# Firescape your yard **URL:** https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/c/firescape-yard/7.md [Latest](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/tags.md) --- ## [🚨 Firescape your yard: topics 🚨](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/firescape-your-yard-topics/12)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2025, 10:02pm UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/firescape-your-yard-topics/12 "2025-02-15T22:02:55Z")
About firescaping DIY Noncombustible Garden Art Your home can survive a wildfire What is firescaping? Defensible space Defensible Space- Zones 0, 1 & 2 | CA Board of Forestry BFD's precise landscaping regulations pr… --- ## [DIY Noncombustible Garden Art](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/diy-noncombustible-garden-art/575)
**Author:** [@ruthe](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/ruthe)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 3:08am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/diy-noncombustible-garden-art/575 "2026-08-06T03:08:59Z")
Homemade Garden Sculpture by die\_Niam DIY Garden Art Projects With the passage of EMBER, homeowners in the Grizzly Peak and Panoramic Hills Mitigation Areas (areas located on the eastern edge of the City of Berkeley… --- ## [Councilmember Brent Blackaby's progress towards Zone 0 compliance](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/councilmember-brent-blackabys-progress-towards-zone-0-compliance/533)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2026, 9:05am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/councilmember-brent-blackabys-progress-towards-zone-0-compliance/533 "2026-04-16T09:05:21Z")
We asked Brent Blackaby, Councilmember for District 6, to share with us his progress towards Zone 0 compliance. He generously agreed to share his thoughts along with a few pictures every few weeks. His posts will be publ… --- ## [Rock mulching for Zone 0: a quick and easy guide](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/rock-mulching-for-zone-0-a-quick-and-easy-guide/530)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2026, 8:00am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/rock-mulching-for-zone-0-a-quick-and-easy-guide/530 "2026-03-05T08:00:00Z")
This article is part of a set of two: it describes a possible quick and easy way to rock mulch for those who want to just get it done: you will need to determine if it can fit your needs. The second article discusses,… --- ## [Using Selected Blubs and Plants in Zone 1](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/using-selected-blubs-and-plants-in-zone-1/531)
**Author:** [@ruthe](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/ruthe)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 9:49pm UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/using-selected-blubs-and-plants-in-zone-1/531 "2026-02-24T21:49:46Z")
Consider these Blubs and Plants for Zone 1 There are a small group of plants whose growth begins in January, bloom in early spring, by June the leaves yellow and turn brown and in mid-summer leaf-litter can be removed w… --- ## [Gravel: an introduction to your options](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/gravel-an-introduction-to-your-options/529)
**Author:** [@ruthe](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/ruthe)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 11:23pm UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/gravel-an-introduction-to-your-options/529 "2026-02-23T23:23:10Z")
This article is part of a set of two. The focus of this one is to give you an understanding of the wide array of gravel choices and the process involved in installing a new gravel bed. An article describing one possible … --- ## [Gates and Fences Day on Sunday 26, '26: what an attendance!](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/gates-and-fences-day-on-sunday-26-26-what-an-attendance/526)
**Author:** [@ruthe](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/ruthe)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2026, 8:13pm UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/gates-and-fences-day-on-sunday-26-26-what-an-attendance/526 "2026-01-26T20:13:04Z")
The Berkeley Firewise groups had their first event of the year this Sunday, January 25 2026 with a Gates and Fences Day with vendors’ participation—and what a success it was! While the primary organizers were HelpBerk… --- ## [Ignitability: ad hoc data from Las Pilitas Nursery, with a caveat](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/ignitability-ad-hoc-data-from-las-pilitas-nursery-with-a-caveat/492)
**Author:** [@MichelThouati](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/MichelThouati)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2025, 8:00am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/ignitability-ad-hoc-data-from-las-pilitas-nursery-with-a-caveat/492 "2025-11-26T08:00:00Z")
While there are lists of fire-hazardous and fire-smart plants from many sources, there is no good, reliable database for plant ignitability (how easy it is for a plant to ignite). There is, however, an interesting sourc… --- ## [Fire hazardous plants: avoid using these dangerous plants](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/fire-hazardous-plants-avoid-using-these-dangerous-plants/491)
**Author:** [@MichelThouati](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/MichelThouati)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2025, 8:00am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/fire-hazardous-plants-avoid-using-these-dangerous-plants/491 "2025-11-23T08:00:00Z")
The following plants are more inflammable and represent a higher fire danger. In some cases, they are actually required to be removed by Berkeley Fire Department if already planted. This is not an exhaustive list, but ra… --- ## [Fire-hazardous plants: remove this Dirty Dozen](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/fire-hazardous-plants-remove-this-dirty-dozen/490)
