Why Buy Fire Retardant Artificial Plants? Artificial plants and hedging are wonderful ways to introduce greenery to environments that need to be free of allergens and require no maintenance. They are wonderful alternatives to real plants! However, for the safest option, it is wise to consider Fire Retardant artificial plants and hedging. With inherently flame resistant (IFR) plants, the foliage is sure to be safe, artificial stems and tree trunks might not be. Artificial hedging doesn't have stems or branches or any fire hazards to worry about, just flame retardant foliage which makes it the safest option currently available.