Cost-Effective Ways to Make a Green, Low-Water Yard
How to Create an Eco-Friendly Landscape with Less Maintenance
There was a time when a lush, green, manicured lawn was considered a status symbol of the American Dream. However, times have changed. Nowadays, people are paying more attention to the fact that traditional green lawns have a negative effect on the environment. Water waste and the excessive use of chemicals to maintain a lawn's pristine appearance are taking a toll on the environment.
San Diego County is considered a dry region. State-mandated water restrictions are in place throughout the county. The goal is to make water conservation a way of life in California, which can reduce the impact of droughts.
Transitioning from lawns to alternatives is environmentally friendly and can provide cost savings.
AB 1572 : In a nutshell
Have you heard of AB 1572 compliance? Here’s a summary of AB 1572 and what you need to know:
AB 1572 was signed by state legislation on October 13, 2023. It prohibits using drinking water to irrigate non-functional turfgrass on commercial, industrial, institutional properties and homeowners’ associations (HOA) common areas throughout California.
When will it be implicated:
The law has different effective dates. For example, properties owned by the California Department of General Services and local government agencies must comply by January 1, 2027, while commercial, industrial, and institutional properties have until January 1, 2028.
Turf Replacement Options
If you are considering replacing grass on your property, here are a few options:
Native gardens
Growing native plants in your garden has many benefits. Indigenous plants help restore soils. They can also support wildlife and complex ecosystems. Once established, native plants require very little supplemental care. California native plants have evolved to thrive in their local environment.
Eco-Friendly Lawn
You can still have the look of a lawn but without all the maintenance that comes with it. You can spread seed mixes featuring drought resistant grass seeds, such as Bermuda grass as well as clover, wildflowers, and herbs. These seed mixes require minimal watering and there is little to no fertilizing or mowing.
No-mow lawn alternatives
Ground hugging plants, like small sedges, walkable groundcovers, and succulents can simulate the look of a lawn with the bonus of needing less water and no mowing.
Excellent Grass Alternative Plants
Drought-tolerant plants conserve water and can even thrive without having to use pesticides or fertilizers. You can have a beautiful landscape with minimal maintenance requirements.
The following are excellent alternatives:
Lily Turf
Low-maintenance, drought tolerant, and about to grow in areas with full sun to partial shade exposure. It’s a good choice to cover a slope, in sidewalk strips, to edge pathways, and around tress and shrubs in your landscape.
Moss
Easy to maintain once plants fill in. It can thrive in clay or compacted soil. You can plant moss along slopes, between pavers, or around trees.
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Ornamental grasses and sedges are a great way to add movement to your landscape. They look beautiful and can tolerant a variety of conditions. Most are low-maintenance and will never need mowing.
Star Jasmine
Ornamental grasses and sedges are a great way to add movement to your landscape. They look beautiful and can tolerant a variety of conditions. Most are low-maintenance and will never need mowing.
Mondo Grass
This evergreen groundcover features grasslike foliage that grows in tight clumps. This is a tough plant, and it can tolerate a variety of conditions, including drought. Plant mondo grass on slopes, rock gardens, and along pathways. It’s also an excellent turf substitute under trees.
Carpet Roses
These low growing plants are drought tolerant once established. They’re ideal for use as a flowering ground cover. Carpet roses feature vibrant, long-lasting blooms and can add color and beauty to your landscape.
Experience Quality Service. The Difference...Is Growing
Are you interested in conserving water for your HOA community? Is your HOA or Apartment community in San Diego County seeking alternatives to grass? Westturf Landscape Management can help. We specialize in helping San Diego County HOA communities conserve water by updating their current landscape with waterwise alternatives.
Call us at 760-650-3120 or message us online for a free quote.
Let's work together
Do you have a landscaping project in mind? is it time for a new HOA landscaping company? Westturf Landscape Management is ready to help. We offer a wide range of services, from synthetic turf installation to weed and brush clearance and complete landscape transformations. When it comes to quality, efficient landscaping services, we have you covered.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120