A typical California homeowners insurance

policy usually provides coverage for fires. Although did you know that, depending on where you live in California, you may be required to have up to four fire ‘defensible space’ zones around your home? These zones are designed to provide maneuvering space for firefighters, while also helping to provide a barrier against a firestorm. Further information can be found at California’s fire safety website.

Here are some ideas that may help keep your home safe while not detracting from its curb appeal: 

•Install native plants. Native plants are adapted to their environment, and in a fire situation typically the tops burn away but the root remains to regenerate. 
•Choose your trees and shrubs wisely. Consider tree species that are low in sap and resin with smooth bark rather than rough flammable bark. Although planting shrubs is permitted, a safer alternative may be low ground covers. 
•Add gravel and stone to your landscaping. Wide beds of gravel and stone in various colors and textures can make distinctive landscaping features and pathways. 

By adding quality landscaping designs to your defensible space zones, and following your usual fire safety routines, you may help keep your family and home safe from the unpredictability and potential devastation of a firestorm. Your fire safety efforts may also have the added benefit of helping to lower the risk of a fire related claim against your California homeowners insurance.


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