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Drought Tolerant Front Yard Makeovers

Apr 16, 2015

California is in a major drought and homeowners are now facing a variety of water restrictions. However, following the new drought restrictions does not mean you have to succumb to a yard full of dead grass or a mound of dirt. In April, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order that limited the watering of “ornamental landscape or turf” to no more than two days per week. Violators are subject to fines of up to $500. But don’t stress. 

Here are three easy ways to maintain your curb appeal without getting fined:

  1. Plant succulents.
  2. Spray paint your lawn.
  3. Install synthetic turf.

Cutting edge Landscape designers such as Debra Lee Baldwin specialize in creating gorgeous and whimsical landscapes featuring waterwise succulents. Baldwin says succulents are popular because they come in a wide array of colors such as teal, chartreuse and burgundy. And they are easy to care for because the fleshy leaves and stems help them to survive periods of drought. Baldwin says they thrive in warm climates and only require an occasional splash of the hose. According to Sunset magazine, popular succulents include: Echeveria, Sedum/Stonecrop, Aeonium, Agave, Aloe, Kalanchoe and Senecio.

The historic drought that has scorched California and forced residents to conserve water or face stiff fines has also created a business opportunity for new landscaping of entrepreneurs: lawn spray-paintersLawnLift, a San Diego lawn paint manufacturer, says sales of its “all-natural, non-toxic and biodegradable grass and mulch paint” have tripled this year.

San Diego’s County Water Authority is offering the WaterSmart Turf Replacement program. The WaterSmart Turf Replacement program only applies to front yards (and side yards visisble from the street) The maximum incentive payment is: Up to $3,000 for replacing 2,000 square feet of turf for residential site and up to $9,000 for replacing 6,000 square feet of turf for commercial, institutional, or industrial sites. However, don’t remove your grass until you are approved, otherwise you will not receive the rebate.

Replacing a 1,000-square-foot lawn saves about 21,000 gallons of water annually, the Long Beach Water department said

Synthetic grass is a third option. California residents are switching to artificial grass to conserve water and combat a worsening California drought. Governor Brown’s mandate to replace 50 million square feet of lawns throughout the state with drought tolerant landscaping has prompted California residents to explore water wise choices for their yards. Many local water authorities are providing additional incentives to encourage water savings by replacing water hungry natural grass with water saving synthetic grass.

If you have any questions about how you can spruce up your lawn using these tips, give me a call 619-980-2738. I’d love to help.

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