15 Fire-Resistant Plants & Landscaping Tips

Climate change, including hotter temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, is creating the perfect conditions for increased wildfire risk across much of the United States, even in areas that were once considered reasonably safe. The frequency, extent, and severity of wildfires is also likely to intensify in the years to come, as prolonged droughts and escalating temperatures continue to parch the landscape.

If you live in a high-fire-risk zone (or an area where climate change has put you at greater risk) choosing plants for your garden that offer good fire resistance can help reduce the threat to your home and property. This strategy, called fire-resistant or fire-smart gardening, is designed to limit wildfire activity by creating a defensible space around your home where vegetation and other factors are managed to keep fire at a safe distance.