Have you ever lost a thousand dollars? I just did, and boy do I feel stupid.
I thought I was so smart and so green and so groovy. I decided to xeriscape my rental house. There was at least 2,000 square feet of lawn that I ripped out to replace with a low-water landscape. I’m so cool. At least I thought so—until a neighbor walked up to me and said, “Did you know that the county will give you a rebate for ripping out your lawn and installing drought-tolerant plantings?”
Now I feel really smart, not only am I doing something really good for the environment—I’m going to get money back for doing my good deed.
My neighbor gave me a number for the county. I thought I was set. I dialed the phone. I talked to a nice gentleman who gently but very efficiently deflated my ego and my wallet by telling me that the county must be notified before the lawn is ripped out.
The inspector needs to examine the lawn and the irrigation system, and look at your water bill. The county will give you a rebate of a dollar a square foot up to $1,000. I had over 2,000 square feet of lawn, but the lawn, along with its irrigation system had already been ripped out.
And that is how I lost $1,000.
If you are planning to rip out your lawn to install a water-wise landscape, and you live in Santa Clara County, please call before you rip out your lawn. Be prepared to supply a copy of your water bill.
Cash-for-grass
programs are available in many counties in California and in other states. If
you live in an area that is prone to drought—or even an area that isn’t—check
with your local water district to see if they provide a landscape rebate
program.
Your title should be, "How to NOT get paid $1,000!
Posted by: Jim/ArtofGardening.org | October 28, 2008 at 02:18 PM
I've never had to rip out a lawn, but I did learn about this same kind of rebate for our area when I took a class on setting irrigation controllers. They mentioned that many people make the same mistake as you did, but not notifying them first for the pre-installation, At least you are not alone. Some consolation!
Aiyana
Aiyana
Posted by: Aiyana | October 30, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Ohhhh....that sucks! I'm so sorry. At least you're getting to warn others...but that's v. small consolation...
Posted by: Genie | October 31, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Oops! Commiserations my dear!
Posted by: Yolanda Elizabet | October 31, 2008 at 01:09 PM
It might be good if these programmes were publicised more - at least you might have known about it. Sorry to hear that you are out $$$.
Posted by: kate | November 02, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Well, Chigiy - sorry you didn't get the money but you were already doing the project before you heard about the possibility so at least you're not in minus territory.
Good luck with the new landscaping!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
Posted by: Annie in Austin | November 03, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Jim,
You're right, but I was trying to be positive about my stupidity.
Genie,
Yes, if I can't have it then hopefully others can.
Yolanda,
Thanks,
Kate,
I agree, I don't know why they aren't more publicized. If they were then more people would do it and the earth would be better off.
Annie,
Thank you.
Posted by: chigiy | November 04, 2008 at 02:23 PM