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Turf Conversion Database

Turf Conversion Database

The replacement of high water-use, cool-season turfgrass with low water-use landscaping across the west yields a host of compelling co-benefits, both qualitative and quantitative. Converting traditional lawns to drought-resistant and climate appropriate landscaping has the potential for significant water savings while enhancing the resilience of a community against water scarcity challenges. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of diverse native flora and sustainable landscaping designs enhances the visual charm of properties and communities, fostering a unique sense of place while promoting biodiversity. Furthermore, low water use landscaping is cost effective, can reduce maintenance needs, and is one strategy in the toolbox to further increase municipal water efficiency and meet the water demand reduction goals in the Colorado River Basin states.

The Turf Conversion Database below includes examples of turf conversion benefits, engagement options, and communications materials. The turf conversion benefits, both qualitative and quantitative, include benefit types such as: water savings, cost effectiveness, avoided cost, increased energy efficiency, wildfire mitigation, improved air quality, improved water quality, soil health, pollinator habitat, biodiversity, and aesthetics / neighborhood beautification. The engagement options are categorized by the engagement type (i.e., inform, involve, collaborate, co-create, etc.) and by the type of activities in which to engage (i.e., videos, partnerships, workshops, presentations, fact sheets, community advocacy, etc.). The example communication materials are categorized by media type (i.e., website, blog, social media, print, video, news, article, brochure, etc.). These examples can serve as a resource for communities across the west to adapt to their own unique audience and goals.

The database was developed by WaterNow in collaboration with Western Resource Advocates.

Click through the resources to access the database.

Turf Conversion Benefits

Aesthetics / Neighborhood Beautification — Quantitative

Alliance for Water EfficiencyLocated in Nationwide

In a survey of homeowners who converted their turf to a water-wise landscape, 91% reported that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their new landscape. 85% thought the conversion was worth the investment.

Aesthetics / Neighborhood Beautification — Qualitative

City of GreeleyLocated in CO

"Waterwise gardens are beautiful as well as drought-tolerant. With their variety of colors, textures, and fragrances, they serve as an ongoing source of enjoyment and provide a delightful treat for the sense. Even during times of drought, waterwise landscapes retain much beauty while conventional, water-thirsty landscapes may suffer."

Aesthetics / Neighborhood Beautification — Qualitative

City of Los Angeles, Metropolitan Water District, UCLA Luskin CenterLocated in CA

"Attitudes have been changing about lawn desirability. Generally, the more aesthetically pleasing the landscaping, which potentially requires costlier investment, the more likely it is to have a positive impact on the property value."

Avoided Cost — Quantitative

Alliance for Water EfficiencyLocated in NV

In Las Vegas, turf takes more time to maintain (8.2 hours/month average) versus xeriscape (6 hours/month average). Turf costs more to maintain ($680 per year average) versus xeriscape ($474 per year average).

Avoided Cost — Qualitative

City of Los Angeles, Metropolitan Water District, UCLA Luskin CenterLocated in CA

If it is assumed that the cost of water will increase in the future, then the cost of purchasing water from a water supplier will likely be higher than the cost of saving water (through water wise landscaping practices and their maintenance)

Biodiversity — Qualitative

City of GreeleyLocated in CO

"Native plans have more resistance to pests and diseases. By using native and climate-adapted plants instead of exotics, you can decrease your pesticide use."

Biodiversity — Quantitative

Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniaLocated in CA

Turf replacement program reduced an estimated 579 acre feet per year of imported water from the Colorado River and Bay-Delta. This reduction improves flexibility for water management and contributes to the improved status of the river ecosystems. Turf removal primarily draws from rivers in the spring and summer, and these months are also when those rivers are most impacted by water withdrawals.

Biodiversity — Quantitative

South Carolina Wildlife FederationLocated in SC

According to the EPA, lawns and gardens in the US are sprayed with more than 90 million pounds of insecticides and herbicides a year. Native plants that are not conventional turf grass, provide wildlife habitat and allow homeowners to cut back on those chemical inputs, which in turn attracts more pollinators and other wildlife.

Cost Effectiveness — Quantitative

Fort Collins Utilities, City of Fort CollinsLocated in CO

Transforming Front Range HOAs would cost $0.09 per gallon saved, whereas new water supplies cost $0.10 per gallon.

