Native Landscaping in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento's Grass Conversion Rebate offers $1.50/sq ft (up to $3,000) for replacing lawns with drought-tolerant or native plants. The city recently expanded its preferred plant list to 830+ varieties, including 300+ California natives.
Up to $3,000 ($1.50/sq ft) through City of Sacramento
Available Rebate Programs
Grass Conversion Rebate
Up to $3,000 ($1.50/sq ft)City of Sacramento Utilities
Rebate of $1.50 per square foot for replacing grass with drought-tolerant or native plants. Preferred plant list includes 830+ varieties with 300+ California natives. Must include drip irrigation with WaterSense smart controller.
- Must be a City of Sacramento Utilities water customer
- Pre-approval required before starting work
- At least 5 plants; 60% coverage at maturity required
- Drip irrigation with WaterSense smart controller, or hand watering
Rebate programs change regularly. Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying. View all California programs.
Recommended Native Plants for Sacramento
These native plants are well-adapted to the Central Valley ecoregion and have growth habits that work well in HOA-conscious front yard designs.
Valley Oak
Quercus lobata
Sacramento's iconic native tree. Majestic canopy provides shade and supports wildlife.
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
State flower of California. Cheerful golden blooms signal intentional, beautiful planting.
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Flat-topped white flower clusters on ferny foliage. Excellent for borders and low water areas.
Redbud
Cercis occidentalis
Western redbud with magenta spring blooms before leaves emerge. Beautiful small tree for front yards.
Purple Needlegrass
Stipa pulchra
California's state grass. Elegant bunchgrass that provides year-round structure.
Coyote Mint
Monardella villosa
Compact, fragrant perennial with lavender blooms. Excellent pollinator plant.
Explore the full native plant library in the Pollinator Patch app, filtered by your specific ecoregion.
HOA Landscaping in Sacramento
Sacramento has a mix of established neighborhoods and newer HOA communities in areas like Natomas, Elk Grove, and Folsom. California state law protects homeowners installing drought-tolerant landscaping from HOA penalties, and the city's expanded 830+ plant list provides a documented palette for HOA conversations.
HOA-Conscious Design Tips
- Start with clean edges and defined bed shapes — structure signals care more than plant choice.
- Place shorter plants near the street and taller ones near the house for a tidy layered look.
- Use mulch between plants to signal intentional planting and reduce bare-soil concerns.
- Repeat 2–3 plant species for a cohesive, planned appearance rather than a random mix.
Local Tips for Sacramento
- Sacramento's grass conversion program requires pre-approval — submit your application before starting work.
- The city's expanded plant list is searchable by type and water needs at the Sacramento Utilities website.
- Central Valley summers are hot (100°F+). Choose natives adapted to interior valley heat, not coastal species.
- Sacramento soil is typically heavy clay in the valley floor — amend with compost and choose clay-tolerant natives.
Plan Your Sacramento Native Yard
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for Sacramento's Central Valley ecoregion, design an HOA-conscious layout, and generate documentation for rebate applications.