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January 22, 2025

Junipers now prohibited on public & private property; applies to new plantings in Louisville

Under Ordinance No. 1913, Series 2026, which was approved by City Council at their January 20 meeting, the City of Louisville prohibits the planting of juniper trees and shrubs due to their significant wildfire risk. The ordinance reflects Louisville’s commitment to proactive wildfire mitigation and community safety.

Existing junipers may be maintained

This restriction applies to new plantings on both public and private property. Existing junipers may be maintained but may not be relocated or replaced with another juniper. Evergreen trees and shrubs that are not classified as a species of juniper are still allowed. 

While this restriction only applies to new plantings, we recommend that all property owners junk your existing junipers, especially ones near your home/structure. Removing combustibles like junipers in the first five feet surrounding a structure can make it more fire resilient.

What is a juniper?

Junipers are evergreen shrubs. They come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. If it’s a shrub that has needles or scales which don’t drop in the fall, it’s likely a juniper. Visit WildfirePartners.org for more info on junipers.

Why junipers are a fire hazard

Junipers are highly combustible plants due to their volatile oils, dense growth, and retention of dead plant material. Having juniper bushes near your home increases the likelihood it will be impacted by wildfire.

• Junipers collect dead leaves and trash.
• Junipers and trapped debris burn hot and fast.
• Junipers give off large flames and generate abundant embers.

Why this matters in Louisville

Louisville’s proximity to open space, combined with drought and climate-driven wildfire conditions, requires proactive vegetation management. Eliminating high-risk species like juniper can reduce fire intensity, improves firefighter safety, and helps protect homes and neighborhoods.

Safer landscaping alternatives

Remember that no plant is fireproof, and all vegetation should be kept at least 5 feet from your home or in noncombustible flower pots.

Residents are encouraged to use fire-resistant landscaping. Check out the Low Flammability Landscaping Plants guide created by the specialists at CSU Extension. Within five feet of a home or building, only plant ignition-resistant landscaping and use noncombustible, hard surface ground cover materials, such as rock, gravel, sand, concrete, bare earth, or stone/concrete pavers.