California Firescaping Tips And Insurance Savings
For a List of Insurers Currently Offering Discounts Call David Clark (310) 231-6544
Goodbye June gloom and hello Southern California summer! My article California firescaping tips and insurance savings is a chance for you as a homeowner or future buyer to have a three-fold windfall with the opportunity to firescape your current or new home, reduce your future or current insurance premium, as well as increase the asset of your home with the increased curb appeal. Scroll down to learn the difference between drought-tolerant landscaping, desert landscaping, and firewise landscaping / firescaping, and see the benefits of California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s regulation, which is the first in the nation requiring insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers under the Safer from Wildfires framework. Further in the article I share with you updates to the AB-38 Defensible Space Inspection and tips and local resources to get your home looking Southern California Defensible Space summer ready!
California Firescaping Tips And Insurance Savings: Drought-Tolerant Landscaping, Desert Landscaping, and Firewise Landscaping
Drought-tolerant landscaping, desert landscaping, and firewise landscaping are three different approaches to designing landscapes that are adapted to specific environmental conditions and challenges. Scroll down for more California firescaping tips and insurance savings plus the breakdown of the differences.
Drought-tolerant landscaping focuses on creating outdoor spaces that can thrive with minimal water usage. This approach is particularly relevant in regions prone to water scarcity or where water conservation is a priority. Drought-tolerant landscapes often feature plants and vegetation that have adapted to arid conditions and require less watering. These landscapes typically incorporate efficient irrigation systems, soil amendments, mulching techniques, and proper plant selection to reduce water requirements. The goal is to create a visually appealing and sustainable landscape that conserves water resources
Drought Tolerant Plants For The Los Angeles Area:
- Silver Bush Lupine
- Sugar Bush
- Toyon
- White Sagebrush
- Woolly Blue Curls
Desert landscaping is a specific type of drought-tolerant landscaping that is specifically designed for arid and desert regions. It involves using plants, materials, and design elements that are native or adapted to desert environments. Desert landscapes often feature succulents, cacti, and other plants that are highly tolerant of low water availability and extreme temperatures. The design principles of desert landscaping aim to create a natural, harmonious look that complements the surrounding desert ecosystem. Additionally, desert landscaping typically incorporates techniques to mitigate erosion and maximize water retention in the soil.
Firewise landscaping or firescaping refers to designing outdoor spaces with fire safety in mind, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. The goal is to create a defensible space around a property, reducing the risk of fire damage and enhancing the ability of firefighters to protect homes. Firewise landscaping involves careful selection and placement of vegetation, with an emphasis on minimizing the presence of flammable plants and materials near buildings. It also includes creating firebreaks, using fire-resistant plants, maintaining proper spacing between trees and shrubs, and employing other fire-prevention strategies. Firewise landscaping aims to create a landscape that is both aesthetically pleasing and resistant to the spread of fire.
In summary, while all three types of landscaping share a focus on resource efficiency and sustainability, they differ in their specific objectives and environmental considerations. Drought-tolerant landscaping focuses on reducing water usage, desert landscaping caters to arid and desert regions, and firewise or firescaping landscaping aims to minimize the risk of wildfire damage. Scroll down for more California firescaping tips and insurance savings
Firescaping is a term used to describe landscaping practices and strategies designed to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect homes and properties in fire-prone areas. California, being a state with a history of devastating wildfires, has emphasized the importance of firescaping techniques. California firescaping typically involves a combination of various measures to create a defensible space around a property, which is an area where vegetation and other combustible materials are strategically managed to decrease the likelihood of a fire spreading.
On and after July 1, 2021, when you sell property that is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone you’ll need documentation with a defensible space inspection that complies with Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code or local vegetation management ordinances (check with your local fire department). This new seller disclosure will pop up on your Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) report as an AB-38 Notice.
Here are some key elements of firescaping in California:
- Plant selection: Using fire-resistant plants that are less likely to ignite and produce minimal amounts of flammable debris is important. Native plants that are adapted to the local climate and naturally fire-resistant species are commonly recommended.
- Defensible space: Creating defensible space involves clearing flammable vegetation and materials around structures. This typically includes removing dead plants, dry leaves, and overgrown vegetation from within a certain distance of buildings.
- Plant spacing and arrangement: Proper spacing between plants is crucial to prevent the rapid spread of fires. Trees and shrubs should be placed a safe distance apart and away from structures to reduce the risk of fire jumping from one plant to another.
- Irrigation and maintenance: Regular irrigation and maintenance of plants are necessary to ensure they remain healthy and less prone to ignition. Dry, overgrown plants are more susceptible to fire.
- Mulching: Using non-flammable materials such as rock, gravel, or mulch made from fire-resistant materials can be applied around plants and structures. This helps create a firebreak and reduces the risk of embers igniting.
- Hardening structures: Incorporating fire-resistant materials in the construction and design of buildings can enhance their resistance to wildfires. This includes using non-combustible roofing materials, sealing gaps and vents, and using fire-resistant siding.
- Access and clearance: Maintaining proper access for emergency vehicles and ensuring adequate clearance around roads and driveways is crucial for firefighting efforts.
It’s important to note that firescaping cannot guarantee complete protection from wildfires, but it can significantly reduce the risk and increase the chances of successfully defending a property. It’s always advisable to consult with local fire departments, landscaping professionals, or fire experts who are familiar with the specific conditions and requirements of your area. I have the local knowledge and a team of trusted vendors and experts ready to serve you.
