You dont feel radiating heat because it has dual walls and is insulated in the middle. You can actually touch the top and sides and it only feels warm. However I would not recommend you touch the door. The door get extremely hot. I would use extra cause if you have small kids and tell them never to go near the door.

Mine is located just 3 feet outside of the fence that is around my pool. The fence is covered with ivy and I also have ornimental grasses planted by the side of the heater. The plants dont seem to be bothered so the radiating heat cant be that bad.

It hasnt been all fun and games with the heater. I have bumped the door (more than a few times) as I am refilling the fire box. It hurts like *****. The worst time was pushing a log in with a poker. The poker slipped off the end of the log and my hand slammed up into the top edge of the door frame. It went thru my glove and into my thumb. A trip to the ER and 9 stitches later I was good. So it hasnt been all fun.