California Native Landscaping Rebates

Combines LADWP ($3/sq ft) and Metropolitan Water District ($2/sq ft) rebates for removing turf and replacing with California-friendly or native plants. Additional $100/tree rebate (up to 5 trees). Maximum 5,000 sq ft residential.

One of the most generous turf replacement programs in the country. Apply through SoCal Water$mart portal.

Base rate of $4/sq ft for residential turf replacement, plus an additional $1/sq ft bonus (up to $2,000) when choosing California native plants. Up to $5/sq ft for removing grass near pavement.

Native plant bonus incentivizes using California-native species over non-native drought-tolerant alternatives.

Rebate of $2 per square foot for residential turf removal, with a 250 sq ft minimum and 5,000 sq ft maximum. Additional $100/tree rebate (up to 5 trees). Free landscape design assistance available for participants.

Program is run through MWDOC (Municipal Water District of Orange County). Fall planting recommended for best results.

Base rebate of $2/sq ft for residential projects up to 5,000 sq ft, plus $100/tree (max 5 trees). Stacks with local water agency rebates. Apply through the SoCal Water$mart portal. LADWP customers in Los Angeles already receive the MWD base rebate bundled into their LADWP program — see the LADWP entry.

Regional base rebate for MWD member agencies outside Los Angeles. LA city customers should apply through LADWP, which already includes the MWD $2/sq ft base.

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.

Sacramento allocates ~$1M annually for this program. Plant list expanded significantly in 2025 with 250+ new varieties.

Rebate of $2 per square foot for converting approved high-water lawns and pools to low-water landscapes. Funding available through June 30, 2026 or until depleted. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.

Valley Water serves San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and surrounding cities in Santa Clara County.

Two tiers. Standard rebate: $1 per square foot for replacing lawn with climate-appropriate low-water plants, capped at $2,000 in any 24-month period. Super Rebate: $2 per square foot (same $2,000 cap, twice the coverage area) for projects that use sheet mulching with cardboard, plant-based mulch plus a half-inch of compost, mostly California native plants, and planting between September and February.

The Super Rebate doubles the per-square-foot rate for projects that meet the additional ecological requirements. Same $2,000 residential cap either way, but the higher rate covers twice the converted area for the same money. EBMUD serves Oakland, Berkeley, and surrounding East Bay cities. Funding is allocated first-come, first-served each fiscal year.

$1 per square foot for replacing lawn with low-water or drought-tolerant landscaping. Residential cap of $2,000. Pre-approval required before removing turf. CCWD serves central and eastern Contra Costa County.

CCWD serves Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, and surrounding Contra Costa County cities. Verify current funding availability before applying.

$2–4 per square foot for removing lawn and replacing with low-water or native landscaping. Rate varies by member agency. BAWSCA's Lawn Be Gone program is offered through Bay Area retail water agencies including Daly City, Menlo Park, San Bruno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Sunnyvale, and Hayward. Some cities may offer the program at the higher end of the range for California-native plants.

Availability and rate vary by member agency — verify with your specific water provider. Cities in Santa Clara County (Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto) may also qualify for Santa Clara Valley Water rebates. Apply to both programs if eligible.