Palisades Forestry Committee Releases Fire Resilient Tree List

If you’re interested in planting fire resilient trees, the Palisades Forestry Committee has released a list of options.

The list includes tree varieties that survived the Jan. 7 Palisades Fire, ranging from jacarandas to coast live oaks )garnered from a CalPoly list), as well as trees that arborists and other experts recommend for fire-prone areas.

However, the committee cautions that none of the trees, which include a mix of both California native and non-native species, is ideal for every location.

“Certain trees may thrive in riparian or water-rich areas but would not be appropriate in drier, urban settings without supplemental irrigation,” according to the committee. “Others may have large canopies or aggressive roots, making them suitable only for sites with sufficient space. The fire resilience of a tree is often linked to its moisture content—trees with higher internal moisture tend to be more resistant to ignition and combustion. However, it is important to understand that no tree is fire-proof. Any tree can burn under the right (or wrong) conditions, including California native species.”

When selecting a new tree, it’s important to consider growing space, local microclimate and Sunset Zone, water availability, and proximity to structures, sidewalks, and roadways. In addition, trees require maintenance and proper hydration, and dead twigs, branches, hollows, and decay can provide areas for ignition in a fire, according to the committee. A trained arborist can ascertain whether existing trees may need portions removed to reduce their susceptibility to fire.

Further information from the committee on finding a trained arborist or assessing a damaged tree is available at their website: https://www.palisadesforestry.org/.