Fresno residents and businesses have a larger financial incentive to replace conventional lawns with landscaping that uses less water.
City officials have increased the rebate for lawn-conversion projects to make those changes more attainable for property owners adapting to California's dry climate.
Here's what to know
According to Fox 26, Fresno's Expanded Lawn to Garden Rebate now pays $4 per square foot and applies to a larger area of lawn.
Through the City of Fresno Public Utilities, the program helps cover the cost of converting irrigated grass to drought-tolerant landscaping.
Projects must replace at least 200 square feet of irrigated lawn with approved drought-tolerant plants. Residential properties can convert up to 10,000 square feet, while commercial, industrial, and institutional properties can convert up to 100,000 square feet.
Applicants must get City approval before work begins, and applications must be approved by Dec. 31.
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More background
While lawns may look tidy, they often require frequent irrigation to stay green.
The rebate also ties into upcoming statewide conservation rules. Pending regulations connected to Assembly Bill 1572 — enacted in 2023 — are set to start Jan. 1 for some commercial properties and would limit the use of potable drinking water on non-functional turf, Fox 26 reported.
The program could also help businesses, schools, homeowners associations, and similar properties prepare before those rules take full effect.
Funds are limited and will be distributed in the order approved applications are received.
For homeowners interested in similar approaches, upgrading to a natural lawn or rewilding your yard can be a practical way to lower lawn-care costs and reduce monthly water bills.
Where can I learn more?
Rebate programs across California and the Southwest show how other communities encourage residents to replace thirsty lawns and save water.
• Across California, homeowners can access payments for removing lawns and planting drought-tolerant yards.
• Pasadena residents can use native landscaping rebate kits to swap grass for low-water gardens.
• Phoenix homeowners can earn money for ditching grass in favor of desert-friendly yards.
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