Cost Effectiveness — Quantitative

City of Los Angeles, Metropolitan Water District, UCLA Luskin CenterLocated in CA

The rebate amount received by households for turf conversion and the amount of money households save over time due to avoided water usage are combined to offset the cost of lawn replacement. If the offsets are greater than the cost of lawn replacement, households will see financial benefits. The equation is:

[rebate amount + avoided costs (due to water savings)] - lawn replacement costs = financial benefits

Cost Effectiveness — Quantitative

EPALocated in Nationwide

Green stormwater infrastrucure in parks, such as permeable pavement, bioretention demonstration gardens, pollinator gardens, planter boxes, trees, and wetlands near waterways can sometimes lower the cost of maintenance in parks, especially since green stormwater infrastructure can be budgeted for across multiple departments (i.e., Parks, Stormwater utility, general funds) In the Historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta, Georgia, the city saved more than $15 million compared with installing conventional gray infrastructure drainage

Cost Effectiveness — Qualitative

We Conserve PALocated in Nationwide

"The average American spends 70 hours a year working on their lawn. By converting some of all of their lawn, a person can save time and money."

Cost Effectiveness — Qualitative

Castle Rock and Academy Sports Turf, Inc.Located in CO

Castle Rock partnered with Academy Sports Turf, Inc to convert athletic fields at Paintbrush Park to synthetic in order to save water, reduce maintenance hours, and extend the ability of sports teams to use the fields in spring and fall.

Cost Effectiveness — Quantitative

City of GreeleyLocated in CO

"Well-designed, -installed, and -maintained waterwise landscapes can increase property values up to 15%."

General Program Information — Qualitative

Science DirectLocated in CA

Even without fully removing lawns, changing the varieties of planted species and associated social expectations of yard appearances, reducing excess irrigation, and promoting tree canopy cover to reduce turf water losses can potentially yield more drought-tolerant and amenable landscapes in arid western U.S. climates (Johnson et al., 2013, Kjelgren et al., 2000, Litvak et al., 2013).

General Program Information — Qualitative

City of GreeleyLocated in CO

Turf conversion can "lower water bills, enhance curb appeal and higher property value, be lower maintenance" and can provide the homeowner will more knowledge about gardening

General Program Information — Qualitative

Ecological EngineeringLocated in Nationwide

A study comparing non-native turfgrasses with native (or regionally adapted) turfgrasses exhibited that the regionally adaptive species required lower resource inputs (water, mowing, chemical fertilizer and insecticides) for comparable performance.

General Program Information — Qualitative

California Water BlogLocated in CA

The benefits of turf conversion include "diversifying plant species, lowering irrigation needs, reducing stormwater runoff, and potentially reducing fire risk in fire-prone areas. Replacing turf, combined with homeowner education and proper irrigation, also makes yards more drought resistant."

Improved Air Quality — Quantitative

Ecological Landscape AllianceLocated in Nationwide

"Typical lawn mower running for one hour = 100 miles in a car" This means that turf conversion can decrease the amount of emissions by taking away the need to use gas-powered mowers on a regular basis.

Improved Air Quality — Qualitative

Science DirectLocated in AZ

Xeric trees can cool the city with less water consumption than turf lawns, which is especially useful in areas that experience the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.

Improved Air Quality — Quantitative

West Basin Municipal Water DistrictLocated in CA

Through the EPA greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator, West Basin estimates that it will reduce 207 metric tons of carbon dioxide through its grass replacement program. This reduction will come as a result of conserving energy from transporting and treating potable water as well as the reduction in carbon emissions from not mowing turf grass on a weekly basis. The EPA estimates that one gas lawn mower emits 89 pounds of CO2 and 34 pounds of other pollutants per year.

Improved Air Quality — Quantitative

Circular Climate Solutions, Ltd.Located in Nationwide

"Americans use up to 800 million gallons of gasoline per year just to mow their lawns. At least 17 million of those gallons are attributed to spills while filling lawn equipment." For remaining turf that needs to be mowed, electric (battery-operated) mowers can replace gas-powered ones

Improved Air Quality — Qualitative

Ecological Landscape AllianceLocated in Nationwide

"Organic land management sequesters carbon. Traditional turfgrass care limits the sequestration of carbon."

Improved Water Quality — Quantitative

Penn State ExtensionLocated in PA

"Lawns or turfgrass is the largest crop grown in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, accounting for 9.5% of the land cover or 3.8 million acres. The best estimate for how much nitrogen fertilizer is applied to lawns in that area is nearly 215 million pounds per year... About 19 million pounds are active ingredients" which reach local streams and rivers and cause harm to aquatic life.

