Post-Fire Planting

Why replanting decisions matter after fire

Replanting after a wildfire is not simply a cosmetic choice. The plants selected now will influence soil stability and erosion, water use, long-term maintenance, wildlife recovery, biodiversity and how landscapes behave in future wind events. After fire, many homeowners are eager for clear guidance. Unfortunately, site-specific information is often scarce, leaving residents reliant on generic, ornamental landscaping approaches that may not be suited to post-fire conditions and high fire zones.

This creates frustration — and missed opportunities.

What the land is already telling us

Early field surveys conducted from late summer through early winter 2025 show that approximately 53% of early post-fire regrowth are native plants. This matters. It means the local seed bank is still active, native plant communities are naturally re-establishing, and replanting can work with ecological recovery rather than against it

Native plants play an essential role in Southern California ecosystems. When used thoughtfully, they can require less water once established, recover more predictably after a fire, support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife returning after fire, and reduce long-term landscape failure common with ornamental plantings

Native plants are not fireproof, and no planting choice can guarantee structure survival. Fire safety depends mostly on maintenance, and site conditions — not bare ground or blanket plant removal. However, one of the most important — and often overlooked — plant communities shared by both Altadena and the Palisades is oak woodland. Both scientists and firefighters alike have been suggesting planting them around residential areas and roadsides to guard against fires because coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), in particular, create a mesic environment that reduces wind speeds and temperatures. Read more →