California Plan to Ban Most Plants Within 5 Feet of Homes for Wildfire Safety Overlooks some Important Truths About Flammability

California’s proposed ban on plants near homes could be dangerous advice

One of the most striking patterns in the aftermath of many urban fires is how much unburned green vegetation remains amid the wreckage of burned neighborhoods. In some cases, a row of shrubs may be all that separates a surviving house from one that burned just a few feet away. As scientists who study how vegetation ignites and burns, we aren’t surprised by these images: We recognize that well-maintained plants and trees can help protect homes fr…

California plan to ban most plants within 5 feet of homes for wildfire safety overlooks some important truths about flammability

Photos after the Los Angeles fires in January 2025 show many yards where vegetation didn't burn while neighboring houses did. AP Photo/Chris PizzelloOne of the most striking patterns in the aftermath of many urban fires is how much unburned green vegetation remains amid the wreckage of burned neighborhoods. In some cases, a row of shrubs may be all that separates a surviving house from one that burned just a few feet away. As scientists who stud…

Contributor: California’s proposed ban on plants near homes could be dangerously bad advice

One of the most striking patterns in the aftermath of many urban fires is how much unburned green vegetation remains amid the wreckage of burned neighborhoods. In some cases, a row of shrubs may be all that separates a surviving house from one that burned just a few feet away. As scientists who study how vegetation ignites and burns, we aren’t surprised by these images: We recognize that well-maintained plants and trees can help protect homes fr…

Contributor: California's proposed ban on plants near homes could be dangerously bad advice

A strict 'Zone 0' rule against landscaping is risky. Well-maintained and watered vegetation could prevent the spread of fires.

A Big Change To Landscaping Laws And What It Means For California Residents - House Digest

New regulations will change how Californians design landscapes around their homes. Find out what the new rules are and how they affect your property.

California Plan to Ban Most Plants Within 5 Feet of Homes for Wildfire Safety

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Max Moritz, University of California, Santa Barbara and Luca Carmignani, San Diego State University (THE CONVERSATION) – One of the most striking patterns in the aftermath of many urban fires is how much unburned green vegetation remains amid the wreckage of burned neighborhoods. In some cases, a row of shrubs may be all that separat…