Get personalized assistance to transform unused turf areas in your large, commercial landscape and reduce your water bills.
Get comprehensive, personalized start-to-finish assistance on how to reduce your water bills and maintenance costs by replacing your turf with drought-tolerant landscaping.
Your personal landscape optimization experts will work with you to tailor the best combination of landscaping improvements and rebate options available, helping you cover a large portion of the upgrade cost.
Replacement with artificial turf is not permitted.
The Program is currently accepting new applicants. Please contact Megan Chery for more information.
What are the benefits?
Reduce water use.
When you install low-water-use landscaping, especially in a large property, you’ll save water. San Diego-appropriate plants can reduce water use by 70-80% compared to turf grass. Reducing runoff also helps avoid fines and reduces property repair needs.
Beautify your landscape.
Adding diversity — of plants, colors and textures — will improve the look of your landscape immediately.
Increase your property value.
Sustainable landscapes have been shown to raise property values by 2-5%.
Improve local water quality.
Sustainable landscapes keep contaminants out of local waterways where our residents surf, swim and hike.
Improve community well-being.
Replace noisy mowers and constant maintenance with vibrant landscapes that bring pollinators and lower average temperatures for more enjoyable outdoor leisure.
This video highlights a turf replacement project completed at the Jamacha Park HOA in the Sweetwater watershed which utilized the benefits of the Landscape Optimization Service, and was awarded by Metropolitan Water District the 2024 One Water Award for Community Responsibility. The new sustainable landscape covers 58,000 sqft and is estimated to save 2.5 million gallons of water each year and 270,000 gallon reduction in irrigation runoff each year.
This project was also featured in an May 2024 article for Water News Network: Jamacha Park HOA Wins Awards for Landscape Makeover Project.
This video highlights a turf replacement project completed at the Rancho San Diego HOA in the Sweetwater watershed which utilized the benefits of the Landscape Optimization Service. The new sustainable landscape covers 37,000 sqft and is estimated to save 2.2 million gallons of water each year.
This project was also featured in an April 2022 article for Water News Network: Spring Valley HOA and Watershed Benefit From Landscape Optimization Service.
What is the process?
1. Discovery Meeting and Participant Agreement
We discuss your needs, devise an initial plan, and confirm your fit for the program.
2. Site Assessment
Our team will assess your landscape and recommend priority upgrades
and a turf replacement project.
3. Landscape Design
We’ll help you work with current or new partners to achieve the look
you want for your new landscape.
4. Rebate Application
We’ll assess which rebates you’re eligible for and estimate your
cost savings. We’ll also help you reserve the rebate funds and get
approvals.
5. Turf Removal and Landscape Installation
Your selected contractor will remove turfgrass and install
sustainable landscaping and efficient irrigation.
6. Post-Project Verification and Rebate Payment
We’ll make sure you receive your rebate, and help set you up for
long-term water management success.
Who is eligible?
Two criteria must be fulfilled:
1. You are a commercial or multifamily property located in unincorporated San Diego County;
AND
2. You get your water from one of San Diego County Water Authority member agencies.
Check if you’re eligible for both criteria by following the instructions on the Program Eligibility page.
What are the requirements?
- Must have existing turfgrass with in-ground irrigation
- Minimum of 20,000 sq. ft of turf available for replacement
- Replacement with artificial turf is not permitted
- No turf removed prior to receiving a reservation through the SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement Program (we will guide you through this after you contact us)
- Applicant must be an authorized owner or manager for the property
How do I sign up?
The Program is currently accepting new applicants. Please contact Megan Chery for more information.
How much is my rebate?
Eligible participants will get up to $5 per sq. ft. of turf grass replaced with low water use plants or native plants.
You'll also get technical assistance to identify and complete turf replacement and landscape improvement projects.
Access a 50% discount on landscape design services to design your project.
Receive 50% off stormwater feature costs (includes up to $3,000 of both labor and materials).
Get expert help obtaining additional rebates for devices including smart controllers, drip irrigation and flow sensors.
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