Defensible Space Zones
A resilient landscape is fire-wise, water wise and promotes biodiversity by using California native plants. These gardens use sustainable practices, approach plant selection and maintenance to reduce the risk of fire in the defensible space zone.
Resilient gardens save water, protect us from fire and promote biodiversity.
Defensible Space Zones
Defensible space is the area maintained around homes, roads, and driveways to reduce the intensity of an approaching wildfire while protecting structures and people from flames, heat, and embers. 


Within the 100’ defensible space area there are typically three zones with different approaches to landscape design and plant selection. Consider the species, height, and width at maturity when selecting new plants.

ZONE 0: 0-5’ from the house, the Ember Defense Zone

This area starts at your roof and extends 5 feet from walls. Wind borne embers are your home’s biggest threat! 

  1. Use only inorganic, non-combustible mulches such as stone, or gravel. This is also a good place for brick or stone pathways.
  2. Remove combustible outdoor furniture. Replace with metal or non-combustible varieties.
  3. Replace jute or natural fiber doormats with heavy rubber mats or metal grates.
  4. Remove or relocate all combustible materials including garbage and recycling containers, lumber, trash, and patio accessories.
  5. Clean up all fallen leaves and needles.
  6. No vegetation is recommended within 5’ of any structure.
  7. Remove tree limbs that extend into this zone. Tree branches that overhang the roof can remain if 6’ from roof and 10’ from chimney.
  8. Do not store firewood, lumber or combustibles here, especially under decks or overhangs. Move stored combustibles inside or at least 30’ from any structure.
  9. Hardscaping such as gravel walkways is recommended around the base of structures.

ZONE 1: 5-30' from the house, the “Lean, Clean, and Green” zone

Zone 1 extends 5 to 30 feet out from buildings, decks, and other structures. Keep this area "Lean, Clean, and Green" and be sure to maintain it regularly throughout the fire season! Use mostly plants that are 3’ tall or less at maturity. A few larger shrubs or small trees are acceptable if they are well spaced. This is also a great place for patios and other hardscaping, herbaceous perennials, and groundcovers.

  1. Mow and/or remove all dead grasses, weeds, plants, and foliage from woody plants.
  2. Remove fallen branches and minimize fallen leaves, twigs and cones.
  3. Remove “Gorilla Hair” or shredded bark mulch. Use only composted wood chips or heavy bark mulch to maintain soil moisture or for erosion control.
  4. Keep ALL plants healthy and well hydrated.
  5. Provide spacing between shrubs or groupings of shrubs. Add space on steeper slopes. See fuel breaks.
  6. Remove tree limbs 6’ from the ground.
  7. Remove branches that are within 10’ of chimneys. If limbs overhang, make sure to clean the roof and gutters regularly during fire season.
  8. Move firewood & lumber out of Zone 1.
  9. Remove combustibles around and under decks and awnings.
  10. Maintain or remove vegetation adjacent to fences, outdoor furniture, play structures.
  11. Remove organic mulch at least 3’ from any structure such as a fence or outbuilding.
  12. Outbuildings, sheds, and propane (LPG) storage tanks should have at least 10’ of clearance.


ZONE 2: 30-100' from the house, the Reduced Fuel Zone

Zone 2 is the space extending 30 to 100 feet from buildings, decks, and other structures. It is a transition zone to the wider landscape, and provides for wildlife and the benefits of increased biodiversity. Larger plants and plant groupings are increasingly appropriate, but it’s best to still follow the basic principles of “lean, clean, and green” described above.

  1. Reduce fuel for fire by removing dead vegetation regularly.
  2. Cut annual grasses and weeds to maximum 4 inches. To prevent erosion, do not cut to bare earth. 
  3. Create vertical spacing between grass, shrubs and lower tree limbs. (see vertical spacing diagram)
  4. Allow no more than 3” of loose surface litter (consisting of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, cones, and small branches), to protect from erosion, and to retain soil moisture.

Work with your neighbors: In most cases, the most effective solution is a cooperative approach between neighbors. Many homes do not have 100’ of space between structures and parcel lines. Property owners are required to maintain defensible space to their property line. Help your neighbors create defensible space for their homes, and ask neighbors for help if their property threatens yours. 

Remember that the most important zone is closest to your structures - from zero to five feet. If you’ve taken all the steps outlined here and worked to “harden” your home, neighboring properties typically present only a minimal risk. 

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