With state-mandated water conservation regulations in place, Coachella Valley Water District offers rebate programs for customers who want to reduce their water usage by removing lawns and replacing them with desert-friendly plants.
CVWD offers up to $3 per square-foot of turf removed in pre-approved projects. (See CVWD.org/rebates) The cities of Indian Wells, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage match CVWD’s rebate as long as funding lasts.
If you decide to dig up your lawn – a very labor intensive project – you may want to hire a professional. If hiring a company, contractor or gardener to remove your grass, here are ten suggestions to consider:
- Scout your neighborhood for successful lawn-removal projects. Gather recommendations from friends and neighbors whose turf-less landscape you admire.
- Look for reviews online. Search for companies or contractors with good, valid and honest reviews.
- fI the value of your project exceeds $500, the company or contractor should have a state contractor license. (This does not usually include gardeners who maintain landscaping.) Verify the license at www.cslb.ca.gov. You can also find a list of licensed contractors in vour area on this website.
- Check references.
- Ask for pictures of other jobs they have done or visit recently completed jobs.
- Look for a contractor who returns phone calls in a timely manner, is friendly and courteous, and easy to contact. Make sure they can be reached through social media and email.
- Ask for copies of certificates of insurance for liability and for workers’ compensation insurance before the work begins.
- Get at least three bids. Avoid assuming the lowest bid is the best.
- Get everything in writing and read all agreements and contracts carefully.
- Avoid paying in cash, get receipts.
For more conservation tips: cvwd.org/conservation.
