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Artificial Hedge Fire Ratings Explained

Fire classification is an important consideration for some projects — particularly commercial, rented or shared buildings. This guide explains what the ratings mean, and which of our panels carry an independent fire classification.

✓ Plain-English guide ✓ SGS-tested panels ✓ EN 13501-1

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Which of our panels are fire classified?

Two of our 1m × 1m green wall panels have been independently fire-tested and classified to the European standard EN 13501-1:

• Garden Hedge Green Wall Panel
• Tropical Green Wall Panel

Both achieved a reaction-to-fire classification of B-s3, d0 under EN 13501-1:2018, tested by SGS — an independent, globally recognised testing body.

What does "B-s3, d0" actually mean?

EN 13501-1 is the European standard for classifying how construction and decorative products react to fire. A classification has three parts — the main fire behaviour, the smoke production, and whether the product produces flaming droplets:

In plain terms: of the artificial hedge products on the market, a B rating is a strong result — many carry no classification at all, and others sit lower at C or D. The honest detail is the s3 smoke figure, which we'd rather state clearly than gloss over.

The important condition: how it's fitted matters

A fire classification isn't just a property of the panel on its own — it depends on what the panel is fixed to and how. The SGS classification for these panels is valid under specific conditions:

This matters because fixing a panel onto a combustible surface — such as a timber fence — is a different situation from the tested one, and the B-s3, d0 classification cannot simply be assumed to carry across to it. If your project needs a verified fire performance (for example a wall in a commercial or shared building), fit the classified panels to a non-combustible backing, and talk to us so we can point you to the test documentation.

Do you need a fire-rated panel?

For most domestic gardens — covering a fence, screening a boundary, dressing a private patio — there's no regulatory requirement for a fire-classified panel, and the choice comes down to the look you want. Fire classification tends to matter when:

• The panels are going on or near a building, especially a commercial, rented, or shared/multi-occupancy one.
• An architect, landlord, building control officer or insurer has specified a reaction-to-fire class.
• The installation is indoors or in an enclosed public space.

If any of those apply, choose the Garden Hedge or Tropical panel and get in touch — we can share the SGS test report to support your specification.

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