As Fire Prevention Week reminds us every October, proactive steps can make all the difference when it comes to fire safety—especially in California, where dry seasons and rising temperatures are increasing wildfire risks year after year.At Earthco Landscape, we believe fire prevention starts from the ground up. For homeowner associations (HOAs) managing shared landscapes and multi-unit communities, creating a fire-smart environment isn’t just best practice—it’s a responsibility.Here’s how HOAs can protect their communities with thoughtful landscape design and regular maintenance:
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1. Create Defensible Space Around Structures Defensible space is a buffer between your buildings and the surrounding vegetation that helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire. According to Cal Fire guidelines:
‍Zone 1 (0–30 feet): Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds. Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from rooftops and other trees. Keep plants well-irrigated and spaced.
‍Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Reduce fuel load by thinning vegetation, removing leaf litter, and spacing trees and shrubs strategically.
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2. Choose Fire-Resistant Plants Not all plants burn the same. Some are more resistant to flames due to high moisture content and low resin or oil. HOAs can benefit from incorporating these fire-wise species: Groundcovers like ice plant or creeping thyme Shrubs like coffeeberry or bush monkeyflower Trees like coast live oak or western redbud. Avoid highly flammable species such as eucalyptus, Italian cypress, and juniper near buildings.

3. Prioritize Irrigation & MaintenanceA dry landscape is a dangerous one. Regular maintenance and smart irrigation are critical to fire prevention:Inspect and repair irrigation systems frequentlyRemove dead or dry vegetation regularlyKeep grass mowed low and trees pruned to remove ladder fuelsClean leaves from gutters, rooftops, and common areas.
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4. Schedule Regular Fire Risk Assessments Earthco Landscape offers customized fire prevention assessments for HOAs. Our team can help identify vulnerabilities in your landscape design and maintenance plans and recommend practical, cost-effective improvements. A Safer, Greener Future Landscaping isn’t just about beauty—it’s about building resilient, sustainable, and safe communities.
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This Fire Prevention Week, take time to evaluate how your HOA can play an active role in wildfire preparedness. Let’s work together to protect what matters.
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Contact Earthco Landscape today for a site assessment and fire-safe landscaping consultation.