✓ Lower visual impact
Absorbent and fabric-based displays
- Artificial flowers and fabric blossom
- Artificial plant walls and foliage ceilings
- Artificial trees, garlands and hanging greenery
- Floral backdrops and removable arrangements
BS 5852 · BS 5867 · Nationwide
Fire retardant treatment for artificial plants, flowers and foliage
On-site treatment and certification for suitable artificial plants, floral displays, plant walls, ceiling foliage and decorative greenery.
- ✓ Installed and loose displays
- ✓ Suitability checked first
- ✓ UK-wide on-site service
01Standard agreed
Confirm the requirement with the person responsible for your fire strategy.
02Suitability checked
We review the foliage material, installation and access before quoting.
03Certificate issued
The certificate confirms compliant treatment and identifies the site, items and applicable standard.
Start with the material
Can we treat your artificial plants, flowers or foliage?
The service covers suitable artificial plants, products commonly described as fake plants, artificial flowers and decorative foliage. Different materials absorb or hold treatment differently, so the final appearance can vary considerably.
! Visible surface finish
Shiny green plastic foliage
- Can be treated to BS 5852 or BS 5867
- Fire retardant remains visible on the surface
- May produce a shiny, wet-look appearance
- Sample treatment recommended where appearance matters
Photographs are optional
Close-up and wider photographs are especially useful for artificial plants because foliage density affects the volume of fire retardant required. We can also discuss the display by phone and may recommend treating a sample or inconspicuous area.
Avoid the wrong treatment
Confirm the required fire standard before booking
Large foliage walls, particularly near fire exits, and extensive ceiling installations may be considered under Building Regulations. Ask your fire risk assessor, fire officer or project specifier which standard they will accept before treatment is booked.
Often requested for artificial plants and decorative foliage. We provide a treatment certificate for the agreed service.
May be specified for suitable fabric-based decorative materials. Material suitability still needs checking.
Large walls near fire exits and extensive ceiling areas may require this classification under Building Regulations. Surface spraying artificial foliage cannot provide it.
Get approval before treatment
Always check that BS 5852 or BS 5867 will be accepted for your installation. Send us the wording from your assessor or fire report and we will explain what our service can document.
Treatment planned around the display
Installed features and removable arrangements
Access, surrounding finishes and the density of the planting determine how the project is prepared and treated.
On-site treatment
Walls, ceilings and artificial trees
We plan access and protect nearby floors, furniture and finished surfaces with sheeting and trays before applying the measured treatment.
Loose or removable items
Arrangements, garlands and backdrops
Where items can be separated from the installation, we agree a practical treatment position and handling plan from the quantities, dimensions and density. Photographs are optional.
From enquiry to paperwork
A process that starts with the right questions
Dimensions, quantities, foliage density and the requested fire standard help us plan the treatment accurately. Photographs are useful but optional.
- 01Tell us about the display and requirement
Include dimensions, approximate density, access, postcode and the wording you have been given. Photographs are optional.
- 02Suitability review
We assess the plant surfaces, installation density and whether a sample check is appropriate.
- 03Tailored quotation
The quotation reflects coverage, access, protection, travel and the agreed treatment method.
- 04Protect and treat
Our technician protects the surrounding area and applies the specified amount consistently.
- 05Allow to dry
Allow up to 24 hours, with ventilation and access restrictions agreed for your venue.
- 06Receive the certificate
After completion and payment, we issue the treatment certificate for your fire-safety records.
Appearance and aftercare
Keep the treatment in place
Artificial foliage is a surface treatment. On shiny plastic, the fire retardant remains visible and can have a shiny, wet-look appearance. Rubbing, washing and heavy cleaning can remove or disturb it.