**Author:** [@MichelThouati](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/MichelThouati)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2025, 1:43am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/fire-hazardous-plants-remove-this-dirty-dozen/490 "2025-11-22T01:43:02Z")
When planning a new garden, it is worth picking more fire-smart species: there are hundreds of fire-smart plants that are less likely to ignite—hundreds (including natives) of fire-hazardous plants, that are more likely … --- ## [Replacing two wood gates with metal: an $800 contractor project](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/replacing-two-wood-gates-with-metal-an-800-contractor-project/417)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2025, 7:00am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/replacing-two-wood-gates-with-metal-an-800-contractor-project/417 "2025-10-15T07:00:00Z")
One of our neighbors just completed a gate replacement project in the process of getting Zone 0 compliant. She is not in the Grizzly Peak Mitigation Area (although not far from it) and is not in a rush: she got two gate… --- ## [Replacing two wood gates with wrought iron: a $1,100 contractor project](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/replacing-two-wood-gates-with-wrought-iron-a-1-100-contractor-project/482)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2025, 7:00am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/replacing-two-wood-gates-with-wrought-iron-a-1-100-contractor-project/482 "2025-09-21T07:00:00Z")
The project was to replace two wood gates that were attached to the house with two new ones, made of wrought iron. The homeowner shopped for gates locally and online, checked the reviews, and purchased two wrought iron g… --- ## [My new Zone-0/Not Zone-0 fountain---story and budget of a project](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/my-new-zone-0-not-zone-0-fountain-story-and-budget-of-a-project/458)
**Author:** [@MichelThouati](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/MichelThouati)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2025, 5:02am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/my-new-zone-0-not-zone-0-fountain-story-and-budget-of-a-project/458 "2025-09-08T05:02:15Z")
My wife and I have been talking for years about adding a small fountain to our yard. Since we started clearing our Zone 0 in the past two years, our search for a fountain has taken a lot more urgency. The problem alwa… --- ## [Developing defensible space in a small yard on the Ridge](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/developing-defensible-space-in-a-small-yard-on-the-ridge/425)
**Author:** [@MichelThouati](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/MichelThouati)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 7:23pm UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/developing-defensible-space-in-a-small-yard-on-the-ridge/425 "2025-07-04T19:23:45Z")
I have been clearing defensible space in my yard since 2023. This summer of 2025, I am two+ years into my (slow) project, and hope to reach final compliance completion around December this year. My evolution with respec… --- ## [BFD's precise landscaping regulations pre-EMBER](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/bfds-precise-landscaping-regulations-pre-ember/105)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 3:21am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/bfds-precise-landscaping-regulations-pre-ember/105 "2025-02-21T03:21:43Z")
BFD’s requirements for Zones 0, 1 and 2 are legal requirements that can and may be absolutely enforced. Here is, very precisely, what they are. Zone 0 (click to zoom) Zones 1 and 2 (click to zoom) --- ## [Defensible-space-compliant modern home with redwood grove](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/defensible-space-compliant-modern-home-with-redwood-grove/421)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2025, 5:18am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/defensible-space-compliant-modern-home-with-redwood-grove/421 "2025-07-03T05:18:02Z")
This magnificently landscaped home on the Ridge is set on a double lot, with a large grove of redwoods. It is reached through a climbing concrete driveway. All outside furniture is metal. The house itself is built to … --- ## [Using Berkeley resources to firescape your yard efficiently](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/using-berkeley-resources-to-firescape-your-yard-efficiently/424)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 4:35am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/using-berkeley-resources-to-firescape-your-yard-efficiently/424 "2025-07-04T04:35:16Z")
The city of Berkeley does a great job at making it easier for us all to firescape our yards at lessor cost. The Berkeley Fire Department provides you with a handy self-inspection checklist to help figure out what to… --- ## [Newly landscaped, defensible-space-compliant home on a legacy lot](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/newly-landscaped-defensible-space-compliant-home-on-a-legacy-lot/423)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 3:08am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/newly-landscaped-defensible-space-compliant-home-on-a-legacy-lot/423 "2025-07-04T03:08:29Z")
The owners decided to retire in this house and enjoy a beautiful landscape around them. This stunning landscape was created two years ago by a couple of well known landscape designers in Berkeley who recently retired.… --- ## [A wildfire-fortified, defensible-space-compliant home in Codornices Canyon](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/a-wildfire-fortified-defensible-space-compliant-home-in-codornices-canyon/422)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2025, 2:29am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/a-wildfire-fortified-defensible-space-compliant-home-in-codornices-canyon/422 "2025-07-04T02:29:44Z")
This remarkable home has been wildfire-mitigated for many years. The house is in Codornices Canyon (right below the Ridge), which was already ravaged by fire in the 1923 fire, and where evacuation is difficult. The owner… --- ## [A Zone-0-compliant Berkeley home landscaped with all-native plants](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/a-zone-0-compliant-berkeley-home-landscaped-with-all-native-plants/410)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2025, 12:26am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/a-zone-0-compliant-berkeley-home-landscaped-with-all-native-plants/410 "2025-06-20T00:26:07Z")
