FormLA Landscaping

Home Improvement Professionals , Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
13 Reviews
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FormLA Landscaping
13 Reviews

Fire Defensive Ranch Landscape

This expansive, fire defensive ranch landscape wowed visitors during LA's iconic 2023 Native Plant Garden Tour.

You'll wander trails wrapped in California's authentic beauty, see innovative bioswales, and absorb the fragrance of California native sages. Stay tuned! We'll be posting more photos throughout spring.
Project Year: 2018
The first step of fire defense involves addressing the home's structure, as most homes ignite when embers access the interior of the home or build on the home's dry, flammable materials. The owners have taken a few key steps to address their home's vulnerabilities. They have also engaged the...
Pine Tree Canopy
Fire Defensive Ranch Landscape
Well established, meticulously maintained and well-irrigated pines stand between the home and wildfire-charred slopes. More than 5 feet from the home, the pine tree canopies defend the home from flying embers. Their thick, living trunks would be very difficult to ignite.
Pine Tree Canopy
The property's fencing and gates have defensive qualities unusual in Los Angeles. Comprised of metal, they sit at a distance well-over 5 feet from structures.
Metal Fences
Fire Defensive Ranch Landscape
Fire Defensive Ranch Landscape
While most trees are fire defensive, Eucalyptus trees like these are an exception. Similarly, a second structure on the property poses proximate fire danger to the home. The Catalina Cherry hedge serves as a barrier to embers that may be generated by either ignite, and the patio offers ample, safe...
Fire Defensive Hedge and Patio
Evergreen, drought and high-heat tolerant Catalina Cherry is native to The Valley. Subsurface, low flow drip irrigation on weather based controllers support its health and hydration. Healthy hedges like this would need to be dried by a fire's proximate heat to burn. In the meantime, they can catch...
Catalina Cherry Hedge
Beautiful, lush and leafy year round, the tree canopy and vibrant foliage cool the space. This drop in the microclimate's temperature helps the garden hold a protective hydration. In years with rain, the bioswales serve to fortify foliage for hot summers.
Outdoor Air Conditioning
To wander or wonder? That is the question! The decomposed granite trail wanders past fireworks of native blooms and cultivated cacti - yet the benches at its side offer an opportunity for stillness - perfect for birdwatching.
A Seat with A View
The garden supports wildlife with water, native seeds, nectars and berries year round. It is a ready refuge should nearby wildspaces burn. In the meantime, it delights them and the humans who join them in the space!
Fragrant, Bird-Feeding Foliage
At times, natural pavers reinforce the decomposed granite path as it weaves through foliage and over bioswales and active water features. The owners remove dry leaves from the native sages but keep seed heads to feed the birds. This garden sings!
Shaded Trail
The lap pool at the edge of the property and the trails throughout the property provide every-day enjoyment. as well as fire breaks throughout the space. The trail and wood-alternative decking also provide safe space for fire fighters to work.
Walk or Swim?
The garden's native plants retained their vibrant colors and textures through the water-restricted summer of 2022. The sturdy and resilient foliage featured here includes (California native) Oregon Grape, Deer Grass, Juncus Patens, Hummingbird Sage, Dwarf Coyote Bush, and Santa Cruz Island...
Vibrant, Heat and Drought Tolerant Foliage
Well hydrated foliage is more than breathtakingly beautiful! it cools the space and can inhibit rolling embers, even smothering some. A mix of bioswales and active, stream-like water features support foliage health, help the garden absorb rainfall and support wildlife. They would also inhibit ember...
Bridge Over Bioswales
Fire Defensive Ranch Landscape
Fire Defensive Ranch Landscape
Fire Defensive Ranch Landscape