Plant spacing, size control and maintenance are more important than type of plant. There are no fire-resistant plants, since all plants can burn. Rather than focus on individual plant species, consider growth habits and plant characteristics.
In general, avoid plants and trees that:
- Produce excessive dead, dry, or fine debris that can become fuel for fire
- Tend to build up dead thatch inside or under a green surface layer
- Shed large quantities of needles, leaves, fronds, dry bark, and other debris
Choose drought tolerant flowers, low-growing non-woody shrubs and deep-rooted trees with thick bark, leaves over needles.
For more Fire-smart Landscaping information, visit: http://marinmg.ucanr.edu/BASICS/FIRESMARTLANDSCAPING/.