Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?

Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

2 minute read

February 18, 2025, 10:00 AM PST

By Clement Lau


Close-up of narge eucalyptus tree.

Eucalyptus trees serve as a dangerous accelerant for fire. | Michael / Adobe Stock

In the wake of devastating wildfires across Southern California, the conversation around fire-resistant landscaping has intensified. While trees provide beauty, shade, and ecological benefits, experts caution that certain species — particularly Mexican fan palms, Italian cypress, and eucalyptus — act as dangerous fire accelerants, spreading embers and intensifying destruction. Ecological horticulturalists and fire scientists emphasize that the solution is not to remove all vegetation but to choose species strategically, with an emphasis on moisture-rich, fire-resistant trees like California live oak, sycamore, and toyon, which can help intercept embers and slow fire spread.

As reported by Steve Lopez, researcher Alexandra Syphard and other fire ecology experts stress that hardened structures, not vegetation alone, determine a home’s ability to withstand fire. Many homes are ignited from within due to embers entering through vents, shattered windows, and open garage doors. Double-pane windows, fine-mesh vent screens, and proper brush management—rather than excessive clearing—can make a significant difference in fire resilience. Even in the aftermath of destructive blazes, certain plants have demonstrated remarkable resilience, such as California lilac, which survived while structures around it burned.

Experts recommend replacing highly flammable trees with fire-resistant alternatives such as oak, sycamore, toyon, lemonade berry, and lilac. Landscape architect Kay Stewart suggests succulents and cactus as additional safeguards, while biologist Cristhian Mace underscores the importance of smart planning, maintaining defensible space, and integrating non-combustible building materials. While the idea of removing iconic palm trees may be met with resistance, fire safety advocates argue that proactive changes in landscaping are necessary to adapt to the increasing wildfire risks in California.

Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23, 2025 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel

Cars parked and plugged in at an EV charging lot in Santa Monica, California surrounded by palm trees.

EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California

Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.

March 28 - Inside EVs

Construction workers on a suspended platform are installing thermal insulation on the facade of a modern apartment building, improving energy efficiency and reducing heat loss during cold weather.

Affordable Housing Renovations Halt Mid-Air Amidst DOGE Clawbacks

HUD may rescind over a billion dollars earmarked for green building upgrades.

March 28 - Bloomberg CityLab

Sign above entrance of United States Department of Transportation.

Has Anyone at USDOT Read Donald Shoup?

USDOT employees, who are required to go back to the office, will receive free parking at the agency’s D.C. offices — flying in the face of a growing research body that calls for pricing parking at its real value.

March 28 - Streetsblog USA