What is the Landscape Design Assistance Rebate?
A 2-hour, in-person visit with a professional landscape designer to receive recommendations on plant choice, layout, and/or irrigation ideas for a selected area of your landscape. You will pay the designer a $200 fee at the time of service and then be reimbursed by EBMUD upon successful completion of your landscape transformation.
Eligibility requirements
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Install a minimum 200 sq. ft. waterwise garden using low-water plants and/or efficient irrigation.
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Use an LDAP-approved landscape designer. Commercial properties, including HOAs, must select a Landscape Architect from the list.
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Wait until EBMUD provides notice of approval before scheduling a consultation or starting the project.
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Pay the $200 fee to the landscape designer at the time of service and submit the receipt to EBMUD. The fee is reimbursed only after successful project completion.
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The program may only be used once per account.
Prohibited installations
If you install the following, your project will not be eligible:
- Artificial turf
- Sod grass, including "no-mow" grass
- Plants listed as invasive on cal-ipc.org
- Concrete, mortared, or glued paths or patios
- Landscape fabric or weed cloth
- Microspray or adjustable emitters/bubblers
How to apply
Review the steps below and refer to the Rebate Requirements and Documentation for details on each rebate type, including requirements and required photos, screenshots, and receipts needed to complete a rebate project.
Step 1: Apply online.
Submit your application before beginning your project. If you need assistance filling out your rebate application, email us at waterconservation@ebmud.com.
Step 2: Wait for approval.
Wait for EBMUD approval before beginning any work or contacting an approved designer.
Step 3: Schedule your visit with an approved designer.
After receiving EBMUD approval, choose an LDAP-approved landscape designer and schedule your 2-hour consultation. We recommend completing the Landscape Design Questionnaire in advance to get the most out of the consultation.
Pay the $200 fee to the landscape designer at the time of service and submit the receipt to EBMUD. Design services outside of the $200, 2-hour visit that are contracted between the participant and designer will not be reimbursed by EBMUD.
Step 4: Complete your project within 9 months.
Complete the landscape transformation to a waterwise garden using low-water plants and/or efficient irrigation, and provide all required documentation (sample here) within the 9-month deadline.
Step 5: Receive your rebate.
After you submit all requested information and your rebate is approved, the $200 rebate will be issued as a check within two months. EBMUD will not reimburse the fee if the participant does not complete their landscape project.
Approved landscape designers
Download the list of approved designers. See map for details on area(s).
Please submit your application and wait for approval before contacting a designer.
Frequently asked questions
Choose whether you would like to focus on the front, back, or side yard. The design assistance visit will likely cover basic recommendations on plant choice, plant layout, and irrigation ideas for your site.
The visit will be tailored to your needs and your site. We cannot guarentee specific deliverables, rather the designer will work with you to provide the best support within the 2-hour time frame.
The designer is not expected to draw a detailed landscape plan, but should give you ideas to get started with your landscape rebate project.
We recommend completing the Landscape Design Questionnaire and sharing it with your designer. Your designer may also request that you sketch a base map of your project area prior to the visit.
At minimum, think about garden styles you like and desired elements for your new garden. Gather images of gardens you like to show your designer. Also, be ready to discuss your budget and how you plan to complete the project (DIY vs. hiring professionals).
No. If you do not complete the project and install a waterwise garden following rebate requirements, you will not receive reimbursement. The design assistance rebate is contingent upon the successful completion of the approved landscape transformation project.
Yes. You are welcome to contract additional services with LDAP approved designers beyond the scope of the EBMUD program if mutually agreeable.
However, any services outside of the 2-hour design assistance are wholly seperate from the EBMUD program. Rates, scope, and terms must be decided between you and the designer directly. No reimbursement will be provided for such additional services.
Our guide to Hiring a Landscape Professional can help you with selecting a professional for additional services.
Commercial customers are eligible for design assistance, but must use a landscape architect from the approved list of designers.