Ditch the Grass, Embrace the Garden

The front lawn is familiar and nostalgic, but in California, where every drop of water counts, it is becoming less a symbol of suburban pride and more a relic of a bygone era.

Across the state, a quiet revolution is underway. Front yards, once ruled by Bermuda grass and sprinkler heads, are transforming into vibrant, water-wise ecosystems. Leading the charge in Southern California is the West Basin Municipal Water District, whose grass replacement rebate program is empowering homeowners to trade in their lawns for something smarter and more sustainable.

A Call to Conserve, Creatively

If you’ve ever stared at your front lawn wondering if there is something better out there, you’re not alone. Lawns are California’s biggest crop, but they also guzzle up to 70% of a home’s outdoor water use. For reference, grass requires around 40 gallons of water per square foot (per year), while native plants require approximately 10 gallons of water per square foot (per year). That is equivalent to filling 1,000 bathtubs of water per year (based on a 1,000 sq ft grass yard) versus filling 250 bathtubs of water per year (based on a 1,000 sq ft native plant yard). In a region long defined by drought, that’s a costly indulgence.

West Basin’s program encourages homeowners to do more with less. Less water. Less costs. Less maintenance. Less environmental impact. And the rewards? More butterflies. More hummingbirds. More savings. More character. More soul.

West Basin Municipal Water District

Why Lawns Just Don’t Work Anymore

Traditional turf is like planting an idea from another place and time: rooted in the rain-soaked landscapes of the East, dependent on irrigation and upkeep that California simply can’t afford. The lush lawns of the past don’t match the present, let alone the future.

They also come with a hidden cost: rising water bills, heightened fire risk, and landscapes that resist, rather than embrace, the natural beauty of our region. In short, the lawn is out of sync.

What’s In? Resilient, Gorgeous, Life-Giving Gardens

Swap out grass for drought-tolerant or native plants and you’ll quickly discover a different kind of lush. Think manzanita branches arching in sculptural elegance, carpets of blooming yarrow, and the soft hum of bees and butterflies flitting between blooms. These gardens don’t just survive, they thrive.

They also:

• Use dramatically less water
• Lower your monthly bills
• Support local pollinators and wildlife
• Increase curb appeal and property value
• Create defensible space in fire-prone areas
• Help capture stormwater and reduce runoff

Some homeowners even discover something unexpected: a sense of peace. There’s a restorative rhythm in watching your garden change with the seasons, one you never get from a static, uniform lawn.

West Basin Municipal Water District

The Rebate That Makes It Real

Here’s the good news: transforming your yard is not only possible, it’s affordable. West Basin offers $3 to $6 per square foot for turf removed, depending on your location. That means a 1000-square-foot front yard could earn you up to $6,000 just for saying goodbye to your lawn. Additionally, there is an extra rebate available for planting drought-tolerant trees ($100 per tree, up to 5 trees).

Even better? The program includes free landscape design assistance, so you’re not going it alone. There is a helpful chat service to help guide you through the program steps. With the right support, anyone can build a water-wise yard that feels tailored, personal, and rooted in place.

Over time, your water bill drops, your Saturday morning to-do list gets shorter, and your connection to your land deepens.

How to Get Started

The application process is straightforward:

• Visit West Basin’s official program page
• Snap a photo of your existing turf
• Submit a simple application
• Work with the West Basin landscape advisors to plan your new garden
• Remove the turf and install your new design
• Collect your rebate and enjoy the view

The full step-by-step guide (and all the fine print) is available ONLINE. But the most important step? Just starting.

West Basin Municipal Water District

The Future Starts at Your Curb

The front yard is no longer just a patch of grass; it’s your canvas. A chance to reimagine what home looks like, what beauty feels like, and what sustainability truly means. Thanks to West Basin, that transformation is easier than ever. And with summer fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to turn off the sprinklers and embrace a smarter, more stunning solution.

Your lawn had its moment. Now it’s your garden’s turn to shine.

West Basin Municipal Water District