5 min read · Cost
A re-side project requires access to all elevations and creates short-term disruption around the home. Landscape coordination — what to protect, what to move, what to renew — is part of project planning. Here's the framework.
What to protect during re-side
Mature trees within 6-8 feet of the home (scaffolding and equipment can damage limbs and bark). Established perennials in beds adjacent to walls (foot traffic and dropped material damage). Specimen plants and irrigation infrastructure (drip lines and emitters easily damaged). We protect what we can and identify what must be temporarily relocated.
What typically needs temporary relocation
Container plants near walls. Movable features (patio furniture, garden art, equipment storage). Anything within the 6-foot work zone around the home perimeter. We coordinate timing with you before the work starts.
Zone 0 clearance — addressing it as part of re-side
On WUI parcels, the 0-5 foot zone from wall (Zone 0) needs to be non-combustible per AB 3074. Re-side is the natural time to address Zone 0 — replace combustible mulch with gravel or stone, remove vegetation in Zone 0, ensure clear ground-to-wall transition. We coordinate with you or with a landscape professional you choose.
Cladding-to-grade clearance restoration
Existing soil or mulch tight to the wall must be cleared back for the install. This is necessary regardless of WUI considerations — Hardie requires 6" clearance to soil. We address this at the work staging; you may need landscape work after to restore the broader appearance.
Irrigation considerations
Drip irrigation lines along walls may need disconnection during the work. We can help with reconnection or you can coordinate with your irrigation specialist. We don't repair major irrigation damage caused by our work — that's part of project communication.
Post-project landscape reset
Some homeowners use re-side as the occasion to refresh landscape — beds need re-shaping after Zone 0 work, mulch needs renewal, plantings need reset. We can recommend landscape specialists if you don't have one. Often the right time to do landscape work is immediately after the re-side completes.
Communication and expectations
We discuss landscape protection at scoping, document what we'll work around, and identify what needs temporary attention. Surprises after the project are reduced by clear communication ahead of time. Walk the project area with us before signing to align.
Landscape coordination considerations
| Element | Handling |
|---|---|
| Mature trees in work zone | Protect; identify any pruning needed before work |
| Perennials in adjacent beds | Protect with sheeting; identify any temporary relocation |
| Container plants and movable features | Temporary relocation |
| Zone 0 (WUI parcels) | Address as part of re-side; non-combustible ground cover |
| Irrigation along walls | Temporary disconnect; reconnect after |
| Post-project landscape reset | Often beneficial; landscape specialist scope |
Key takeaways
- Walk the project area before work begins
- Mature trees and irrigation are real risks worth identifying
- Re-side is the natural time to address Zone 0
- Post-project landscape reset is typical
FAQ
Quick Answers
Where reasonable, yes — we identify what to protect and what to temporarily relocate.
Not as primary service — siding is our scope; we can recommend landscape specialists.
Often modest — Zone 0 reset on WUI parcels typically; broader cosmetic restoration if you want it.
Sources
Authoritative references
- James Hardie — official product & installation resources
- CAL FIRE — California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
- CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire — defensible space & the 0–5 ft ember-resistant zone (AB 3074)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — verify a California contractor
External links to government, code, and manufacturer sources. Sierra Siding is not affiliated with these organizations; references are provided for verification.