Fresno homeowners can receive $1.00 per square foot — up to $1,500 — for replacing natural grass with water-efficient landscaping through the city's Lawn-to-Garden rebate program. The program is funded by a state DWR grant and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Here's exactly how to qualify and what the process looks like.
How Does the Fresno Lawn-to-Garden Rebate Work?
The City of Fresno pays you to remove water-hungry lawn and replace it with drought-tolerant landscaping. The rebate is straightforward:
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rebate rate | $1.00 per square foot |
| Maximum rebate | $1,500 (1,500 sq ft) |
| Minimum project size | 250 sq ft |
| Who qualifies | Fresno residential water customers |
| Funding | First-come, first-served (DWR grant) |
The most important rule: You must apply and receive a free Water-Wise Landscape Consultation before removing any turf. If you rip out your lawn first and apply later, you will not qualify.
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Rebate
Step 1: Request a Free Water-Wise Consultation
Contact the City of Fresno through the FresGO app or call 311. The city will schedule a free consultation where a water conservation specialist visits your property to assess your lawn and discuss replacement options.
Step 2: Receive Your Reservation
After the consultation, you'll receive a reservation confirming your spot in the program and the approved square footage. This locks in your rebate funds.
Step 3: Plan Your New Landscape
Design your replacement landscape using approved water-efficient materials. The city requires:
- Central Valley-specific California native plants or plants adapted to USDA Zone 9
- At maturity, plants must cover at least 50% of the converted area
- Mulch, rock, permeable hardscape, and drip irrigation are all acceptable
- Artificial turf does qualify as a replacement option (though note SB 676 may affect this in the future)
Step 4: Complete the Project
You have 180 days from your reservation to complete the transformation. You can DIY or hire a professional — either way, the rebate is yours.
Step 5: Schedule Your Verification
Once the project is complete, contact the city for a final inspection. After verification, your rebate check is issued.
What Can I Replace My Lawn With?
The best replacements for Central Valley yards combine low water use with year-round visual appeal:
Drought-tolerant plants that thrive in Fresno:
- California Poppy — bright orange, zero supplemental water once established
- Lavender — fragrant, purple blooms, loves heat and alkaline soil
- Manzanita — evergreen native shrub, extremely drought-tolerant
- Deergrass — ornamental native grass, low maintenance
- Rosemary — evergreen, drought-proof, great as ground cover or hedge
- Western Redbud — small tree with stunning spring blooms
Ground covers:
- Kurapia — low-growing, drought-tolerant, stays green without mowing
- Dymondia — silver-green mat, tolerates foot traffic
- Creeping thyme — fragrant, drought-tolerant, handles light foot traffic
Hardscape and mulch:
- Decomposed granite paths
- Flagstone or pavers for walkways and patios
- Mulch and bark for planting beds (2–4 inches deep)
- River rock or decorative gravel for borders
Our landscape design service creates custom drought-tolerant designs with 3D renderings, so you can see your new yard before any work begins.
How Much Does a Lawn Replacement Cost?
Even with the rebate, there are costs to consider:
| Component | Estimated Cost (1,000 sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Lawn removal (sod cutter) | $200–$500 |
| Soil prep and amendment | $200–$400 |
| Plants and ground cover | $300–$1,000 |
| Mulch or rock | $200–$600 |
| Drip irrigation | $300–$800 |
| Professional installation labor | $500–$1,500 |
| Total before rebate | $1,700–$4,800 |
| Fresno rebate (1,000 sq ft) | -$1,000 |
| Your cost after rebate | $700–$3,800 |
The rebate makes a meaningful dent, especially on larger projects. And the long-term savings are substantial — eliminating 1,000 sq ft of lawn saves approximately 20,000–30,000 gallons of water per year.
Are There Other Rebate Programs?
Yes. Depending on your location and water provider, additional rebates may stack:
- Metropolitan Water District (Southern California) — $2.00/sq ft, up to 5,000 sq ft
- Modesto — $2.00/sq ft, max $6,000 residential
- State programs — Check saveourwater.com for current statewide incentives
Kerman and Clovis homeowners should check with their city utilities departments for any local programs. Water conservation rebates are increasingly common as drought pressures continue.
Can I Keep Some Lawn and Replace the Rest?
Absolutely. Many homeowners keep a functional lawn area (where kids play, pets run, or the family gathers) and replace the rest — front yard decorative strips, side yards, or unused portions of the backyard — with drought-tolerant landscaping.
This hybrid approach is often the smartest move: you keep the lawn you actually use while reducing your water footprint and getting a rebate for the conversion.
We Handle the Whole Process
From design to installation, we take care of everything. You apply for the rebate and keep the money — we do the work.
Here's what we provide:
- Custom landscape design tailored to Fresno's climate and soil
- Professional lawn removal and soil preparation
- Plant selection suited to Central Valley Zone 9 conditions
- Mulch and flowerbed installation
- Drip irrigation setup
- Help coordinating your city inspection timeline
Book a consultation or call (559) 809-1230. We serve Fresno, Kerman, Clovis, and surrounding areas.