As wildfires continue to shape California’s landscape, it’s crucial to reevaluate how we approach fire-resistant design. Greg Rubin, a leading expert in native landscaping and fire resilience, shares his insights on the 2025 Los Angeles firestorms in a new document addressing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding fire-safe landscaping.
With hands-on experience in fire-involved properties that have successfully withstood major wildfire events, Greg raises concerns about conventional responses that may be counterproductive. His approach is rooted in science and real-world application, including findings from a four-year study conducted for the U.S. Navy. In this document, he offers a fresh perspective on designing resilient landscapes that prioritize both safety and ecological balance.
Greg is the co-author of The Drought-Defying California Garden: 230 Native Plants for a Lush Low-Water Landscape and The California Native Landscape: The Homeowner’s Design Guide to Restoring Its Beauty and Balance (linked below). He has also contributed to the Slow the Burn Symposium, available for purchase on the APLD-CA website.
We invite you to explore Greg’s recommendations and challenge prevailing assumptions about fire-resistant landscaping by clicking on the link below. His insights provide valuable guidance for homeowners, designers, and policymakers navigating California’s wildfire-prone environment.
