Imagine the city rolled out a deal where you get cash back for swapping to drought-friendly landscaping or installing low-flow toilets. Would you actually go for it, or is the hassle not worth the savings? I keep thinking about my yard, but I’m not sure if I’d miss the grass... anyone else torn?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
- Cash back is tempting, but I always weigh the upfront hassle vs. long-term benefit. Swapping out toilets is a pain, but if you’re already due for a bathroom update, it’s a no-brainer.
- Drought-friendly landscaping is interesting. I’ve seen some really beautiful yards with native plants and gravel paths—honestly, sometimes they look more intentional than patchy grass.
- Maintenance is a factor. Grass needs mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Xeriscaping can mean less work overall, though you might miss that “classic” green look.
- Resale value comes to mind. In some neighborhoods, buyers expect lawns. In others, low-water yards are a selling point. Depends on your area.
- The cash back might not cover the full cost upfront, but over time you’d save on water bills. That adds up, especially if rates go up.
- I’d probably go for the toilets first—less visible change, quicker payoff. The yard would take more thought.
Curious—has anyone actually done a full yard conversion? Did you regret losing the grass or did you end up loving the new look?
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
I did a full yard conversion a couple years back, and honestly, I haven’t looked back. I used to be all about that green lawn—thought it was the “right” look for the neighborhood. But after one too many dead patches and a water bill that made me question my life choices, I figured it was time for something different.
Swapping out grass for native plants and gravel paths was way less of a hassle than I expected. There’s this myth that a xeriscaped yard looks like a pile of rocks and cacti, but if you put a little design into it, it can actually look pretty high-end. I went with some ornamental grasses, a few boulders, and a winding path. Now, instead of mowing every weekend, I just pull a weed here and there. Maintenance is basically nothing.
The cash incentive from the city helped, but it didn’t cover everything. Still, the drop in my water bill was immediate. And weirdly, my neighbors started asking about the plants and how they could do something similar. I guess once people see it in person, it’s not as “radical” as they think.
Resale value is tricky. In my area, people are starting to appreciate low-water yards, but I get that in some places, folks still want that golf-course vibe. Personally, I’d argue that a well-designed drought-friendly yard stands out in a good way—it feels intentional, not neglected.
If you’re on the fence, I’d say start small. Maybe convert the front strip or a side yard first. Once you see how much easier it is to maintain (and how much less water you use), it’s hard to go back. Grass is classic, sure, but there’s something satisfying about a yard that actually fits the climate—and your lifestyle. Plus, no more guilt trips every time there’s a drought warning...
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
Not to rain on the parade, but I’ve seen a few issues crop up with these yard conversions, especially in newer developments:
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That’s a big one. In some markets, buyers still expect the traditional lawn, and a xeriscaped yard can actually be a harder sell—especially if the design isn’t top-notch.“Resale value is tricky.”
- Upfront costs can really add up. City incentives rarely cover the full expense, especially for quality hardscape or mature plants.
- On larger lots, native plantings can look sparse if not carefully planned. I’ve seen some yards that end up looking patchy or unfinished.
- HOAs sometimes push back against non-traditional landscaping, even with water-saving benefits.
I get the appeal—maintenance and water bills are real headaches—but there’s definitely more to weigh than just swapping grass for gravel and calling it done. Sometimes it takes more design work (and cash) than people expect.
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
I hear you on the resale value—honestly, in higher-end neighborhoods, buyers still expect that lush, green curb appeal. Even with rebates, the cost to make a drought-tolerant yard look truly polished (not just a pile of rocks and a few scraggly plants) can be steep. I’ve seen some attempts that just scream “budget cut.” If you’re going to do it, you almost have to treat it like a full landscaping project, not just a swap. Otherwise, you risk making your property look neglected, which is the opposite of what you want, especially if you care about long-term value.
