6 Effective Ways! To Maximize the Turf Replacement Program

Transforming your water-thirsty lawn into a sustainable, water-efficient garden saves precious resources and enhances the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) offers a Turf Replacement Rebate Program (Program) that provides $3 per square foot for replacing grass with drought-tolerant landscaping.

To maximize the Program benefits, consider these six (6) effective strategies:

  1. Take Advantage of Rebates: MWDOC offers an additional $1,000 rebate toward the cost of a professional landscape design for residential participants. A qualified designer can help you plan a landscape that meets your needs and complies with Program requirements.
  2. Plant Trees: Incorporate trees into your design to provide shade, improve air quality, and reduce stormwater runoff. The Program offers an extra $100 rebate per tree, up to five (5) trees, as an added incentive.
  3. Pick Up Free Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate temperature. OC Waste & Recycling offers free mulch to residents, which you can schedule to pick up.
  4. Upgrade Your Irrigation System: Replace traditional sprinklers with a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. The Spray-to-Drip Rebate Program offers $1 per square foot of sprinkler-irrigated area converted to drip irrigation.
  5. Find Your Favorite Plants: Explore the OC Water Smart Gardens website to discover plants that thrive in Orange County’s climate. Design your dream garden by creating a personalized list of favorites and accessing gardening resources like watering guides and maintenance tips.
  6. Attend Free Webinars: Participate in online landscape design classes offered by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. These free webinars cover topics such as grass removal, rainwater capture design, and irrigation setup.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that saves water, supports local ecosystems, and qualifies for valuable rebates. To start saving water, time, and money, visit mwdoc.com/turf.