HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE
FOR FLOOD, DEBRIS,
AND EROSION CONTROL

The Forestry Division of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department recommends that when deciding what to plant, the homeowner should select plants for the desirable attributes of fire resistance, low maintenance, availability, and erosion control effectiveness.

Trees are particularly valuable on steep hillsides. The roots of many trees go much deeper than those of most ground cover plants. Trees that resprout after burning are generally the best choice for wildland areas, so you do not have to replant and the roots continue to grow. Selections for new tree plantings may include California natives like Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak, Toyon, Alder, Black Walnut, and California Laurel.

Selections for new shrub plantings may include Aaron's Beard, California Fuchsia, Carmel Creeper, Creeping Rosemary, Creeping Sage, Dwarf Coyote Brush, Green Lavender-Cotton, Point Reyes Ceanothus, and Rockrose (except the Resinous/Gum Rockrose varieties).

Selections for new ground cover plantings may include Bearberry Manzanita, Trailing African Daisy, Sunrose, and Wooly Yarrow.

Selections for grass plantings or seeding may include Red Fescue and Bird's Foot Trefoil.