A fire rebuild is becoming a common occurrence these days in the wake of the North Bay fires of 2017 and 2019. We were referred to this project by one of our best customers, also a resident of the Fountaingrove development who was fortunate to escape the firestorms.
The homeowner called us in August 2019 as he was nearing completion of construction, and we discussed design ideas for the front and back yards. No formal design was necessary, so we presented estimates based on our discussions and a rough sketch. He agreed to our proposals, but was experiencing construction delays, so asked us to postpone beginning our work. We moved on to another project for six weeks, and returned to find construction further along, but not fully completed.
He also learned that the City of Santa Rosa would not issue a certificate of occupancy if the front yard was started but not completed. So he asked us to landscape only the back yard at this time.
Challenges of a Fire Rebuild
This project presented a few issues and challenges. The first, a minor one, was the presence of deer, which we addressed by using deer resistant plants.
The second was the slope of the property and the proximity of the home to Fountaingrove Parkway behind the backyard. The house now had a deck off the back door, and the view standing on the deck was over and beyond the property to the busy parkway traffic below.
It was imperative that the narrow backyard include screening shrubs and trees to block out both the view and the noise. So we installed a lineup of large 24″ boxed shrubs and high-branching trees along the back property line.
The backyard also needed drainage to carry water from one end of the yard to the other, so we cut a French drain the entire length of the yard and disguised it with a natural dry creek bed using various sized boulders and ornamental grasses.
Long dry creek bed disguises French drain beneath in this fire rebuild
Working During Construction
The third, and major issue we faced, was the presence of the construction crew and their vehicles and equipment. Although respectful, it was difficult for us to park, receive material deliveries, and store our tools securely.
The entire street was full of construction crews, porta potties, delivery trucks—it was a mess.
We swore we would not deal with that again.
We told the homeowner we would not return to landscape his front yard until the house construction was 100% complete.
Creating Instant Maturity
He called us again in February 2020. He was ready for the front yard.
We were left with a yard that was uneven and badly in need of grading. We spent several days spraying weeds and grading, leaving the general slope of the yard intact.
The homeowner wanted instant maturity, and was willing to pay us for the largest plants and trees we could find. A fire rebuild leaves nothing but a blank slate, and with his beautiful new home he did not want to wait years for little plants to mature.
So we installed four 24″ boxed trees and a tapestry of the largest deer-resistant plants we could find, along with moss-covered boulders. Up along the sidewalk we prepared a small lawn, and he was a happy camper.
This fire rebuild included front yard japanese maples and companion plants
Fire rebuild in front yard includes small lawn
Fire Rebuild Creates New Beginnings
This fire rebuild in Fountaingrove was a successful project in spite of some challenging issues.
One of the silver linings of a fire rebuild is the opportunity to start over with a blank slate and create a landscape that is even better suited to the homeowner’s needs and lifestyle.
At Details Landscape Art, we take pride in helping homeowners rebuild not only their landscapes, but also their sense of home.