This home was landscaped exclusively with native plants, and is Zone-0 compliant with the exception of a few small details involved in an upcoming project. In person, the garden looks wild and lovely, with beautiful v… --- ## [Replacing a wood gate by a metal one: a $400 DIY project](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/replacing-a-wood-gate-by-a-metal-one-a-400-diy-project/409)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2025, 11:08pm UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/replacing-a-wood-gate-by-a-metal-one-a-400-diy-project/409 "2025-06-19T23:08:08Z")
Many of us have wooden gates attached to our houses or garages, that will need to be replaced by non-combustible material. One of our neighbors just completed a $400 DIY project where he replaced his wooden gate with … --- ## [Need to replace combustible edging? Look at Cor-Ten steel](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/need-to-replace-combustible-edging-look-at-cor-ten-steel/413)
**Author:** [@Vivi](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/Vivi)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2025, 7:00am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/need-to-replace-combustible-edging-look-at-cor-ten-steel/413 "2025-06-19T07:00:00Z")
Many of us use synthetic edging: it is a flexible material, easy to cut, natural colored and very cost-effective. However, it is also highly combustible. In the same manner, all types of wood edging are combustible. In … --- ## [The evidence for Zone 0 defensible space requirements](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/the-evidence-for-zone-0-defensible-space-requirements/98)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 12:22am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/the-evidence-for-zone-0-defensible-space-requirements/98 "2025-02-21T00:22:14Z")
Wildfire research has made giant progress in the past 30 years. Since the late 1980s, researchers have been making experiments with controlled ignitions at different distances from houses, varying speed and angle of the … --- ## [Reusing fences, gates, and other architectural recycling for Zone 0 at Urban Ore](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/reusing-fences-gates-and-other-architectural-recycling-for-zone-0-at-urban-ore/387)
**Author:** [@cullanderc](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/cullanderc)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2025, 3:33am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/reusing-fences-gates-and-other-architectural-recycling-for-zone-0-at-urban-ore/387 "2025-06-15T03:33:55Z")
One of many piles of reused metal fence sections at Urban Ore A great idea for cost-effectiveness in Zone 0—reuse metal fence sections or other architectural fixtures! If you have a ‘wick fence’ - a wooden fence att… --- ## [Your home can survive a wildfire](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/your-home-can-survive-a-wildfire/99)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2025, 12:48am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/your-home-can-survive-a-wildfire/99 "2025-02-21T00:48:37Z")
Dr. Jack Cohen is possibly the most famous wildfire researcher of our times. Much of his research has been at the origin of the 3-zone system. Here, Jack Cohen tells us why and how our home can survive a wildfire. … --- ## [Adding vegetation in zone 0 with the fire department's blessing 😉](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/adding-vegetation-in-zone-0-with-the-fire-departments-blessing/357)
**Author:** [@cullanderc](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/cullanderc)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2025, 3:31am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/adding-vegetation-in-zone-0-with-the-fire-departments-blessing/357 "2025-05-24T03:31:30Z")
Whichever way we look at it, for most houses, zone 0 is going to look bare: in Berkeley, the recommendation for zone 0 is to have absolutely no vegetation, except for (a) trees with foliage more than 10 ft above the roof… --- ## [EMBER: my actual costs of doing Zone 0](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/ember-my-actual-costs-of-doing-zone-0/372)
**Author:** [@MichelThouati](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/MichelThouati)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2025, 7:00am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/ember-my-actual-costs-of-doing-zone-0/372 "2025-05-23T07:00:00Z")
I just read a post from a good neighbor imagining the cost of doing Zone 0, without experience of it himself. I am not quite done with mine, but I have done most of mine (about 85%). I thought I would share actual num… --- ## [How dangerous is a combustible fence more than 5 feet from my house?](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/how-dangerous-is-a-combustible-fence-more-than-5-feet-from-my-house/344)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2025, 3:24am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/how-dangerous-is-a-combustible-fence-more-than-5-feet-from-my-house/344 "2025-05-14T03:24:32Z")
Berkeley’s proposed zone 0 regulation mandates the replacement of sections of fence (or gates) that are attached to the house in the 0-5 ft zone around the structure—by sections made with noncombustible materials. It do… --- ## [Why should I use noncombustible materials for attached fences in zone 0?](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/why-should-i-use-noncombustible-materials-for-attached-fences-in-zone-0/343)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2025, 2:44am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/why-should-i-use-noncombustible-materials-for-attached-fences-in-zone-0/343 "2025-05-14T02:44:23Z")
When making a property compliant for zone 0 requirements, fences and gates are a significant part of the cost of compliance, sometimes the major part. How important is this compliance to save your house from igniting dur… --- ## [A good looking wildfire-adapted landscaped home in Auburn, CA](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/a-good-looking-wildfire-adapted-landscaped-home-in-auburn-ca/342)
**Author:** [@system](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2025, 1:00am UTC](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/t/a-good-looking-wildfire-adapted-landscaped-home-in-auburn-ca/342 "2025-05-14T01:00:33Z")
Picture: Lisa Worthington Lisa Worthington is an experienced landscape architect who lives in Auburn, CA. She recently presented a zone-0 landscape project that included home hardening in a CA Department of Forestry … [Next page](https://www.berkeleyfirewise.org/c/firescape-yard/7.md?page=1)