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Rebate application (PDF)
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Above is an example of water-wise grass. (June grass)

 

 

 

Please Note: Turf Credit on hold due to budget constraints until further notice

Replace existing high water use lawn with low-water use grass or plants or synthetic turf and receive $2 per square foot of turf replaced. Pre and post installation surveys are required to qualify for this rebate. Call 831-475-8501 ext. 146 to schedule a site visit.

For application: click here  

what are the program requirements

  • Must replace existing turf with low-water use grass or plants.                                 (Replacement grasses must be on the linked list or pre-approved by District staff).

  • Pre and post site inspection. (e-mail to set up an appointment)

  • Complete rebate credit application with attached original receipts of plants and related costs. The approved costs include labor costs, plant and mulch purchases. Hardscape items (i.e. gravel, flagstone, etc.) will not be rebated.

  • Note: on your water bill you will be credited up to $2 per square foot. If your costs are below $2 per square foot, you will be credited for actual costs. 

how do i apply for the rebates
It is easy! - follow these 4 steps:

1.   Contact the Water Conservation Specialist at 831 475-8500 ext. 146 before you begin work.

2.    Schedule a post-installation inspection.

3.    Complete rebate application. (click here to open the PDF app.) and mail to the Soquel Creek Water District with original sales receipts for plants purchased.

4.    Receive approved credit on your water bill.

why replace typical grass with water-wise grass?
To save water, money and to have a beautiful lower maintenance and more ecologically sound landscape.   Since information on water-wise grasses is more difficult to find than for water-wise plants, this web page focuses on grasses.

do they look and behave like a "regular" lawn?
There are a range of water-wise grass types and some of them are considered a good replacement for a typical lawn, that can be mowed and take foot traffic.  Most have a seasonal component to them.

do you have a list of low water use grasses?
Yes, Click here for a list of common water-wise grasses that work well to replace turf grass. Contact the nurseries listed in Table 1 (located at the bottom of this web page to help provide more information for your specific needs. Click here to see five water-wise grasses planted and available for viewing at the District’s demonstration garden (located at 5180 Soquel Drive at the corner of Soquel Drive and Rosedale Ave. in Soquel.)

where can i purchase water-wise grasses?
Scroll to the end of this page for a list of local nurseries that carry water-wise grasses and plants. Some provide lots of useful information on their web sites as well.

how much does water-wise grass cost?
The cost depends on the grass type you select and whether you choose to use seed, 2-inch plugs or 4-inch plugs. A ballpark cost is 25 cents per square foot to $2 per square foot.  Note that it may take a few months for the seeds or plugs to spread and fill in.  Check with vendors in Table 1 to determine your actual cost.

how much water will i save?
Typical grass or lawn uses about 27 gallons per square foot per year in this region.  A water-wise grass needs only about 25% or less of typical grass, once they are established.  Some of the low-water grasses require no irrigation once they are established.  A normal 500 square foot lawn that is replaced with a water-wise grass or plants can expect to save at least 8,000 gallons per year.  Water-wise grasses also usually require less maintenance and chemical application (i.e., fertilizers, pesticides, etc.).

how do i plant and care for a water-wise lawn?
Most nurseries can provide you with instructions. Click here for planting instructions provided by Rana Creek Nursery.

can i purchase water-wise grass as sod?
 Not at this time. The water-wise grasses typically have deep roots that prevent them from being cut as “roll-out” sod.  However, the grass plugs and seeds will grow into a lawn within a few months.

what is the rebate amount?
The rebate is $2 per square foot for replacing typical turf with water-wise grass or water-wise plants. The rebate amount depends on the square footage of turf removed and replanted with low water use grass or plants. Under no circumstance can the rebate amount exceed the cost of the labor, plant and mulch material.

how do i know if the grass or plant purchased qualifies for the rebate?
Replacement water-wise grasses must be on the linked list or pre-approved by District staff to qualify for rebate.  Low water use plants will qualify, however no plants that are considered to be highly invasive will be rebated (ie. English ivy). Most of the vendors listed in Table 1 (see below) can tell you if the grasses and plants are low water use.  District staff will use the WUCOLS (Water Use Classification of Landscape Species) classification rating for Region 1 North Central, Coastal. Click here for WUCOLS link to determine if a grass or plant is low water use. Santa Clara Valley Water District provides a useful list of low water use plants. Click here for the list.

additional questions?
Call the District’s Water Conservation Manager (Ron Duncan) at 831 475-8501 ext. 144. You can also e-mail your questions: click here

Some grasses are not available year round. Please call ahead for availability.

Table 1.  Partial List of Local Nurseries that Sell Water-Wise Grasses and Plants
Name Address

Phone and Website

 Notes

Central Coast Wilds

 

336 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz, Ca 95060 

(831) 459-0655

www.centralcoastwilds.com

Several demonstration plots showing grasses.

Native Revival Nursery

2600 Mar Vista Drive,  Aptos, Ca 95003

(831) 684-1811 www.nativerevival.com  

Focus is on California native plants and grasses. Can also do contract growing.

Pacific Ground Cover & Nursery

2440 Mattison Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95062

 831-462-1610 www.pacificgroundcovers.com

Large selection of ground covers and other water-wise plants

Rana Creek Nursery

35351 E. Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel Valley, Ca 93924

(831) 659-3820 www.ranacreek.com 

Large selection of grasses. Lots of information on website. Wholesale only.

Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens

2660 E. Lake Ave.  (Hwy 152) Watsonville, Ca 95076

(831) 763-0939 www.sierraazul.com 

Specializes in plants, and some grasses

Elkhorn Native Plant Nursery

1757B Highway 1, Moss Landing, Ca 95039

and

362 N. Main St. Soquel, Ca 95073 This site by appointment only

(831) 763-1207

www.elkhornnursery.com  

Variety of grasses and plants.

Moss Landing location open to the public on Fridays and contractors M-F.

 Soquel location only available by appointment only.

Please note:  Soquel Creek Water District does not endorse specific nurseries, nor does it guarantee materials or workmanship; acceptance of such is the customer's responsibility.  If a nursery would like its name added to the list, please call Ron Duncan at 831 475-8500.