Asica
Senior Member
Posts: 240
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 1:11 am
Location: California (Los Angeles)

California Turf Removal Rebate

This question is manly for California gardeners. I just got approved to remove my grass from California program. The program gives you the money to remove it. Has anyone here when though the program?
I was reading on the website all the rules, but I have to say they are not as detail as I wish they were. I know you can get disqualified, so I want to know if what I am planning is ok to do with this program.
I love succulents and want a lot of them in the garden. I am also planning on adding some native plants, mostly to bring bees and butterflies. I also want to plant some native edible plants. My front yard will be covered in rocks. The backyard will be cover with mulch and wood chips. I want veggie garden. I chose keyhole garden and watering with Olla pots, so it is very drought friendly, but not as well known.
I know the program talks a lot about native plants and mulch. But I worry about the veggie garden, succulents, and rocks.TIA

imafan26
Mod
Posts: 13947
Joined: Tue Jan 01, 2013 8:32 am
Location: Hawaii, zone 12a 587 ft elev.

It looks like the succulents and rocks would be fine. The rebate will only cover the square footage of turf that is replaced with xeriscape plants and mulch material that is water permeable.

I found a site that better explained the water conservation rules but it was specifically for Fresno. If you live somewhere else, they may have a similar program and you can ask them about it. According to the Fresno guide, succulents and rock gardens would qualify. The rebate there only covers up to 500 square ft of turf. Vegetable gardens are disqualified.
https://www.fresno.gov/NR/rdonlyres/092 ... denALL.pdf

You can contact the site below and ask what qualifies and if you don't count the area you are planning to put in the vegetable garden would you still get a rebate. Fresno had a consultant service hopefully LA does too.
https://dpw.lacounty.gov/wwd/web/Conser ... Grass.aspx (626) 300-3313 = water conservation hotline.
turf@saveourwaterrebates.com

BTW your rebate will be taxed.

There are some edible plants which may qualify as drought tolerant. If trees are allowed, the shade they provide will help cool your house.
rosemary
prickly pear cactus
lavender
dragon fruit
pomegranate
Jujube
Loquat

Here are some other edibles. Research carefully. Some of the plants in this publication like figs and guava have invasive roots and are best where they will have a lot of room to grow and no foundations or underground utilities.
https://crfgsandiego.org/Presentations/D ... 0Vines.pdf

Asica
Senior Member
Posts: 240
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 1:11 am
Location: California (Los Angeles)

Thank you. You did some great research.



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