Improved Water Quality — Quantitative

Alliance for the Chesapeake BayLocated in PA

"A typical lawn can only infiltrate one inch of rainwater per hour (compared to a forest, which can infiltrate 16 inches." This means that typical lawns, and any input that is used on the lawn like fertilizers and herbicides, is a source of stormwater runoff and can contaminate streams.

Increased Energy Efficiency — Quantitative

Landscaping PlanetLocated in Nationwide

Running a sprinkler system will use more energy than a drip system or intermittent watering of water-wise landscapes. On average, a sprinkler system uses .59 kWh/m3 per day.

Increased Energy Efficiency — Quantitative

Southern Nevada Water AuthorityLocated in NV

"Shading keeps areas 10 to 25 degrees cooler... There are dozens of water efficient trees and vines that can be used to shade south and west exposures from the relentless desert sun. A water smart landscape with very dense plantings uses less than half as much water as a lawn."

Pollinator Habitat — Qualitative

BloombergLocated in MA

One-by-one meter plots of converted turf, where nothing is planted and the dormant seeds underneath are allowed to grow unimpeded, shows an uptick in insects. This rewilding attracts bees, ants, moths, spiders, and more.

Pollinator Habitat — Qualitative

San Antonio Water System (SAWS)Located in TX

Because of the WaterSaver coupons and rebates (which require a minimum of 200 sq. ft. conversion, at least 10 ft. wide not including walkways, and no impervious surfaces), SAWS customers create more wildlife habitat for pollinators like Monarch butterflies and other species by using water-wise native plants

Pollinator Habitat — Quantitative

Ecological Landscape AllianceLocated in Nationwide

"There are seventeen million acres of roadsides in the United States, often dominated by grasses, and these and other rights-of-way present a valuable opportunity to increase habitat and habitat connectivity for butterflies and other insects"

Soil Health — Qualitative

Circular Climate Solutions, Ltd.Located in CO

Kentucky Bluegrass have short root structures (about 3 inches deep) whereas other turfgrass varietals that are suited to the Colorado climate, such as Fescue, Buffalo Grass, Blue Gramma, and Carex have longer root systems (can reach over 3 feet deep) and are therefore more drought resistant and aid soil structure

Soil Health — Qualitative

Circular Climate Solutions, Ltd.Located in CO

"Carbon rich and healthy soils have an increased water holding capacity, helping to mitigate flood risk and aid in times of drought, while native vegetation have much deeper root structures than traditional turfgrass, reducing the chance of mudslides and soil erosion."

Soil Health — Qualitative

Circular Climate Solutions, Ltd.Located in CO

"Microbes in the soil provide immune system function and communication networks for plants within a healthy functioning ecosystem. Conventional lawn care services spray harsh chemicals that kill off these essential microbes, causing the plants to rely on synthetic fertilizers and herbicides to stay alive."

Water Savings — Quantitative

Southern Nevada Water Authority; University of Nevada, Las VegasLocated in NV

Mean monthly water consumption for single family residences dropped an average of 30% following conversion from turf.

Water Savings — Quantitative

Alliance for Water EfficiencyLocated in NM

In Albuquerque, participants in the xeriscape rebate reduced water use by 33% from pre- to post-rebate period

Water Savings — Quantitative

Southern Nevada Water AuthorityLocated in NV

Estimates show that Water Smart Landscapes water-wise landscape program has saved nearly 430,000 acre feet of water since 1999, which is 100,000 acre feet more than the amount of Colorado River water that the State of Nevada has the right to use consumptively each year.

Water Savings — Quantitative

UCI Law; WaterNow AllianceLocated in CA

A 2014 study found that in California alone, landscape conversion could save an estimated 2.9 million acre feet per year

Water Savings — Quantitative

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Metropolitan Water DistrictLocated in CA

"Since the inception of the program in 2009, LADWP has rebated 50 million square feet of turf saving over 1.9 billion gallons of water, the equivalent of the annual water use for 12,000 single family homes. In all, 26,000 customers applied for turf rebates."

Water Savings — Quantitative

Alliance for Water EfficiencyLocated in FL

Irrigation savings increased to 76% when homes used Florida-Friendly Landscaping in comparison with high-quality turfgrass landscaping

Water Savings — Quantitative

Alliance for Water EfficiencyLocated in NV

Xeriscape conversion resulted in an average of 55.8 gallons per square feet of water savings

Water Savings — Quantitative

California Water BlogLocated in CA

"A recent report compiled data across multiple turf replacement programs and found average water savings of 11-76 gallons/square foot annually after replacing turf."

