Cal Fire’s New Zones Mean New Landscaping Guidance for Many Homeowners
Updated August 2025. By JT Wilkinson. In March, Cal Fire published new fire hazard severity zones that expanded areas defined as fire-prone by 33 percent. As a result, many more LA-area homeowners and businesses will need to create and maintain defensible space around their structures.
Just what does that mean? That too is changing! Early insights into what protected or ignited homes during the 2025 LA Fires lead us to focus first on outdoor behaviors that can make us all safer in the near term.
Maintain with Fire-Mindfulness
We take regular actions that fight fire without water. Wherever possible, we also:
- Garbage Cans: Leave garbage cans inside the garage or other ember resistant sapce, as they were found to be among the most impactful “connective fuels” during the LA fires,
- Decor: Place cushions, umbrellas, toys and tools in storage, as they are among the most easily ignited materials Angelenos tend to keep in close proximity to our homes, and
- Other Fuels: Move combustible furniture, cooking and storage units to areas distanced from the home, or at least distanced from home access points like windows, eves and roof extensions.
We now recommend homeowners store all human-made objects when not in active use. Seems paranoid, right? We thought so too! Then we worked with 25 volunteers to clear the petite Zone 0 of the Fire Resilient Home. It took 15 minutes! Since then, we prefer to ask our loved ones to be as Ready! Set! Go! as possible, especially on red flag days.
Ready Defensible Space
When it comes to foliage, our clients’ spaces stay ready year round. We cut back dormant native plants at the end of summer and structurally in winter to protect foliage health. As a result, our gardens stay free of dead and woody matter. Foliage grew through spring and summer without becoming entangled.
To ensure garden compliance with LA County Fire Department’s latest guidance, we also:
- Prune foliage within 5 feet of structures to lift branches and leaves at least 6 inches from the ground and ensure they also have distance from the structure,
- Inspect trees near access roads for code compliance – and nests, scheduling any needed trims for their next nest-free moment, and
- Relocate foliage that now sits within 3 feet of fire hydrants to other hospitable garden locations.
e Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM) at the petite Fire Resilient Home. We prefer to leave our loved ones as Ready! Set! Go! as possible.
Double Home Survivability
The Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) research indicates a 5-foot ember resistant zone around homes can nearly double home survivability. We think anything with that kind of return on investment is worth checking out! Technically, it’s also been required in high fire severity zones September of 2020.
Soon, our local fire departments will have clear guidance for Zone 0 enforcement and associated deadlines from the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Regardless of how those shake out, many insurance companies demand they be in place. Whatever the rules or other incentives, if 5 steps can make us nearly twice as safe right now, why wait?
Worried an effective Zone 0 will make for less effective curb appeal? Or habitat? You may find it actually increases both – as well as your enjoyment! We’d happily help you make sure that’s the case.
Sources and Resources
Here are the sources informing our perspective. We hope they are useful resources for you as well.
- LA County Fire Department: 2025 Defensible Space Notices, Ready, Set Go! Guide
- Cal Fire: Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps and Definitions (Look up your address here.)
- California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection: Zone 0 Working Group Recommendations, Bills and Public Comment Opportunities
- Institute for Business and Home Safety: Zone 0 and LA Fires Presentation, Early Insights from LA Fires, Disaster Discussions | Eaton and Palisades Fires, Part 1 and Part 2
- FormLA Landscaping: Fire-Defensive Landscaping Tips
