Zone 0 Makeover: Creating an Ember-Resistant Space Around Your Home
The Most Important 5 Feet
When wildfire experts talk about protecting homes, they focus on one area more than any other: the first 5 feet around your house. This is where embers land, where fire makes contact, and where the battle is often won or lost.
The good news is that this small zone is completely within your control. You don't need acres of clearance or a major landscape overhaul. A few strategic changes to the area immediately surrounding your home can dramatically reduce your fire risk.
After the CZU Lightning Complex fires devastated parts of Boulder Creek, Bonny Doon, and Ben Lomond in 2020, many Santa Cruz County homeowners began rethinking their landscaping. This guide will show you exactly how to create an ember-resistant zone that protects your home while still looking beautiful.
Why Zone 0 Matters So Much
Most homes lost to wildfire don't burn because flames reached them directly. They ignite from embers, sometimes blown from more than a mile away. These embers land on roofs, in gutters, against siding, and in the plants and materials right next to the house.
When combustible materials are in direct contact with your home or within that first 5 feet, a single ember can start a fire that spreads to your structure. Remove the fuel from this zone, and embers have nothing to ignite.
This is especially critical in Santa Cruz County's fire-prone areas: the San Lorenzo Valley, Bonny Doon, the hills above Scotts Valley, and anywhere with chaparral or mixed forest. But even homes in less obvious fire zones (like the wooded areas of Aptos, Soquel, or Felton) benefit from Zone 0 improvements.
The Ember-Resistant Zone: 0 to 5 Feet
CAL FIRE now emphasizes this innermost area as a distinct zone, called the "ember-resistant zone" or "Zone 0." The goal is simple: create a space where embers can land and die out without finding fuel. As Santa Cruz County fire officials put it, "zero means zero combustibles."
What to Remove
All plants directly against the house
Bark mulch and wood chips within 5 feet of walls
Dead leaves and debris in corners, along foundations, and under decks
Firewood stacked against the house
Wooden trellises attached to walls
Dried flower arrangements in outdoor containers
Combustible patio furniture stored against the house
What to Keep or Add
Gravel, decomposed granite, or stone
Concrete, brick, or stone pavers
Metal or stone planters (placed away from walls)
Limited, high-moisture, low-growing plants only in exceptional circumstances (see below)
Drip irrigation to keep any plants well-watered
Get the Complete Guide: Download our free Fire-Wise Gardening Guide for a printable reference covering all defensible space zones, fire-resistant plants, and seasonal maintenance tasks.
| Category | Remove from Zone 0 | Prefer or keep in Zone 0 |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetation | Any shrubs or trees touching structures; plants under windows; dry or woody plants; climbing vines on walls, pergolas, or fences | Ideally none; if space is extremely limited, only a few low, high-moisture plants in non-combustible containers set on hardscape and at least 18 inches from walls |
| Mulch and groundcover | Bark mulch, wood chips, pine needles, straw, rubber mulch, deep organic mulch against siding | Decomposed granite, gravel, stone chips, pavers, concrete, bare mineral soil; keep free of leaf litter and debris |
| Built items | Stacked firewood, lumber, plastic storage, doormats, combustible patio furniture against walls, wood trellises attached to the house | Metal or stone furniture; non-combustible planters; metal fencing sections where fences meet the house |
| Hidden traps | Debris under decks, behind steps, at fence attachments, in corners and entry alcoves | Clean, open spaces; under-deck areas enclosed with fine metal mesh and kept free of storage |
Hardscape Is Your Friend
The most effective Zone 0 strategy is replacing plants and organic mulch with non-combustible hardscape. This doesn't have to look stark or industrial. Thoughtful hardscaping can be beautiful.
Gravel and Decomposed Granite
Come in a range of natural colors (tan, gray, brown, gold)
Create a clean, finished look
Allow water to drain through
No maintenance required
Pavers and Flagstone
Define pathways and patios
Create visual interest with patterns
Can be combined with gravel for variety
Increase usable outdoor living space
River Rock and Cobbles
Add texture and visual weight
Work well in dry creek beds or as accents
Come in many sizes and colors
Excellent ember barriers
Concrete
Poured concrete, exposed aggregate, or stamped patterns
Most durable option
Can extend existing patios or walkways
If You Want Plants in Zone 0
A completely plant-free zone is safest, and current guidance is trending toward no vegetation at all in Zone 0 for high-hazard areas. However, if you have extremely limited space and want some greenery close to the house, treat this as an exception requiring extra vigilance, not a default approach.
