Replace your turf with drought-tolerant landscaping and a rain-saving landscape feature.
It’s time to rethink your landscaping. A new generation of homeowners are creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces using a selection of low-water use plants and features. Plus, they’re cutting their water use drastically. There’s a reason alternative landscaping is growing more popular each year — it creates a gorgeous new look for your property, saves you money, and reduces yard maintenance. Get rid of unused turf and move your home into the future.
Replacement with artificial turf is not permitted.
What are the benefits?
Beautify your yard.
Make your yard uniquely yours with diverse collections of plants that add color, aromas, sounds, and textures.
Use less water.
An entire lawn made of turf requires huge amounts of water. By replacing it with low-water use plants and water-efficient technology, you’re saving yourself money every time you need to water. Even better - reducing your water use helps keep water costs low for everyone.
Create a better wildlife habitat.
Diverse plants, especially those that are native to California, can attract beautiful butterflies, bees, and birds. Beneficial wildlife helps keep your landscape healthy and preserves our local ecosystems.
Reduce maintenance requirements.
While no landscape is maintenance-free, sustainable landscapes require less fertilizer, pesticides, and ongoing maintenance than a traditional grass-based yard.
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If you get your water from a municipal water agency...
You can earn $3–$4 per sq. ft. when you remove turf and install a water-wise landscape. Maximum rebate amounts depend on property type:
- Residential properties: Up to 5,000 sq. ft. ($15,000–$20,000)
- Commercial & multifamily: Up to 50,000 sq. ft. ($150,000–$200,000)
Plus, you can earn an additional $1/sq. ft. for portions that you landscape with California native plants!
To qualify, your property must be:
- Located in unincorporated San Diego County, and
- Served by one of the following San Diego County Water Authority or Eastern Municipal Water District agencies:
- Rainbow Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, Lakeside Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Ramona Municipal Water District, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, Sweetwater Authority, Fallbrook Public Utilities Department, Vallecitos Water District, Valley Center Municipal Water District, Vista Irrigation District, and Yuima Municipal Water District.
If this applies to you, submit an interest form below or continue reading about accessing these rebates from the SoCalWaterSmart program.
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If you don’t get your water from a municipal water agency...
If you don’t get your water from the providers listed to the left, or have a turf replacement project that is not eligible for the SoCalWaterSmart program...
You can earn $4 per sq. ft. to replace turf or high-water use shrubs with sustainable landscaping.
- Residential properties: Up to 1,250 sq. ft ($5,000)
- Commercial & multifamily: Up to 2,000 sq. ft. ($8,000)
Plus, you can earn an additional $1/sq. ft. for portions that you landscape with California native plants.
To qualify for this rebate, your property must be:
- Located in unincorporated San Diego County, and
- Must have a project that is ineligible for the SoCalWaterSmart program.
Learn about how to obtain these rebates from the County here.
Have questions?
Program staff are here to help. The Waterscape Rebate Program team offers free, one-on-one support to help you navigate the rebate process, understand the program requirements, and make your project a success. Whether you're unsure about eligibility, need help deciding which rebates to select, want support completing your application, or are looking for licensed contractors to complete your project, we've got you covered.
Need Assistance Now?
Submit an Interest Form: Let us know if you're interested, and select “Turf Replacement” in the form. A program staff member will reach out within five business days.
Contact Us Directly: If you prefer to reach out to us immediately, please contact us at info@waterscaperebates.com.
What are the requirements for the SoCal WaterSmart Turf Replacement Rebate?
Every turf replacement project must include:
- 3 plants per 100 sq. ft of area transformed, with a 3-inch layer of organic mulch in the identified project area. Artificial turf is not permitted.
- A stormwater retention feature (i.e. a rain garden, rock garden, dry river bed, swales, berms, grades, rain barrels or cisterns). You can get an additional rebate for this component through our Rain-Saving Feature or Container programs.
- No hardscape within the transformed area, except permeable hardscape which allows water to filter through it.
- Replacement or modification of overhead spray sprinklers. All overhead spray sprinklers must be removed, capped, or converted to a water-efficient system such as drip irrigation, micro-sprays, bubblers, or high efficiency rotating nozzles.
Note: All projects must be reviewed and approved through SoCal WaterSmart before any work begins.
Reminder: If you are not in the SoCal WaterSmart area (see eligibility above), then see here for requirements for the alternative program.
Submit an Interest Form for Personalized Guidance
If you’d like free one-on-one support to plan your project, check your eligibility, or apply for rebates, just fill out our Interest Form. A member of our team will reach out to walk you through everything.
If You Would Like to Proceed without Individual Assistance
If you would like to proceed without individual assistance we suggest:
- Creating a plan for your new lawn using this optional planning tool that helps you think through goals and possibilities.
- Downloading and reviewing this guide to help you navigate the WaterSmart rebate process. This is a checklist for your reference and not the actual application.
- Proceeding to the SoCal WaterSmart page to begin your application. You’ll need “before” photos, a basic landscape sketch, and a recent water bill.
Tip: Many applicants miss out on extra rebates or run into issues partway through. We recommend connecting with program staff first—quick, free, and it could save you time and money. To do that, submit an interest form with the orange button above.
Note: The application forms below are for customers eligible for the SoCal WaterSmart rebate. If you are on well water or are not eligible for the SoCal WaterSmart program, submit an interest form for the County’s alternative Turf Replacement Program, which is specifically for you.
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