The plants and mulch within five feet of a home pose a major risk for spreading wildfire. California now has the tricky task of convincing homeowners to get rid of the greenery.
Many homes are destroyed in wildfires due to wind-driven embers that get caught in the landscaping. California is now drafting rules that would limit vegetation within five feet of a house.
Fire experts say it's about flipping the idea of how landscaping is laid out. Walkways and patios should be directly next to a house, instead of plants. Two small spot fires spark in the mulch, simulating a typical ignition in large wildfires where high winds carry embers far ahead of the fire. Defensible space can't guarantee a house will survive a wildfire, but experts say surrounding the outside walls with hardscape, like gravel, walkways or patios, can reduce the risk.
The rules were supposed to be finalized in January, but tensions have led to delays. The regulations will apply to new construction first in 2025, where the changes may be easier to implement as houses are built.