Choose Plants That Are
Low-growing (under 18 inches)
High in moisture content
Not directly touching walls, windows, or rooflines
Easy to water consistently
Limited Options for Zone 0 (Exceptional Cases Only)
Succulents like stonecrop or hens and chicks (in gravel, not bark mulch)
Creeping thyme (low, aromatic, but not oily)
Dymondia (silver carpet)
Ornamental strawberries
Ice plant (very high moisture)
Keep Them
At least 18 inches from walls
Separated from each other (no continuous plantings)
Well-watered during fire season
Free of dead leaves and debris
In non-combustible containers on hardscape surfaces
Windows, Vents, and Attachments
Your Zone 0 makeover should also address vulnerable points on your home. CAL FIRE's home hardening guidance emphasizes these areas as critical for ember protection.
Under windows: Remove all plants, especially taller shrubs that could allow flames or heat to break glass. Use gravel or stone here.
Around vents: Attic vents, crawl space vents, and dryer vents can allow embers to enter your home. Clear all debris and vegetation from around them. Consider ember-resistant vent screens.
Along fences: If a wooden fence attaches directly to your house, fire can travel along it right to your siding. Create a non-combustible section (metal, stone, or a gap) where the fence meets the house.
Under decks: The space under decks collects leaves and debris and is a major ember trap. Clear it completely. Consider enclosing it with fine metal mesh. Remove any storage of combustible materials. Zone 0 extends to all attached structures, including the area under decks.
Attached pergolas and trellises: Wooden structures attached to the house can carry fire directly to your roof or walls. Consider removing them or replacing with metal. If you keep them, don't grow plants on them.
Addressing Mulch
This is where many homeowners struggle. Mulch is great for water retention and soil health, but research on mulch combustibility confirms that wood mulch within Zone 0 is a significant fire risk. Fire agencies strongly recommend inorganic materials immediately adjacent to structures.
Replace Wood Mulch With
Gravel or decomposed granite
River rock
Stone chips
Crushed rock blends
If You Must Use Organic Mulch
Keep it at least 5 feet from the house (outside Zone 0)
Use larger bark chunks (slower to ignite than fine shreds)
Keep it well-watered
Never let it pile against siding or walls
All organic mulches are combustible, even compost and well-aged chips. Keep them outside the first 5 feet and away from siding.
A Zone 0 Makeover: Step by Step
Ready to get started? Here's a practical approach:
Step 1: Document what's there. Walk around your house and photograph each side. Note all plants, mulch, stored items, and potential problems.
Step 2: Remove the easy stuff. Clear away firewood, debris, dead plants, and stored combustibles. This alone makes a big difference.
Step 3: Remove or relocate plants. Transplant shrubs and plants you love to Zone 1 or Zone 2 (5 to 100 feet from the house). Remove anything dead, dying, or too close to windows.
Step 4: Clear mulch. Rake out all organic mulch within 5 feet of the house. Bag it and use it elsewhere in your garden.
Step 5: Add hardscape. Lay landscape fabric (optional) and add gravel, decomposed granite, or pavers. Extend at least 5 feet from the foundation.
Step 6: Address problem areas. Check under decks, around vents, at fence connections, and under windows. Clear debris and add gravel where needed.
Step 7: Maintain it. Zone 0 isn't a one-time project. Plan to clear leaves and debris at least twice a year (spring and fall), more often if you have nearby trees.
Making It Look Good
An ember-resistant zone doesn't have to look like a parking lot. Here are some design ideas:
Create a courtyard feel: Use gravel with stepping stones, add a few large boulders, and place potted succulents (in non-combustible containers) as accents.
Define with edging: Steel, stone, or concrete edging creates a clean line between your Zone 0 hardscape and the planted areas beyond.
Add a seating area: Metal or stone furniture on a gravel pad creates functional outdoor space that's also fire-safe.
Use color and texture: Mix gravel colors, add flagstone accents, or use patterned pavers to create visual interest without plants.
Light it well: Solar or low-voltage path lighting adds ambiance and helps you see debris that needs clearing.
| Zone | Distance | Primary goal | Vegetation and mulch approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | 0–5 ft from all structures and attached decks or stairs | Prevent embers from igniting anything near the home | Aim for zero combustibles; no organic mulch; very limited, low, high-moisture plants only in exceptional cases, placed on non-combustible surfaces |
| Zone 1 | 5–30 ft | Reduce flame length and radiant heat near the home | Maintain “lean, clean, green” planting; use irrigated, low-growing plants; organic mulch allowed but kept thin and well away from structures |
| Zone 2 | 30–100 ft | Reduce overall fuel and slow approaching fire | Break up continuous fuels; thin trees and brush; organic mulch acceptable; focus on spacing, pruning, and regular debris removal |
Where to Buy Hardscape Materials in Santa Cruz County
Bulk Landscape Materials
Aptos Landscape Supply (5035 Freedom Boulevard, Aptos) carries a wide selection of gravel, decomposed granite, river rock, flagstone, and pavers. They can help you calculate how much material you need and offer delivery.