- Allow up to 24 hours for full drying
- Expect a more visible finish on shiny plastic foliage
- Use gentle soft-brush vacuuming for dust
- Avoid wet cleaning, rubbing and unnecessary handling
- Retreat typically every two years, or sooner if altered or cleaned
Experience with complex displays
From foliage walls to full ceiling installations
We work in restaurants, bars, hotels, wedding venues, nightclubs, retail spaces and other public or commercial interiors.
Restaurant installation
Dense overhead foliage
Access and protection planned around an intricate, mixed foliage feature.
Foliage wall
Installed decorative planting
Hospitality venue
Artificial tree and flowers
Documentation for your records
What the treatment certificate confirms
The certificate confirms compliant treatment of suitable artificial plants or foliage to the agreed applicable standard. Keep it with your fire risk assessment and project fire-safety information.
01Treated installation
The artificial plants, foliage or decorative items covered by the compliant treatment.
02Site and standard
Where the service was completed and the applicable treatment standard confirmed.
03Competent treatment
The specialist product and professional application process used for the identified installation.
Quotations prepared individually
What to send for an accurate quotation
There are no published rates because foliage density, material, height, access and site protection can substantially change the work involved.
- Approximate square metres, quantity or dimensions
- Approximate foliage density
- Whether the displays are installed or loose
- Height, access and nearby sensitive finishes
- Site postcode and preferred working hours
- The standard or wording supplied by your assessor
- Deadline, opening date or inspection date
- Optional close-up and overall photographs
Common artificial plant questions
Artificial plant treatment FAQs
For a project-specific answer, send the dimensions, density and fire requirement you have been given. Photographs are optional.
View all FAQs →Can shiny green plastic plants be fire-retardant treated?
Yes. Shiny green plastic artificial plants can be treated to an agreed BS 5852 or BS 5867 requirement. Because the fire retardant remains visible on the non-absorbent surface, it may leave a pronounced shiny or wet-look appearance. We recommend checking photographs and, where appearance is important, treating a sample first.
Which fire standard applies to artificial plants?
The required standard must be confirmed by your fire risk assessor, fire officer or project specifier. Large foliage walls, particularly near fire exits, and extensive ceiling installations may be considered under Building Regulations and require BS EN 13501-1. Surface spraying cannot provide that classification, so always obtain written approval that BS 5852 or BS 5867 treatment is acceptable before booking.
Will the treatment change the appearance?
It can. On fabric and absorbent foliage the change may be limited, but on shiny plastic the fire retardant remains visible on the surface and may create a shiny, wet-look finish. A sample or small-area check is recommended where appearance is important.
How long does artificial foliage take to dry?
Allow up to 24 hours for treated foliage to dry fully. Ventilation, temperature, material and the density of the installation can affect drying time.
How long does the treatment last?
Retreatment is typically recommended every two years, or sooner if the installation is cleaned, heavily handled, altered or damaged. Follow the period stated on the treatment certificate and any project-specific requirement.
Can installed wall and ceiling foliage be treated?
Yes, where the material is suitable and access can be arranged. We protect nearby floors, furniture and finishes before treating installed walls, ceilings, artificial trees and floral features.
Do you treat artificial flowers, plant walls and decorative greenery?
Yes, where the material and installation are suitable. The service covers suitable artificial plants, products commonly described as fake plants, artificial flowers, foliage walls, ceiling foliage, artificial trees, garlands and other decorative greenery. Density, surface finish and access are considered before quotation.
What certificate is provided?
We issue a Certificate of Fire Retardant Treatment confirming that suitable artificial plants or foliage were treated in accordance with the agreed applicable standard. It identifies the treated items or installation, site and work completed.
What do you need to prepare a quotation?
Provide approximate square metres or quantities and dimensions, foliage density, whether the plants are installed or loose, height and access information, site postcode, the required standard and your deadline. Photographs are optional but particularly helpful for assessing density and treatment volume.
Start with the display and requirement
Let’s check your artificial plants
Send the dimensions, approximate density, access, postcode and standard requested. Photographs are optional. We’ll confirm whether the material is suitable and prepare a tailored quotation.