Although some plants burn more slowly than others because of high salt, ash, or moisture content, the difference is generally not worth the time and expense of propagating them. Several plants have desirable attributes of fire retardance, low maintenance requirements, availability and range of successful plantings. At least as many others are equally effective but only in limited climatic zones. The initial choice and planting of the landscaping plants does not complete the job. All require a certain amount of maintenance, both to retain their fire protection effectiveness and to keep them healthy and attractive.
Various plants have differing water requirements.
All need weeding, at least until they get well established. Most, including the iceplants, need to have dead branches and leaves removed periodically. Irrigation and Sprinkling Almost any landscape planting for fire protection purposes will require some irrigation-at least while it is getting established. The installation of pipes, hose bibs, and sprinklers should be part of the job. Different types of plants have different water needs, however, and thus general area-wide sprinkling should be avoided.