From decorative lawn to lower-water landscape
Nature Care focuses on practical construction and ongoing maintenance needs: clear measurements, access, planting, irrigation design and long-term curb appeal. For eligibility rules and current incentives, see our commercial turf rebate guide.
Typical eligibility and design requirements
- Keep existing grass in place until the program issues authorization or a reservation; starting first can make the project ineligible.
- Confirm the property is served by a participating water agency and meets the commercial customer classification.
- Commercial SoCal Water$mart projects generally require at least 250 square feet, with a limited exception where the entire site contains less turf.
- Use qualifying climate-appropriate plantings, including at least three plants per 100 square feet of converted area under the referenced program.
- Include permeable landscaping, a stormwater capture or infiltration feature and approved irrigation modification.
- Synthetic turf is not eligible under the referenced Metropolitan program.
- Retain photographs, plans, invoices, reservation letters and other documents for inspection and final claim.
These are program-specific examples, not a promise of eligibility. Always follow the current written terms of the water provider.
From site walk to rebate completion
- Confirm water provider
Match the service address and water account to the correct district and eligibility portal.
- Survey the turf
Measure actual existing eligible turf, map trees, irrigation zones, drainage and areas residents use.
- Develop a conceptual conversion
Choose climate-appropriate plants, irrigation changes, infiltration features and maintenance requirements.
- Submit application before removal
Follow the water agency preapproval, inspection, photo and reservation process.
- Install according to approval
Document changes and keep receipts, dated photos and required plant counts.
- Request final verification
Submit the completion packet and confirm rebate payment and any continuing landscape requirements.
California AB 1572: what property managers need to know
California Water Code §10608.14 restricts use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf. It is a watering restriction, not a universal requirement to remove all lawn. Recreational, gathering and similar functional turf may be treated differently, and statutory exceptions can apply.
- January 1, 2027 for designated public properties, subject to statutory exceptions.
- January 1, 2028 for other commercial, industrial and institutional properties.
- January 1, 2029 for HOA common areas and similar common-interest developments.
For example, decorative lawns in narrow parking-lot strips are generally different from shared lawns regularly used for recreation. Your manager should document the actual use and water source of each turf area.
Official interpretation: State Water Board nonfunctional turf law.
Explore location-specific rebate guidance
Frequently asked questions
Can Nature Care provide a project estimate?
Yes. Submit the property location and approximate conversion area to request an assessment and written project proposal.
Does Nature Care guarantee rebate funding?
No. The applicable water agency decides eligibility, funding and the approved reservation amount.
Ask Nature Care to review your property
For HOA common areas, apartment communities, office parks and managed commercial sites in Orange County and Greater Los Angeles.
Official programs and authoritative sources
- SoCal Water$mart: commercial turf replacement eligibility
- Municipal Water District of Orange County turf rebate information
- LADWP turf replacement rebate program
- California State Water Board: AB 1572
Reviewed November 13, 2026. Rebate availability, program terms, regulations and local requirements can change; verify current requirements before approval or construction.