Defensible Space & Fire-Smart Landscaping
January 18, 2025
Protect Your Home and Business with
CG Tree and Landscaping Services

C.G. Tree and Landscaping Services realizes that the threat of wildfires in California is on the rise. With the fires experienced in 2025 in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, it clearly showed how important protecting your property with Fire Prevention Landscape has become. Whether you are a homeowner or business owner throughout California's South Bay area, including Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, or Torrance, we can help you stay safer while keeping your property beautiful.
What Is Fire-Smart Landscaping?
Fire-smart landscaping, also called defensible space design, is the process of creating a safer yard by reducing the things that could fuel a wildfire. It does not mean that one has to remove all greenery or sacrifice curb appeal. Rather, it's about smart designs, fire-resistant plants, and careful maintenance to protect your property.
Defensible Space: Zones That Make a Difference

Graphic from Cal Fire
A Fire-Safe property
has defensible space
divided into three key zones, each having a specific role in slowing down or stopping a fire:
Zone 0 - The Home Defense Zone: 0 - 5 Feet
- This is the area immediately around your home or business.
- Keep it free of anything flammable like dead leaves, dry plants or wood mulch.
- Use materials such as stone, gravel or concrete for pathways or ground cover.
- Maintain shrubs and trees to keep anything from touching the building.
Zone 1: Lean, Clean, and Green Zone (5-30 Feet)
- Eliminate all dead plants, branches, and weeds.
- Keep plants spaced to stop fire from spreading.
- Keep lawn green and well-watered or replace grass with fire-resistant plants such as succulents or lavender.
Zone 2: The Reduced Fuel Zone (30-100 Feet)
- Thin out trees and shrubs to reduce fuel for fire.
- Keep Tree branches at least 6-10 feet off the ground
- Clear dry debris like leaves, pine needles, and fallen branches.
Why Fire-Smart Landscaping Matters

The Southern California wildfires in 2025 showed how quickly fires can spread through residential and business areas. Properties with proper defensible space
and fire-smart landscaping
were more likely to be protected, giving firefighters the time and space they needed to act. By investing in fire-smart landscaping, you’re not just protecting your property; you’re also helping to safeguard your neighborhood.

How CG Tree and Landscaping Services Can Help
We offer comprehensive fire-smart landscaping
services to ensure your property is both beautiful and prepared:
1. Defensible Space Creation
Our team will clear flammable materials
and help create the three defensible zones.
2. Fire-Resistant Plant Selection
We’ll recommend and install plants
that are less likely to catch fire while keeping your yard visually appealing.
3. Non-Flammable Landscaping Materials
We can replace wood mulch
and other flammable materials with stone, gravel, or concrete to reduce fire risks.
4. Tree and Shrub Maintenance
We’ll maintain trees
and shrubs
to prevent overgrowth
and keep branches away from your home
or business.
5. Customized Plans for Homes and Businesses
Every property is unique, so we’ll tailor a fire-smart landscaping
plan to meet your specific needs and the layout of your property.
Serving the South Bay Area

We proudly serve homeowners
and businesses
in Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Torrance. At CG Tree and Landscape, our objective is to make the South Bay community a much safer place to live yet keep it as beautiful as ever.
Take Action Before It's Too Late
Don't wait for the next wildfire to threaten your property. Let CG Tree and Landscaping Services
help you create a fire-smart landscape
that protects your home or business and puts your mind at ease. Contact us
today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a safer, more beautiful property.

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