Southern Californians have long been encouraged to remove water-thirsty lawns and avoid planting nonnative, aggressive flora that dominate areas meant for native species, especially in the aftermath of fires. Despite these recommendations, experts agree that even a Los Angeles entirely covered in native vegetation would not have been able to stop the firestorm that raged through parched lands. Homeowners might have chosen every ecologically sound option for their property and still faced devastation in such intense blazes.
Nonetheless, it’s wise to prepare our landscapes to be more resilient to future fires. This means not only restoring burned areas but also gradually transforming Los Angeles into a city filled with less flammable plants, native flora, and buildings designed to withstand fires. The aim is not just to safeguard homes but also to nurture an ecologically balanced environment where native plants support insects and birds without being outcompeted by invasive species.
The Los Angeles Fire Department already enforces rules about clearing brush and trimming vegetation around homes. But what would a comprehensive environmental transformation entail?
Currently, eucalyptus trees, originally from Australia, sway gently along the roads and in parks, while the iconic palm trees line many neighborhoods. Both these trees are notoriously flammable. In a fire, they can ignite dramatically, though the recent wildfires have shown inconsistency, leaving some palms and other trees standing beside scorched homes. Regardless of whether they burn, the fallen fronds of palms and the shedding bark of eucalyptus can become dangerous embers, carried by winds to ignite homes or brush miles away. Practically anything, from house exteriors to landscape mulch, has the potential to become an ember in such fires.
Determining whether these non-native plants accelerated the fires’ spread or intensity is not yet clear. Reports do exist of residents who meticulously cleared brush and chose native plantings, whose homes survived when others nearby did not.
It’s crucial to remember, “native” isn’t synonymous with “fireproof.” Native plants like coastal sage scrub and chaparral, while providing vital habitats, are quick to burn and even depend on fire to thrive. Over time, if these plants can’t regrow quickly enough between fires, they risk being overtaken by nonnative species that lack natural predators to control their spread.
Aside from palm and eucalyptus, other troublesome non-native plants in the region include fountain grass along roads and hillsides, and certain types of mustard.
Should all eucalyptus and palm trees be removed for safety? Not entirely, but some should be reconsidered, suggests Stephanie Pincetl from UCLA. She advocates for relocating them to less fire-prone urban settings or parks, emphasizing a measured approach. “We don’t have to be draconian,” she notes, “but we have to be thoughtful.”
Exploring suitable native plants is equally important. Coast live oaks are excellent choices, acting as an “ecosystem store,” says Nick Jensen of the California Native Plant Society. They provide food and habitat for wildlife, endure some wildfires, and potentially regenerate even after burning.
Other native species like sumacs, California lilacs, and Western redbud thrive in the area. For non-natives, fire-resistant citrus and fruit trees like cherry, peach, and plum can flourish in Los Angeles.
“We’ve chosen a lifestyle in California that includes distinct residential vegetation,” says Jensen. “We could have housed everyone in denser settings, saving wild lands, but we made a different choice.”
This choice isn’t necessarily wrong, but maintaining this kind of urban proximity to wild lands requires strategic planning and a willingness to accept some risks. It’s crucial for officials and communities to think innovatively about plant and construction choices, weighing feasibility and costs wisely. Reimagining Los Angeles shouldn’t just mirror what previously existed but should offer a sustainable future vision.
Reflecting on the devastating 1991 firestorm in Oakland, where preventive measures were temporary until funding was cut and later reestablished, underscores the importance of enduring and sustainable land management strategies in Los Angeles. Whatever approaches the city and county adopt, they should commence immediately and prioritize long-term sustainability.