Central Home Supply (808 River Street, Santa Cruz) has stone, pavers, retaining wall block, sand, and gravel. Good selection of hardscape materials for Zone 0 projects.
Plants and Supplies
Sierra Azul Nursery (Watsonville) specializes in drought-tolerant and fire-wise plants, including many succulents suitable for limited Zone 0 use.
Mountain Feed & Farm Supply (Ben Lomond) carries landscape fabric, edging materials, and other supplies for hardscape projects.
Fire Safety Resources
Santa Cruz County Fire Safe Council offers resources, workshops, and sometimes cost-share programs for defensible space projects.
CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire provides detailed guidelines for each defensible space zone and a home assessment checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zone 0
What exactly is Zone 0 in fire-wise landscaping?
Zone 0 is the area from 0 to 5 feet around your home, also called the ember-resistant zone. CAL FIRE designates this as the most critical area for fire protection because embers landing here can easily ignite materials in contact with your house. The goal is to eliminate all combustible materials so embers have nothing to burn.
How much does a Zone 0 makeover cost?
Costs vary widely depending on your home's footprint and current landscaping. Budget roughly $3 to $6 per square foot for gravel or decomposed granite (including delivery and landscape fabric). A typical home might need 200 to 400 square feet of coverage, putting material costs at $600 to $2,400. DIY installation saves significantly on labor. Aptos Landscape Supply and Central Home Supply can provide estimates for your specific project.
Can I have any plants in Zone 0?
Current guidance is trending toward no plants at all in Zone 0, especially in high-hazard areas. If you have extremely limited space and must include some greenery, treat it as an exception: low-growing succulents, creeping thyme, dymondia, and ice plant are the only acceptable options, and they must be kept well-watered, pruned of dead material, and positioned at least 18 inches from walls in non-combustible containers on hardscape. No plants should touch your house, climb walls, or grow under windows.
What's wrong with bark mulch near the house?
Bark mulch and wood chips are combustible. Research on mulch flammability shows that when embers land on dry mulch, they can smolder and ignite, spreading fire to your siding, deck, or foundation plantings. Fine shredded mulches like "gorilla hair" ignite fastest. Replace wood mulch within 5 feet of your home with gravel, decomposed granite, or stone. You can still use organic mulch in Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet) and Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet) where it poses less risk.
How often do I need to maintain Zone 0?
Plan to clear leaves, debris, pine needles, and cobwebs from Zone 0 at least twice a year (spring and fall). If you have trees nearby or live in a heavily wooded area like Boulder Creek or Felton, you may need to clear debris monthly during fall and before fire season. The good news is that hardscaped Zone 0 areas require far less maintenance than planted areas.
Does Zone 0 apply to attached structures like decks and garages?
Yes. Zone 0 extends 5 feet from all attached structures, including decks, garages, pergolas, and covered patios. The space under decks is particularly important because it traps leaves and debris. Clear under-deck areas completely, consider enclosing them with fine metal mesh, and never store combustible materials underneath.
Will creating Zone 0 affect my home insurance rates?
It might. Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with documented defensible space, and some now require it for coverage in high-risk areas. The Santa Cruz County Fire Safe Council can provide documentation of your defensible space work. Contact your insurance provider to ask about their specific requirements and potential discounts.
Is Zone 0 required by law in Santa Cruz County?
California requires 100 feet of defensible space around homes in designated fire hazard areas. Zone 0 (the 0 to 5 foot ember-resistant zone) is a newer CAL FIRE standard being implemented in designated high-hazard areas under AB 3074. While not yet mandated everywhere, it represents current best practices for home protection. Given our local fire history after CZU, implementing Zone 0 is strongly advisable regardless of legal requirements.
Free Fire-Wise Gardening Resources
Fire-Wise Gardening Guide — Complete printable guide covering all defensible space zones, fire-resistant plant options, and a seasonal maintenance checklist.
Seasonal Tasks Checklist — Stay on track with fire-wise maintenance tasks throughout the year, including when to clear debris and check irrigation.
Water-Wise Gardening Guide — Many fire-wise strategies overlap with water-wise gardening. Learn irrigation techniques that keep any Zone 0 plants healthy while conserving water.
Additional Resources
Worth the Effort
Creating an ember-resistant zone takes some work and initial investment, but it's one of the most effective things you can do to protect your home. In a fire event, these 5 feet could make all the difference.
And once it's done, Zone 0 is low maintenance. No watering, no weeding, no pruning. Just a quick sweep or rake a few times a year.
Your home is worth protecting. Start with the 5 feet that matter most.
