resistant plants, structure the landscape to create fire breaks, and incorporate fire-resistant materials. Working with our landscape architects can help ensure that your project is not only beautiful and functional but also safe and fire-resistant.
New fire regulations for southern California will impact landscape projects in the following ways:
- Limiting the use of certain plants that are highly flammable or combustible, such as some types of eucalyptus or juniper
- Requiring the creation of defensible space around homes and buildings, which may involve removing vegetation or designing the landscape to create fire breaks
- Requiring the use of fire-resistant materials for hardscaping, such as concrete, brick, or stone
- Requiring the use of fire-resistant plants, such as succulents or other water-retaining plants that are less likely to catch fire
- Requiring the use of mulch that is less flammable, such as shredded bark or wood chips that have been treated with a fire retardant.
- Strict county and city “Fuel Modification Plan” approval process
Ways that Landscape Architects can help you:
- Incorporating fire-resistant plants that are less likely to catch fire and strategically placing plant material that reduces the “fuel ladder” and decreases the spread of fire
- Creating defensible space around buildings by removing flammable vegetation and structuring the landscape to create fire breaks
- Using non-combustible materials for hardscaping, such as concrete, brick, or stone
- Using mulch that is less flammable or treated with fire retardant
- Creating a water-efficient irrigation system to maintain healthy plants while minimizing the risk of fire
- Navigating complex submittal processes to get your “Fuel Modification Plans” approved, deeming your project “fire safe”
