Defensible space (fire control)

An important component is ongoing maintenance of the fire-resistant landscaping for reduced fuel loads and fire fighting access.

Maintaining access roads and driveways clear of side and low-hanging vegetation can allow large fire equipment to reach properties and structures.

Considering the plant material involved is important to not create unintended consequences to habitat integrity and unnecessary aesthetic issues.

[9] In suburban and wildland–urban interface areas, the vegetation clearance and brush removal ordinances of municipalities for defensible space can result in mistaken excessive clearcutting of native and non-invasive introduced shrubs and perennials that exposes the soil to more light and less competition for invasive plant species, and also to erosion and landslides.

Negative aesthetic consequences to natural and landscaped areas can be minimized with integrated and balanced defensible space practices.