Water Savings — Quantitative

City of SacramentoLocated in CA

Turf removal and replacement program produced an average participant savings of 29.6%

Water Savings — Quantitative

San Diego County Water AuthorityLocated in CA

The average participant in San Diego County Water Authority's Sustainable Landscapes Program saved approximately 42,000 gallons annually. That's enough water to meet the needs of a 4 person household in San Diego for nearly 100 days.

Water Savings — Quantitative

Water Use It WiselyLocated in AZ

"The average conversion to xeriscape can save 50% or more of your outdoor water use."

Water Savings — Quantitative

Water Use It WiselyLocated in AZ

"A bermuda or bermuda hybrid lawn requires more than 55 inches of water per year (with winter overseed) and over 40 inches of water per year (without winter overseed). The average Xeriscape requires less than 18 inches of water per year."

Water Savings — Quantitative

Circular Climate Solutions, Ltd.Located in CO

"Once established, native landscapes use on average 50% less water than traditional turf lawns"

Water Savings — Quantitative

Castle Rock WaterLocated in CO

7 to 29% water savings when replacing high-water turf with a low-water option, 496,000 square feet of turf has been replaced through rebate program over the past 10 years in Castle Rock

Water Savings — Quantitative

Castle Rock WaterLocated in CO

Castle Rock's ColoradoScape Renovation programs have shown a 19% reduction in outdoor water use, removing approximately 217,980 square feet of turfgrass since 2015. The non-residential program has resulted in a 29% reduction in outdoor water use.

Water Savings — Quantitative

Utah WaterLocated in UT

Flip Your Strip - the conversion of lawn between sidewalk and curb can save an estimated 5,000-8,000 gallons of water each year

Water Savings — Quantitative

Moulton Niguel Water DistrictLocated in CA

Moulton Niguel Water District found that turf removal through their regional rebate program saves 44 gallons of water per square foot annually. Removed 5 million sq ft of turf, saving 1,534 acre-feet of water since 2012

Water Savings — Quantitative

Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniaLocated in CA

The Turf Replacement Program provided rebates for the removal of about 4.35 million square feet of lawn in fiscal year 2020/21, resulting in an estimated annual water savings of about 520 acre-feet.

Water Savings — Quantitative

Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniaLocated in CA

"For every 100 homes that converted their yards using a rebate, an additional 132 nearby homes were inspired to convert their own grass without receiving the rebate," resulting in a 'multiplier effect' that "more than doubled the value of the investment by the water district."

Water Savings — Quantitative

CSU ExtensionLocated in CO

CSU's fact sheet on water consumption for residences shows that "outdoor water use accounts for about 55 percent of the residential water use in the Front Range urban area, most of which is used on turf."

Water Savings — Quantitative

Eagle County Conservation DistrictLocated in CO

"Each square foot of irrigated turf requires 14 gallons of water per irrigation season. That's 35,000 gallons for an average 2,500 square foot lawn."

Water Savings — Qualitative

West Basin Municipal Water DistrictLocated in CA

"Due to climate change and current droughts, the water supplies in the Western United States are extremely low. By removing water-thirsty grass and better managing landscape water use," turf removal and conversion projects invest in long-term water savings.

Water Savings — Quantitative

Resource CentralLocated in CO

"A single 100 square foot of xeric garden saves over 7,300 gallons of water over the lifetime of the garden compared to traditional Kentucky bluegrass"

Water Savings — Quantitative

Resource CentralLocated in CO

Replacing your turf with Xeriscape (low-water landscaping) can reduce your outdoor water use by up to 60%

Water Savings — Quantitative

Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniaLocated in CA

Regional turf removal program provided water savings of approximately 44 to 49 gallons per day per square foot

Water Savings — Quantitative

City of Los Angeles, Metropolitan Water District, UCLA Luskin CenterLocated in CA

Between 2009 and 2015, Los Angeles residents replaced 1,600 sq. ft. of turf on average and "are now saving approximately 66,000 gallons of water per year"

Water Savings — Quantitative

Aurora WaterLocated in CO

Warm-season turf options use 2/3 less water than cold-season turf options

Water Savings — Qualitative

Science DirectLocated in CA

Gains in outdoor water conservation achieved during periods of drought (via higher water rates or water limitation schedules) are often reversed with turf lawns when the restrictions are lowered, whereas technological innovations, new fixtures, and converted landscapes promote more long-term savings.

