Maintaining a lush, green lawn has long been the standard practice for American homeowners, but in Los Angeles, it comes with a steep price. As a region grappling with water scarcity and the unpredictable effects of climate change, more and more Los Angeles residents are looking for ways to swap out their water-guzzling turf without sacrificing the aesthetics and usability of their yards.
Since 2022, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has offered a Turf Grass Removal Rebate program. The rebate reimburses homeowners with an impressive $5 for every square foot of turf lawn that they replace with sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping.
Similar rebates are available for customers of other utilities providers in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, including turf replacement rebate programs in Burbank, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and Glendale.
What is Water-Efficient Landscaping?
Water-efficient landscaping is a holistic approach to designing your yard. Going one step beyond the “drought-tolerant landscaping” or “xeriscaping” approach, it is an attractive method of garden design that incorporates environmentally and financially sensible practices in its management.
Water-efficient landscaping helps reduce homeowners’ use of supplemental, potable water in their yards by choosing plants that require far less water than a typical turf grass and managing rainwater runoff more effectively to nurture the landscape.
Why Should I Replace My Turf Grass Lawn in Los Angeles?
There are numerous benefits to turf replacement in Los Angeles, not only for the environment, but also for your wallet. Better yet, swapping turf grass can actually improve your enjoyment and usability of your yard when it is approached wisely.
Losing the lawn opens up a wide array of opportunities to create a more vibrant landscape that you love. Plus, it helps you skip the gas-powered mowers, industrially manufactured fertilizers, and questionable pesticides and herbicides.
Why Are Lawns Bad in Los Angeles?
Grass lawns aren't "bad" per se, but smart landscapers know the wisdom of the "right plant for the right place." Old-fashioned turf lawns were first popularized in England, where they thrived in the soggy climate—the "right place" for a thirsty plant!
However, this type of lawn-centric landscape is incongruous with Southern California’s sunnier, drier climate. Here in Los Angeles, native plants have naturally adapted to our region's low rainfall and hot summer conditions, but typical grass lawns (even "low-water" turf grasses!) do not have the same adaptations.
Fortunately, Los Angeles is gifted with tons of beautiful, lush native plants that are highly water efficient and can easily take the place of turf grass lawns.
Why Are Native Plants Important in Los Angeles?
Choosing California native plants and those adapted to similar Mediterranean climates can have a massive impact on the surrounding environment. When applied to sustainable landscaping plans, these plants help protect our local climate and ecosystem. California native plants allow homeowners to reduce their excess water usage, eliminate inefficient irrigation systems, and put away their gas-polluting lawn care equipment.
Using native plants in place of a turf lawn can also help reestablish biodiverse habitats for important pollinators, birds, and friendly insects that make the Los Angeles outdoor lifestyle so pleasant. Fragrant native plants like white sage have a repellent effect on unwanted pests like invasive mosquitos. Better yet, more water-efficient yards can eliminate breeding conditions for mosquitos, making your backyard a more enjoyable place to spend time.
Additionally, California native plants also are better equipped to thrive in our local sandy soil. While turf grass lawns are often treated with fertilizers and toxic pesticides, our native plants easily allow homeowners to establish an organic yard without these questionable chemicals.
What Are the Benefits of Native Landscaping in Los Angeles?
Beyond their environmental and financial benefits, California native plants can enhance your lifestyle in a number of ways.
California native plants provide a true sense of place, allowing you to appreciate the distinct beauty of our home state. While old-fashioned grass lawns can grow nearly anywhere, California has more than 6,500 native plant species, all of which have adapted to specific rainfall levels and growing conditions. In fact, our state is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet!
While many succulents and cactus species are often found in drought-tolerant native landscapes, Los Angeles County also has a plethora of native leafy shrubs and vibrant flowers. With a wide range of vegetation and color options, you can create a water-efficient native landscape without sacrificing your personal style preferences.
Are Water-Efficient Landscapes More Affordable to Maintain?
Rebates from the City of Los Angeles Turf Grass Removal Rebate program are just the first step in a more economical approach to home landscaping. Making the switch to water-efficient landscapes typically will significantly reduce water bills for those who ditch their lawns.
Since they also typically include lower-maintenance plants, established native landscapes can also reduce ongoing maintenance needs throughout much of the year. When planted in the appropriate place, established California native perennials are able to live for many decades, eliminating the laborious and costly efforts of re-seeding, fertilizing, and aerating that grass lawns require.
How Do I Get a Turf Replacement Rebate in Los Angeles?
Check Your Eligibility and Requirements: Before starting turf removal, ensure that your property is eligible for the Turf Grass Removal Rebate Program. Most residential LADWP customers with at least 250 square feet of grass turf to be replaced will be eligible.
Plan Your Landscape Design: Get to know your property and explore the variety of water-efficient landscaping options that align with the rebate program criteria. Gather inspirational photos with the types of plants, materials, and color palettes you most enjoy, as well as what might work best with your home’s style. Think about the ways you would like to use your yard, such as dining, entertaining, playing with kids and dogs, and more. Test out different layouts to incorporate as many of these as possible.
Consult a Native Plant Landscaping Team: Consider hiring an expert to help you examine your growing conditions, layout, and lifestyle needs. A great team will not only help you plan your yard’s aesthetics, but they will also help you identify your goals for the space and understand what plants will grow best in certain areas of your property. A thoughtful, professionally planned landscape will not only increase your chances of being approved for the rebate, but it will also enhance the aesthetic appeal, usability, and even value of your property.
Take “Before” Photos and Submit Your Application: Because rebate funds are limited, LADWP requires you to apply to reserve your rebate. Applications typically include “before” photos of the project area, a landscape design plan and plant list, and information on a rainwater capture feature to enhance sustainability.
Begin Turf Removal and Replacement: Once you have a plan in place and have been approved for a rebate reservation, you typically have six months to complete your plan and remove your turf lawn. This process can take anywhere from one day to many months, as it may involve removal by digging it out, heavily mulching it over cardboard, or solarizing it under plastic. When replacing your turf with drought-tolerant and water-efficient plants, be sure to follow the guidelines provided by the rebate program to qualify for the financial incentives.
Consolidate Documentation and Request Your Rebate: Maintain detailed records of the turf removal process, including before-and-after photos and receipts for materials and services, and request your rebate through the LADWP portal. Your documentation is crucial when submitting the final rebate forms. Pay close attention to all deadlines and follow the application guidelines provided by the program.
Can Landscapers Help Me Apply for a Turf Removal Rebate in Los Angeles?
By taking steps to reduce excess water consumption with sustainable landscaping, you not only contribute to the well-being of the environment, but you can also receive hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fund your project.
If you're curious about applying for a turf removal rebate in Los Angeles, schedule a consultation with a Besanti Natives consultant. Our experts are ready to help you transform your basic lawn into your own personal California oasis.
About Us
Besanti Natives is a landscape design consulting firm in Los Angeles specializing in bespoke outdoor spaces inspired by the natural wonders of the Golden State. Our Certified California Native Plant Landscapers offer a refreshing, holistic approach to your landscape to help you cultivate more meaningful connections to nature, your loved ones, and yourself.
Our team is dedicated to preserving the unique character of each property while providing modern solutions to enhance functionality and beauty. To order any of the plants listed on this page, learn more about our services, or to schedule a consultation, visit our online booking page.
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