California Firescaping Tips And Insurance Savings: Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s Regulation Safer from Wildfires Framework
Commissioner Lara’s regulation is the first in the nation requiring insurance companies to provide discounts to consumers under the Safer from Wildfires framework created by the California Department of Insurance in partnership with state emergency preparedness agencies. The regulation is now state law and enshrined in the California Code of Regulations.
Safer from wildfires is a ground-up approach to wildfire resilience with three layers of protection for the structure, the immediate surroundings, and the community. Following these achievable steps can help you save money on your insurance. Safer from Wildfires was created by an interagency partnership between Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the emergency response and readiness agencies in Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration.
Learn the 10 steps to being safe from wildfires
- Class-A fire rated roof – Most roofs qualify including asphalt shingles, concrete, brick, or masonry tiles, and metal shingles or sheets. Wood shake shingles are not Class A fire-resistant rated. The Office of the State Fire Marshal maintains a list of tested and approved materials at its website.
- 5 foot ember resistant zone, including fencing – Removing greenery and replacing wood chips with stone or decomposed granite 5 feet around your home prevents fire from getting a foot in the door. Replacing wood fencing connecting to your home with metal is critical because it can act like a candle wick leading fire straight to your home.
- Ember- and fire-resistant vents – Installing 1/16 to 1/8 inch noncombustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh screens over exterior vents can keep wind-blown embers out of your house.
- Non-combustible 6 inches at the bottom of exterior walls – Having a minimum of 6 vertical inches measured from the ground up and from any attached horizontal surface like a deck can stop embers from accumulating and igniting your walls. Noncombustible materials include brick, stone, fiber-cement siding or concrete.
- Enclosed eaves – Installing soffits under your eaves can prevent heat and embers from getting trapped and igniting. When enclosing eaves, non-combustible or ignition resistant materials are recommended.
- Upgraded windows – Multi-paned windows are more resistant to breaking during a wildfire, which helps keep flames from entering. Multi-paned glass or added shutters all qualify.
- Cleared vegetation, weeds and debris from under decks – Noncombustible materials like concrete, gravel, or bare soil are permitted.
- Removal of combustible sheds and other outbuildings to at least a distance of 30 feet – These include sheds, gazebos, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), open covered structures with a solid roof, dog houses and playhouses.
- Defensible space compliance – following state and local laws requiring defensible space including trimming trees and removal of brush and debris from yard. See CAL FIRE’s website and your local city or county for details.
- Being safer together – Safer from Wildfires recognizes two community-wide programs, Firewise USA and Fire Risk Reduction Communities.
For a List of Insurers Currently Offering Discounts Call Me (310) 231-6544
California Firescaping Tips And Insurance Savings: Local Resources to Get Your Home Looking Southern California Summer Defensible Space Ready
FormLA® Landscaping
FormLA® Landscaping believes authentic beauty can save LA. So we are bringing it! During our 25 years in business, our team has added nearly 2 million square feet of authentic, native habitat to Los Angeles, ranging from Tujunga to Playa Del Rey, western Malibu to the San Marina foothills.
As a result of removing more than 250,000 square feet of thirsty turf grass, each year we save LA:
- Well over 10 million gallons of water
- More than 2400 lbs of toxic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides that would otherwise pollute our watershed and air
- Air pollution equivalent to taking tens of Ford F-150 Raptors off the road
- From extreme heat as trees establish and reduce surrounding temperatures by as much 20 degrees
- Approximately $700,000 a year in lawn care expenses
We take pride in creating beauty reflective of LA’s creativity, authenticity and diversity, and in the knowledge this beauty supports LA’s long term resilience.
Philosophy
We believe you and Los Angeles deserve our best. Whether we are creating a smart LEED® landscape design, impeccably crafting hardscapes with sustainable materials and practices, or ensuring your landscape thrives, our work is infused with the knowledge that our work can save the world… or at least LA!
In providing beautiful, architecturally significant landscapes, we are:
- Supporting the health of all who use the space,
- Enhancing LA’s independence from external water sources,
- Facilitating neighborhood cohesion and safety,
- Lessening our communal tax burden, and
- Protecting our oceans, wild lands and water sources.
History
Owners Kirk and Cassy Aoyagi founded FormLA in 1997 as C&K Landscape Design, Inc. After 12 years creating noteworthy landscapes throughout Los Angeles County, we adopted the name FormLA Landscaping to better reflect our growing team, commitment to sustainability, and the depth of our expertise.
FormLA® Landscaping is listed among Los Angeles Business Journal’s most influential family-owned businesses, and we are the first and only California Air Quality Board Zero-Emission Landscaper serving all of LA County.
Services
Meet Your Next Real Estate Agent
A Californian born here in Los Angeles, David has spent his whole life in California. As a top graduate of the AACSB internationally accredited California State University of Los Angeles School of Business and Economics he has accelerated his career as a residential real estate advisor combining his passion for California history, writing, architectural preservation, and extensive sales background.
David is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) holding certifications in Probate and Trust Sales and Accessory Dwelling Units. His marketing and negotiation skills, joined with community outreach have helped him build a solid reputation with his clients.
Recently he represented a record breaking sale for the most expensive home ever sold in Echo Park at 744 Sq. Ft. On the buying side, he knows the terrain, from negotiation, strategy, emerging markets and the geographic pockets where the hidden gems lay. He continues to empower his clients with this knowledge, helping them get closer to building wealth and financial independence.
When David isn’t listing or selling some of California’s finest homes, he turns his focus to early 20th Century California antiques and collectibles. His e-commerce business Golden State Decor on Etsy which celebrates the rich history of the Golden State with one of a kind procured items, while contributing directly to the California Conservation Corps Foundation.