Water Savings — Quantitative

City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins UtilitiesLocated in CO

Converted a total of 200,000 sq. ft. of turf between 2016 and 2019, saving an estimated 2.8 million gallons each year

Water Savings — Quantitative

West Basin Municipal Water District, WaterSMARTLocated in CA

The amount of estimated water savings is a total of 40 acre feet (equivalent to 13,200,000 gallons) saved per year, or 1,215 acre feet over the 30 year useful life of the 300,000 sq. ft of sustainable landscape converted from nonfunctional turf

Wildfire Mitigation — Qualitative

CSU ExtensionLocated in CO

By creating a 'defensible space' around your home, you can decrease the risk that your house is wildfire fuel. That defensible space is more effective when it is managed by how, where, and what you plant. "In some cases, there is a strong correlation between drought tolerance and fire resistance."

Engagement Options

Inform

Aurora Water

Videos

Water-wise landscape how-to videos

Inform

Aurora Water

Videos

"Tips with Tim" videos on lawn maintenance

Involve

Aurora Water

Partnerships

Water Wise Landscape Award

Inform

Aurora Water

Presentations

A self-paced water-wise landscape course

Involve

Aurora Water

Interactive
workshops

PreK-12 Classroom presentations and teacher resources for Aurora Public Schools

Involve

Aurora Water

Partnerships

Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) allows residents to convert 500 square foot minimum area of grass in front yard for a maximum rebate of $4,000 paid out over 2 years

Involve

Aurora Water

Partnerships

GreatScapes offers free water-wise landscape replacement for residents who qualify and are already a recipient of LEAP or have a household income 60% or lower than the Aurora median income

Involve

Utah Water

Interactive
workshops

Flip Your Strip pays homeowners to convert the strip of grass between sidewalk and curb and teaches them about different ways to landscape it through a mandatory class (in order to receive the rebate)

Inform

Moulton Niguel Water District, CA

Presentations

NatureScape garden tour showing different water wise landscapes that are possible

Collaborate

Lawn to Wildflowers

Community Forums

Lawn to Wildflowers uses an App to recruit citizen scientists to help relay information about the health and occurrence of pollinators and wildflowers across the country. The app also gives tips on how to convert grass lawns to wildflower habitats

Co-Create

Fort Collins

Open Houses

Garden tours of homes that participated in the Nature in the City or Xeriscape Incentive Program in Fort Collins. These are virtual tours, but they needed the permission of homeowners. This could be an in-person activity for a weekend or day

Involve

Fort Collins

Interactive
workshops

Outdoor classroom at Bennett Elementary IB World School in Fort Collins that provides students with a connection to nature through hands-on learning opportunities

Inform

Southern Nevada Water Authority

Fact sheets

Southern Nevada Water Authority's website includes easy to read FAQ sections like the one on this page

Inform

CSU Extension

Videos

Native lawn webinar for Colorado homeowners by Tony Koski with CSU Extension

Co-Create

Tempe, AZ

Community
organizing &
advocacy

The school gardening grant helps schools create gardens with educational components by offering grants for unique projects

Involve

Tempe, AZ

Community
organizing &
advocacy

The HOA Landscape Water Budget Program "provides a site-specific landscape water budget and report that compare actual water usage and budgeted water usage." Members of the HOA are encouraged to notify their HOA board of the program, which offers grants, rebates, and other incentives for signing up.

Involve

Next Epoch Seed Library

Community
organizing &
advocacy

Next Epoch Seed Library is an artist group that works with seeds and rewilding and promotes their work through interactive exhibits, workshops, and more.

Inform

Denver Water

Fact sheets

Xeriscape Plans for a variety of different conditions (i.e. sloped garden, narrow strip, year-round, etc.)

Involve

Centennial Water and Sanitation District

Partnerships

Residential turf replacement rebate offers $1 per square foot rebate for the removal of any high-water-use plant material and replacement with Xeric or drought tolerant vegetation. $1.50 per sq ft for a ColoradoScape and $.75 per sq ft for hardscape or artificial turf

Inform

South Metro Water Supply Authority

Presentations

Water Ambassadors can be invited to speak for school groups or any organization on a variety of water conservation topics. Presentations are approximately 60 mins

Collaborate

Resource Central

Partnerships

Free Garden in a Box kits from Resource Central for residents to plant on their own

Collaborate

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Community-driven
planning

The California Friendly Turf Replacement Incentive Program successfully encouraged collaboration and involvement amount Metropolitan's 26 member agencies and other stakeholders. The program provided funding for turf removal incentives, but the member agencies were in charge of administering the programs locally. As a result, the agencies learned from one another about best practices and encouraged each other throughout the process.

Involve

City of Brighton Utilities

Partnerships

Lawn removal rebate of $1 per square foot for replacing water-thirsty lawns with low water use landscaping

Involve

City of Thornton

Partnerships

Residential Water-Wise Landscape Rebate up to $1 per square foot for turf replaced with low-water grass seed areas and up to $2 per square foot for perennial gardens and other water-wise projects

Involve

City of Thornton

Partnerships

Commercial Water-Wise Landscape Grant: projects may qualify for a grant that assists with 50% of the cost of design, renovation and installation, up to $10,000 per acre with a maximum amount of $50,000 per property. 0.5 acres minimum, 5 acres max

Involve

Colorado Springs Utilities

Partnerships

Business turf to native grass conversion rebate of $0.09 to $0.18 per square foot, up to $20,000 per customer

Involve

Greeley Water

Partnerships

Life After Lawn program offers $1 per square foot rebate for converted turf for areas between 500 to 2,000 square feet for residential properties and between 5,000 and 20,000 square feet for commercial or HOA properties

Involve

Little Thompson Water District

Partnerships

Water-Saving Plants and Trees Rebate program offers up to $250 for installing approved water-saving plants and up to $150 to installing water-saving trees.

Involve

Northern Water

Partnerships

Collaborative Water-Efficient Landscape (WEL) Grants offer public and private commercial facilities within Northern Water's boundaries a max amount of $20,000 per project (with a matching amount required) with at least 1,000 square feet

Involve

Town of Erie

Partnerships

Turf Replacement Rebate Program offers up to $2 per square foot for low water use garden plantings and $1 per square foot for low water grass in areas at least 200 square feet and not more than 1,000 square feet with a maximum rebate of $2,000.

Example Communications Materials

App

Lawn to WildflowersLocated in FL

Pollinator Habitat

The Lawn to Wildflowers app gamifies identifying pollinators by having users become citizen scientists. It also shows interactive wildflower guide maps and information on converting grass to wildflowers

Article

BloombergLocated in Nationwide

Biodiversity

Bloomberg article about Lawn (Re)Disturbance Laboratory -- a project by two artists to explore lost plant biodiversity by uncovering dormant seeds underneath turfgrass. It's part of a larger project (Next Epoch Seed Library) that focuses on collecting seeds in plant-unfriendly places "as a way to research the kinds of tough flora most likely to survive in an ecologically uncertain future."

Article

Wild Seed ProjectLocated in ME

Biodiversity

"The Wild Seed Project started in 2014 to teach people to appreciate and grow native plan species" in order to restore biodiversity to our landscapes. Started by Heather McCargo in Maine, the Wild Seed Project now offers educational workshops, seeds for sale, and more

Article

Washington Post (by Denver-based writer)Located in CO

Water Savings

"Grass is a water hog. Here's how to create a drought-tolerant garden" with a list of online resources, tips, and tricks

Article

Southern Nevada Water AuthorityLocated in NV

Meet Regulatory Requirements

The Southern Nevada Water Authority could limit single-family residences to 0.5 acre feet of water per year in times when the Colorado River is experiencing shortages if the Assembly Bill 220 passes

Article

Scientific AmericanLocated in Nationwide

Biodiversity

"Outgrowing the traditional grass lawn" is a first-person narrative article about the benefits of a non-monoculture garden, from pollinator habitat, to water savings, to air and water quality. It also dives into the history of turfgrass lawns and their popularity.

Article

Medium - Sam Westreich, PhDLocated in Nationwide

Biodiversity

In this article, the author explores the "danger of uniformity" with monoculture turfgrass lawns: 1) increased fragility, 2) nutrient drain on soil, 3) requiring constant intervention against nature, 4) damaging to other organisms

Article

PBSLocated in Nationwide

Aesthetics / Neighborhood Beautification

"Municipalities across the country are handing out lawn signs with 'healthy yard' bragging rights to homeowners who forgo lawn chemicals or mow less often."

Brochure

Centennial Water and Sanitation DistrictLocated in CO

General Program Information

A virtual flip-through brochure gives customers many helpful tips on water conservation in their landscaping habits

Brochure

ReScape CaliforniaLocated in CA

General Program Information

ReScape California offers a Rated Landscape Scorecard tool to help project teams evaluable landscapes and implement best practices for regenerative excellence in landscape design, construction, and maintenance practices. The Scorecard applies to new construction of civic, commercial, institutional, and multifamily properties.

Brochure

Moulton Niguel Water DistrictLocated in CA

General Program Information

A brochure for the NatureScape Garden Tour

Brochure

CSU ExtensionLocated in CO

General Program Information

Water conservation in the home fact sheet that gives quick facts about water use in the home, as well as offering tips on how to conserve water that begin with improving lawn irrigation efficiency

Brochure

AWWALocated in Nationwide

General Program Information

A Drought Communications toolkit with helpful tables, information, examples, and frameworks for generating a useful communications plan regarding water use.

Example material: "You're taking shorter showers. Make sure your plants do too!"

Facebook

Moulton Niguel Water DistrictLocated in CA

Water Savings

NatureScape informational video that explains the process of turf conversion through Moulton Niguel Water District customers - includes the following benefits in addition to water savings: pollinator habitat, avoided cost, general program information

Flier / Poster

Resource CentralLocated in CO

General Program Information

Water bill inserts -- flyers that are included in a customer's monthly water bill -- can help advertise rebate or replacement program information. Some customers may have opted for paperless billing, but in that case an email insert can be used instead.

More helpful resources, like drafted text to use in promotion of the program, images, infographics, logos, participant testimonials, etc. are available with a Resource Central partnership

Flier / Poster

Redwood CityLocated in CA

Water Savings

Redwood City holds an annual Water Conservation Poster Contest to engage with kids (K-5th grade) and have them express their understanding of water conservation

Flier / Poster

Southern Nevada Water AuthorityLocated in NV

Meet Regulatory Requirements

A flier made to communicate the seriousness of the new law enacted by Nevada Legislature in 2021 prohibiting the use of Colorado River water delivered by the Water Authority member agencies to irrigate nonfunctional grass (beginning in 2027).

Flier / Poster

Water Use it WiselyLocated in AZ

General Program Information

Good Reasons to Take Out Your Grass poster with easy to read tips for removing turfgrass lawns and facts about water use on turfgrass

Flier / Poster

Little Thompson Water DistrictLocated in CO

General Program Information

An easy to read flier about the turf replacement program

Flier / Poster

Legislative Council StaffLocated in CO

Meet Regulatory Requirements

In response to the ongoing drought, with 2022 being the driest year to date over the past 128 years, the General Assembly passed House Bill 22-1151 to promote the efficient and maximum utilization of Colorado's water resources by decreasing the amount of irrigated turf within the state

Instagram

Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniaLocated in CA

Biodiversity

California Friendly Plants social media campaign to celebrate water-savings plants that are well adapted to a semi-arid climate and encouraged their use in the Turf Replacement Program received some of the highest engagement with a total of 1.5 million impressions and 73,000 visits to bewaterwise.com (the district's online water conservation portal). Nearly 60% of the traffic to the website came from social media efforts.

Instagram

Aurora WaterLocated in CO

General Program Information

PreK-12 classroom presentations available for Aurora Public Schools

Instagram

Strawberry Fields Garden DesignLocated in MD

Local Jobs

A woman-owned landscape design and installation company shows off 'no-lawn' designs and other artistic and native garden options that rarely involve turf

Instagram

SummerDry GardensLocated in CA

Aesthetics / Neighborhood Beautification

SummerDry Gardens shows beautiful images of gardens that do not have turf grass. "Dedicated to gardeners who want to have success in climates where dry summers are not drought -- they are normal."

Instagram

Aurora WaterLocated in CO

Aesthetics / Neighborhood Beautification

The beauty in water-wise landscapes is diverse and interesting

Instagram

Aurora WaterLocated in CO

Pollinator Habitat

A video of a White Lined Sphinx moth submitted by an Aurora resident who converted their lawn to a water-wise landscape

Instagram

Resource CentralLocated in CO

Water Savings

WaterWise yards is a new Instagram account from Resource Central, showing gorgeous photos of non-turf gardens and yards in Colorado as "the new norm"

Online news or magazine

NewsbreakLocated in CO

Avoided Cost

NewsBreak article touting the benefits of Xeriscaping, including pollinator habitat, water and $$ savings

Online news or magazine

The Denver PostLocated in CO

Water Savings

"Cash For Grass" article in the Denver Post explaining new funding passed in Colorado in 2022 for turf replacement

Online news or magazine

Castle RockLocated in CO

General Program Information

Fox31 News article/feature about Castle Rock's 2022 ordinance limiting new grass lawns and requiring "ColoradoScape" xeriscaping with drought-resistant plants

Online news or magazine

Long Beach Water DepartmentLocated in CA

Water Savings

Long Beach Post News article and video explaining the turf conversion rebate program in Long Beach, highlighting water savings, pollinator habitat, and increasing biodiversity with native CA plants

Website / Blog

Utah WaterLocated in UT

Water Savings

Flip Your Strip aims to get homeowners to convert the strip of grass between sidewalk and curb with water wise landscaping

Website / Blog

Aurora WaterLocated in CO

Aesthetics / Neighborhood Beautification

Water-wise landscape award for Aurora Water customers with front or side yards visible to public

Website / Blog

Into ActionLocated in Nationwide

Water Savings

Into Action Content Library provides free gifs and graphics to use on social media in support of water efficiency and conservation. (Search for 'water' in the top tool bar to filter the results)

Website / Blog

WaterHubLocated in Nationwide

General Program Information

How to use memes, gifs, and graphics to help tell your story (relating to water efficiency) in a funny, relatable, and viral way

Website / Blog

Castle Rock WaterLocated in CO

Water Savings

Announcement about rebate program approved for another year with increased rebates for Castle Rock Water Customers

Website / Blog

National Wildlife FederationLocated in Nationwide

General Program Information

Recommendations for other grasses that are suitable for lawns based on the climate you are in, plus some anecdotal and quantitative evidence that conventional turfgrass (primarily Kentucky bluegrass) is harmful to biodiversity and soil/water quality.

Website / Blog

Eco-Logic Permaculture & Landscape DesignLocated in Nationwide

General Program Information

A blog with many topics adjacent to turf conversion and replacement authored by a company that specializes in sustainable landscape design. One of their offerings is to work with customers to cash in on local turf replacement rebate programs

Website / Blog

City of ThorntonLocated in CO

General Program Information

FAQ's about turf conversion in parks and open spaces in Thornton. i.e. "Will the native/sustainable grasses be irrigated? Will the landscape be attractive? Will the landscape reduce my property value? What type of grasses will I see?"

Website / Blog

Denver WaterLocated in CO

Water Savings

Xeriscape Plans for a variety of different conditions (i.e. sloped garden, narrow strip, year-round, etc.)

Website / Blog

Denver WaterLocated in CO

Water Savings

Water use reports sent out with the water bill that show your household water use in a bar chart and with infographics about how much you're using compared to an annual goal

Website / Blog

Colorado Conservation Water BoardLocated in CO

General Program Information

The "Turf Basics" from Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), including links to other resources

Website / Blog

Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation DistrictLocated in CO

Wildfire Mitigation

You can minimize the risk of wildfires near your home by planting water-wise and fire-wise landscapes (instead of a grass lawn)

Website / Blog

Southern Nevada Water AuthorityLocated in NV

General Program Information

SNWA's resource page for all things related to turf conversion: plant lists, water wise contractors, FAQ, benefits, information on their rebate program, etc.

Website / Blog

Resource CentralLocated in CO

General Program Information

"Your inspiration hub for Colorado landscaping" with videos, photos real-life examples of water wise yards in Colorado, and resources for interested parties

Website / Blog

Fort CollinsLocated in CO

General Program Information

Recommended plant list provided by Fort Collins with filters like nativity, dimensions, growth form, water requirements, leaf or flower color, and more

Website / Blog

Fort CollinsLocated in CO

General Program Information

A self-guided tour showing resilient non-turf landscapes in Fort Collins that participated in the Nature in the City or Xeriscape Incentive Program (or both)

Website / Blog

Lawn to WildflowersLocated in FL

Pollinator Habitat

Lawn to Wildflowers aims to 1) inspire people to convert grass lawns to native wildflowers across the country 2) teach people how to identify pollinators through interactive online and mobile app tools and 3) enlist the public to collect data on pollinators to better understand their decline/overall health

YouTube

Moulton Niguel Water DistrictLocated in CA

General Program Information

Ecosystem benefits summary with actual customers of the NatureScape program

YouTube

Ecological Landscape AllianceLocated in Nationwide

Biodiversity

"Kill Your Lawn and Opt for More Biodiversity" 1 hour webinar led by Mark Richardson from the New England Wild Flower Society.

YouTube

CSU ExtensionLocated in CO

Biodiversity

Native lawn webinar for Colorado homeowners by Tony Koski with CSU Extension

YouTube

Aurora Water/Aurora TVLocated in CO

Meet Regulatory Requirements

2 minute video explaining why Aurora passed new ordinance banning nonfunctional turf

YouTube

Lawn to WildflowersLocated in FL

Pollinator Habitat

A video explaining how to convert grass lawns to wildflower habitats on a budget and DIY

YouTube

City of GreeleyLocated in CO

General Program Information

Landscape Lecture Series about Life After Lawn turf replacement rebate program

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