No, not that kind of grass – the lawn kind of grass.
Many homeowners and even commercial businesses in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties maintain significant areas of lush green lawns and grassy areas. If you live in Marin County, you can cash in on this offer through Marin Water’s Rebate and receive funds for getting rid of your grass lawn. Detailed terms are available through their online application.
Hotter, drier seasons are driving this initiative to remove water-thirsty grass with native plants and other landscaping to reduce water usage. According to Marin Water, this rebate offer applies to both “residential and commercial customers with an active potable water service.”
Marin County isn’t alone.
If you live in Sonoma County, you will find an entire directory for both Marin and Sonoma Counties’ Cash for Grass programs.
If you live in Napa County, you could be eligible for the Cash for Grass Turf Replacement Rebate Program. They offer a handy PDF with a detailed explanation of the terms and requirements.
Additionally, Marin Water includes a water smart gardening guide that includes tips on planning a native plants’ garden, complete with landscaping templates and ideas for choosing native plants.
The decision to remove your green lawn for alternative landscaping options can prove to be a wise choice. Longer, drier, hotter summers appear to be the norm, and concerns about climate change increase. Fear of fire danger also has homeowners concerned about vegetation and how best to fire-safe their homes.
One of our earlier blogs provided resources on local horticulturalists and why they support the idea that drought-resistant, low-maintenance, native plants are the best choice for Californians. Planting native plants supports biodiversity and are a water-saving choice.
Give up a Green Lawn?
Some families may be hesitant to give up their expansive green lawns. They take great care in maintaining their property, and lawn care is an essential element of their routines. Lawns require regular watering, mowing and often weeding and fertilizing.
Californians have thousands of square miles of lawns, enough grass to cover almost every inch of Connecticut and Delaware combined — and they use a lot of water to keep them green. A lawn in the Sacramento area can soak up an average of 45,000 gallons a year, according to state calculations.
Sacramento Bee, 2022
No one is saying that native plants need no watering or care. However, they do require much less water and no mowing. That could save vast amounts of gas to power mowers, cutting down on carbon monoxide pollution, as well.
For those homeowners who love the look and tidiness of their green lawns, improvements have been made to artificial turf. However, it is important to do your homework. There are differences in the quality or grade of artificial turf, right down to the blade shape and backing. Before making a choice, you may want to consider the pros and cons of artificial turf as opposed to native plants.
Whatever you choose to do, the rebates offered in Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties should act as an incentive to at least consider whether your lawn is worth keeping, when compared to other alternatives.
Commercial Properties
Commercial properties are also included in the rebate offerings. Given the rising costs of property management and water rates, business property owners could also benefit from the Cash for Grass rebates. The initial investment involved in removing your grassy areas and replanting with native species can be offset by the rebates, reduced maintenance costs and water savings.
Whether you are a homeowner or a commercial property owner, changing your landscaping to native plants can add a new dimension to your curb appeal.
If you are wondering what choice might be best for you, be sure to follow the links above for more resources. You can also contact AplosGroup for a consultation.