The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced a statewide lawn-replacement rebate program to encourage the ongoing trend away from water-wasting yards. Owners of single-family residences who agree to rip out turf grass and replace it with drought-tolerant landscaping (such as native plant gardens) can apply to the program and be reimbursed for their expenses at the rate of $2 per square foot of lawn removed, up to a maximum of $2,000 per property.
With the aim of converting more than 10 million square feet of thirsty lawn into locally appropriate water-wise gardens, the program’s intent is more than admirable; it is indispensable in this modern age of indefinite drought. Applications can be submitted online. Apply today and demonstrate your ecological vision: Kill your lawn and get paid!
Madrono president Geoff started the company in 2005 as a sole proprietorship out of the back of a pickup truck. His garden column, “Locals Only”, first appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle in 2002. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and two children, where he likes to sing and thump the bass for Rare Device.
