Fire-Safe Landscaping for Lafayette, Orinda & Moraga
Defensible space, MOFD compliance, and fire-resistant design — from the team that knows Lamorinda properties inside and out.
Living in a Fire Zone Means Your Landscape Matters
Most very-high hazard acreage in Contra Costa County
Most high-hazard acreage in Contra Costa County
Plus 2,238 acres classified as high hazard
Lamorinda's hillside terrain, dense vegetation, and proximity to open space — Las Trampas, Briones, and Tilden — make it one of the highest wildfire-risk areas in the East Bay. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District inspects properties annually, and California's new AB 3074 Zone 0 rules are phasing in for all existing homes. Non-compliance means citations, fines, and — more importantly — real risk to your home and family.
Understanding Defensible Space Zones
California law requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in fire-hazard zones. Here's what each zone requires.
Zone 0
- Remove all combustible ground cover within 2 feet of structures
- No bark mulch, woodchips, or combustible materials — replace with gravel, rock, or pavers
- Maintain 1-foot vertical clearance from foliage to ground within 2 feet of structure
- Remove all dead or dying vegetation and rubbish
- AB 3074 requires existing homes to comply by end of 2028
Zone 1
- Low-growing, well-spaced, fire-resistant plants only
- Limb trees up to 6 feet above ground — remove ladder fuels
- Maintain 10-foot spacing between tree canopies
- Keep plants irrigated and remove dead branches, leaves, and debris
- Use fire-resistant or inorganic mulch only (no bark or woodchips)
Zone 2
- Mow grasses to 4 inches or less
- Create horizontal and vertical spacing between shrubs and trees
- Remove excess leaf and needle buildup from ground
- Thin dense vegetation to slow fire spread
- Maintain clear access paths for fire crews
Fire-Safe Landscaping Services
From initial assessment to ongoing maintenance, we handle every aspect of fire-safe landscaping for Lamorinda properties. Whether you need to pass an MOFD inspection, comply with AB 3074 Zone 0 requirements, or simply want peace of mind during fire season — we have you covered.
- Complete defensible space assessment
- Zone 0 ember-resistant zone installation — gravel, hardscape, non-combustible materials
- Vegetation clearing and brush removal
- Tree limbing and ladder fuel removal
- Fire-resistant plant design and installation
- Annual weed abatement — MOFD May 31 deadline compliance
- Irrigation upgrades for fire-resistant plantings
- MOFD inspection preparation and compliance support
- Ongoing seasonal fire-safe maintenance plans
Fire-safe landscaping project photo
Don't wait for a citation. Get your property fire-safe today.
Schedule Free AssessmentPlants That Protect
Fire-resistant doesn't mean ugly. These plants thrive in Lamorinda's climate, reduce fire risk, and look beautiful year-round.
Low-growing, aromatic, drought-tolerant
Mediterranean native, fire-resistant, low water
California native, provides winter berries for birds
Native, drought-tolerant, hummingbird magnet
Native ground cover, high leaf moisture
Native, fast-growing, excellent erosion control
Deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, aromatic
Ground cover, fire-resistant, slopes and borders
Native, nitrogen-fixing, great for slopes
Low fuel load, erosion control, natural look
All plants must be properly irrigated and maintained free of dead material to remain fire-resistant. No plant is completely fireproof.
MOFD Weed Abatement Timeline
MOFD Sends Reminders
All district residents receive postcards reminding them of abatement requirements and the upcoming deadline.
Abatement Deadline
All grasses and weeds must be cut to 3 inches or less. Defensible space requirements must be maintained year-round.
MOFD Inspections
Fire district inspectors visit properties to verify compliance. Violations receive a 30-day notice to correct.
Citations Issued
Non-compliant properties receive administrative citations with fines. Continued non-compliance can result in liens on the property.
Fire-Safe Service Across Lamorinda
Serving properties near Las Trampas Wilderness, Briones Regional Park, Tilden Regional Park, and the open space boundaries where fire risk is highest.
“Our Sleepy Hollow property failed its MOFD fire inspection two years in a row. AL Gardening cleared the defensible space, replaced the euonymus with fire-resistant natives, and we passed with flying colors. Looks better than ever too.”
Fire-Safe Landscaping FAQ
Services That Support Fire Safety
Tree & Shrub Care
Structural pruning, limbing, and hazardous tree removal — critical for fire-safe properties.
Learn More →
Landscape Design
Fire-resistant garden design that's both safe and beautiful — native plants, hardscape, and smart irrigation.
Learn More →
Yard Cleanup
Brush clearing, debris removal, and overgrown yard restoration — the first step to a fire-safe property.
Learn More →Protect Your Lamorinda Home
Get a free, no-obligation fire-safe assessment. We'll walk your property, identify every compliance gap, and give you a clear plan and quote.