Windsor Water Water Efficient Landscape Turf Removal Rebate

Requirements

• Apply and get approval before removing any lawn.
• Replant with low-water or native plants.
• Planting density: 3 plants per 100 sq ft.
• Mulch the converted area.
• Either cut and abandon the existing irrigation or convert it to drip with a pressure regulator and filter on each valve. The new landscape may be watered only by drip or by hand.
• Call the Sonoma Water line at 707-547-1909 for the pre-inspection, which includes a site water survey. Natural lawn may be alive or dead at the visit (a photo of the lawn counts if it died in the drought), but bare soil with weeds does not qualify. Finish within 120 days of approval, then call for the post-inspection.
• Town of Windsor water accounts only, current with no past-due balance; sites on recycled water do not qualify. Tenants need the owner's written consent on the Tenant Permission form, handed out at the pre-inspection, before work starts.
• Sheet mulching is the recommended removal method. Plant only low-water, drought-tolerant or California native species (WUCOLS or local lists), at least three plants per 100 square feet. At least half the rebated area under organic mulch, no more than half in rock or gravel; gorilla-hair and rubber mulch discouraged.
• No live or synthetic turf, impervious decks or patios, fences, trellises, retaining walls, hot tubs, pools or sheds in the rebated area. Pavers and brick are allowed only with loose fill, no concrete or grout. Removing artificial turf is rebated too.
• Lawn may not be reinstalled while you own the property, or the whole rebate is refunded.

Steps, in order

1. Apply on Town of Windsor’s site and wait for approval. Lawn removed before approval usually does not qualify.
2. Remove the lawn and plant to the requirements above.
3. Send what the program page asks for once the work is done.