Defensible Space Zones
A resilient landscape is fire-wise, water wise and promotes biodiversity by using California native plants. These gardens use sustainable practices, 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.
A resilient landscape is fire-wise, water wise and promotes biodiversity by using California native plants. These gardens use sustainable practices, 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: 0-5', 5-30', and 30 -100'
![]() Masses of well maintained California natives are used in the 5-30' zone. Lean, clean, and green. Leave space between them with pathways or mulch.
![]() Room for biodiversity islands here in the 30-100' zone with ample space between plant groupings.
Incorporate masses of shrubs for habitat. ![]() Get creative with breaks between islands of plants - swales and dry creeks are great fuel breaks.
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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!
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.
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.
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. |