From Lawn to Garden – Part 1: Getting Started with the Rebate Program

Thinking about replacing your lawn? CCWD's Lawn to Garden (LTG) Rebate program helps customers transform water-thirsty lawns into beautiful, water-wise landscapes that save water and support biodiversity. Join the thousands of CCWD customers who have replaced over 4,500,000 square feet of lawn in our community.

To give you an inside look, we sat down with LTG Program Manager Bob Eagle for a two-part Q&A. In Part 1, Bob explains who's eligible, what resources are available, and the first steps to getting started.

A CCWD customer's front yard before and after the Lawn to Garden Rebate

Contra Costa Water District: For those who haven't heard of it before, what is the Lawn to Garden Rebate program, and what inspired its creation?

Bob Eagle: The Lawn to Garden Rebate program helps homeowners remove lawns and replace them with water-wise gardens, which are landscapes that use less water than traditional turf. It was inspired by California's droughts since 2009 and the ongoing need to conserve water. Instead of letting lawns go dormant or having to replant them later, the program encourages people to transition to landscapes with plants that are better suited to our climate and require less water.

CCWD: Who's eligible to participate, and are there any requirements or guidelines their project needs to meet?

Bob: Homeowners are eligible if their home is in CCWD's service area. This includes customers who get water from us directly or through the City of Martinez, City of Antioch, City of Pittsburg, Diablo Water District, Golden State Water Company, or from the City of Brentwood (in certain neighborhoods). To participate, you need to have a lawn that will be replaced with a water-wise garden. If you have a sprinkler system, it must be removed and replaced with a water-wise irrigation system, typically drip irrigation. Your new garden should include enough water-wise plants to eventually cover about half of the area when mature. Mulch is also required to help reduce evaporation; this can be organic, like bark or composted tree trimmings, or inorganic, like rocks. For succulent gardens, rock mulch is usually preferred. Both types help conserve water and can improve soil health.

We recommend you familiarize yourself with the Lawn to Garden Rebate program eligibility and requirements.

CCWD: What kinds of resources does CCWD offer to participants, like design tools, webinars, or guidance, to support them throughout the program?

Bob: We have a lot of helpful information available. Learn more about the Lawn to Garden Rebate, seven steps to a new landscape, and Landscape Design Assistance program. The Landscape Design Assistance program includes a two-hour consultation with a landscape designer, who can help you develop a plan, sometimes create a sketch of your yard, and connect you with installers if you are not doing the project yourself. You can also get the $200 consultation fee reimbursed through the LTG rebate program if you complete your project successfully. Some designers can even help you purchase plants wholesale, which can save money and give you access to a wider variety of plants.

Customers participating in the LTG Rebate program can also use a Drip Irrigation Design Assistance Coupon (PDF) for Urban Farmer in Richmond, which is linked in their Notice to Proceed email. They can help design your drip irrigation system if you provide a sketch and measurements of your yard and purchase the products at their store.

In addition, we have recorded webinars covering the application process, lawn removal techniques such as sheet mulching, and converting sprinkler systems to drip irrigation. Finally, we also offer Lawn to Garden office hours, usually at noon two Thursdays a month, where you can sign up to speak with a Water Use Efficiency staff member who can answer any questions you have about applying, plant selection, or installation.

CCWD: If someone's ready to get started right now, what's the very first step they should take?

Bob: The first step is to apply for the Lawn to Garden Rebate Program online. It's important to do this before beginning any work, because the program is not retroactive. After applying, you can explore the many resources and guidance we offer and review the program's terms and conditions while you wait for us to approve your application. These resources will help you decide whether you feel confident doing the project yourself or if you'd like extra support.

After getting approved to participate in the LTG Rebate program, some participants work with our Landscape Design Assistance program, which can include designers who act as coaches. They can guide you through the landscape transformation process, offer advice on plant selection and layout, and even provide seasonal maintenance tips for your new water-wise garden. These designers may also be able to connect you with installers or professionals who specialize in maintaining water-wise landscapes, rather than traditional lawns.

Converting your lawn not only saves water but also creates a beautiful garden you can enjoy for years. The Lawn to Garden program makes it easy to get started. Learn more about the Lawn to Garden Rebate program and submit your application today.

Stay tuned for Part 2 in our next newsletter in November, where Bob shares practical tips, design inspiration, and advice for creating a thriving water-wise garden.