Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

In the wake of devastating wildfires across Southern California, the conversation around fire-resistant landscaping has intensified. While trees provide beauty, shade, and ecological benefits, experts caution that certain species — particularly Mexican fan palms, Italian cypress, and eucalyptus — act as dangerous fire accelerants, spreading embers and intensifying destruction. Ecological horticulturalists and fire scientists emphasize that the solution is not to remove all vegetation but to choose species strategically, with an emphasis on moisture-rich, fire-resistant trees like California live oak, sycamore, and toyon, which can help intercept embers and slow fire spread.
As reported by Steve Lopez, researcher Alexandra Syphard and other fire ecology experts stress that hardened structures, not vegetation alone, determine a home’s ability to withstand fire. Many homes are ignited from within due to embers entering through vents, shattered windows, and open garage doors. Double-pane windows, fine-mesh vent screens, and proper brush management—rather than excessive clearing—can make a significant difference in fire resilience. Even in the aftermath of destructive blazes, certain plants have demonstrated remarkable resilience, such as California lilac, which survived while structures around it burned.
Experts recommend replacing highly flammable trees with fire-resistant alternatives such as oak, sycamore, toyon, lemonade berry, and lilac. Landscape architect Kay Stewart suggests succulents and cactus as additional safeguards, while biologist Cristhian Mace underscores the importance of smart planning, maintaining defensible space, and integrating non-combustible building materials. While the idea of removing iconic palm trees may be met with resistance, fire safety advocates argue that proactive changes in landscaping are necessary to adapt to the increasing wildfire risks in California.
FULL STORY: Column: Slow the spread of fire? ‘We have to get rid of the palm trees’

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

Can Progressive Planners Appeal to Conservative Principles?
Trump’s approach to policies like NYC’s congestion pricing isn’t just irrational and wasteful — it defies the tenets of conservatism. But there are ways to reframe the issues.

Oak Park Plans Earth Month Events
Join Oak Park, Illinois, for a series of Earth Month events highlighting the importance of community engagement and education, integrating sustainability into local plans, and planning for the most vulnerable, such as birds, bees and butterflies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Florida Atlantic University
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland