California homeowners and commercial property managers have a golden opportunity: the rebate amounts for removing water-thirsty turf grass have increased significantly in 2024 and 2025. In many Southern California cities, you can now receive up to $7–$9 per square foot (for commercial/multifamily sites) to replace lawns with sustainable landscapes. We at Verde Design Group are helping clients tap into these upgraded rebates.
Why Act Now?
In spring 2024, programs such as Southern California Water$mart boosted the base rebate rate — and by Sept 1, 2025 the rate for commercial and public-agency turf removal jumped to $7 per sq ft under the residential program of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
For example, for Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) + MWD customers: up to $9 per square foot for commercial/multifamily (effective Sept 1, 2025) has been published.
Residential programs have slightly lower rates but still higher than the older $3–$5/ft² band. For instance, the Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency “Lawn Be Gone!” program offers up to $4 per sq ft for lawn conversion.
Why Verde Design Group?
Turning your lawn into a water-smart garden isn’t just about ripping out grass — it’s about reimagining your landscape with sustainability, aesthetics, and water savings in mind.
We’ve already helped clients earn up to $250,000 in rebates, transforming over 100,000 sq ft of turf into flourishing native gardens and low-water yards. But the benefits don’t stop at financial rewards:
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Rebates help offset design and installation costs.
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Water-efficient landscapes reduce irrigation, maintenance, and long-term utility expenses.
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Native planting improves site resilience and biodiversity.
How the Process Works
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Reserve rebate funds before starting your project (required by MWD and most agencies).
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Design a compliant landscape featuring low-water plants, drip irrigation, and optional tree planting for bonus rebates.
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Submit documentation to secure rebate eligibility.
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Install the new garden and finalize paperwork with your rebate agency.
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Receive rebate payments—typically within a few months.
Sample Rebate Estimates
| Area Removed | Rebate Rate | Estimated Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft. | ≈ $5–7/sq ft | ~$2,500–$3,500 |
| 1,000 sq ft. | ≈ $7–9/sq ft | ~$7,000–$9,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft. | ≈ $9/sq ft | ~$18,000 |
(Add ~$100/tree bonus for up to 5 trees in many regions.)
These numbers can dramatically reduce upfront costs, making beautiful, drought-conscious landscapes more affordable than ever.
Ready to Make the Switch?
The rebate windows are tightening — don’t miss out. Verde Design Group is here to guide you through every step — design, documentation, and installation planning — to ensure your landscape transition is seamless and financially rewarding.
🌐 verdedesigngroup.com
📧 rebeca@verdedesigngroup.com
📞 (760) 602-0144
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