The vegetative ecosystem present on each of our properties and most of the watersheds in Los Angeles County is chaparral. The term applies to the shrubby vegetation seen on both coastal and inland hillsides. Chaparral can be separated into two types; soft chaparral (usually called coastal sage scrub) and the taller hard chaparral. Chaparral is dominated by evergreen and drought deciduous shrubs 1 to 15 feet tall. Most of these plants are recognized by their tough, leathery leaves that reduce water loss in the dry climate. Many chaparral plant species contain volatile oils which produce a strong odor and increase their flammability. Common examples include various species of ceanothus, manzanita, sage, sumac, toyon, and chamise.

Chaparral ecosystems are very efficient at controlling erosion and protecting watersheds. The deep root systems of these plants help to stabilize slopes and allow them to thrive in the dry Mediterranean climate of Southern California. Chaparral plant communities depend upon fire as an integral part of their life cycle, and periodic burning is essential in order for these communities to rejuvenate. As unburned plants grow older, the amount of dead material increases dramatically. By age 50 as much as 50% of an individual plant may be dead. Where chaparral plants are uniformly old, and cover a broad area, fires tend to be large and devastating.