If your lawn has been irrigated with potable EBMUD water, actively maintained (mowed) for at least the past 3 years and the project has not started, you may be eligible for a rebate.
Several resources are available to help you choose low-water plants that thrive in Bay Area climates.
Plant Selection: Get help choosing climate-appropriate, low-water use plants. Check out this page for our plant lists and nearby nurseries.
Calscape - Why native plants?: Discover the perfect CA native plants for your garden and designs that fit your landscaping style.
Tree Selection: Trees are one of the most efficient elements of your landscape. Our Treebate Pilot webpage has additional resources on finding and caring for a tree.
How Much Water? (WUCOLS): Discover the water needs of your plants. This database catalogs water use of over 3,500 plants. Only plants with 'Low' or 'Very Low' water needs will qualify for a rebate.
Firescaping: Fire affects everyone living in California. View this webpage to learn more about guidelines that are intended to reduce fire hazards but cannot guarantee fire safety.
Step 5. Remove your lawn
EBMUD encourages sheet mulching to improve soil health, reduce green waste and need for herbicides.
Sheet mulching
Sheet mulching is the process of layering cardboard, compost, and mulch on top of grass. As these layers decompose, they begin to nurture the soil creating a haven for your new plants.
Visit Lawn to Garden for a guide to the sheet mulch process.
Discover how to build healthy soil with compost and mulch through StopWaste.
Compost coupons: EBMUD offers discounts at local suppliers for compost.
Unsure where to begin? Visit Save water outdoors to learn more about efficient irrigation.
In-Line Drip
Drip irrigation delivers water slowly to a plants' roots, allowing the soil to absorb water rather than creating runoff onto the road or sidewalk. Our sample design layouts provide ways to design a durable drip irrigation system into your landscape.
High-Efficiency Nozzles
High efficiency rotating and precision nozzles use less water than conventional spray nozzles and can greatly improve the irrigation system and pressure.
Features like a patio, water element, boulders, or permeable hardscape such as decomposted granite or gravel can add structure and visual interest to your garden.
Visit a local rockery or landscape supplier to view samples of materials that could work for your garden.
Download instructions from the Arbor Day Foundation on how to plant potted trees.
Step 9. Apply mulch
Mulch helps soil retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and beautifies your garden. Apply a minimum of 3 inches of organic mulch to planted areas and over exposed soils, being sure to leave areas around the base of plants and trees unmulched to prevent rot or potential diseases.
Mulch Coupons: EBMUD offers discounts at local suppliers for mulch.
