I spent more time crunching numbers than picking plants.
That hits home. When we redid our backyard, the rebate barely made a dent in the total cost. I get that it’s supposed to help, but for bigger properties, it’s just a drop in the bucket. The long-term savings are nice, but yeah... upfront costs are what stop most folks.
the rebate barely made a dent in the total cost
That’s been my experience too. The math just doesn’t add up for a lot of people, especially if you’re dealing with a larger yard or want to do something beyond basic gravel and succulents. I wonder if cities ever consider scaling rebates based on property size or actual water saved, rather than a flat rate? It’d make more sense for folks who are investing more upfront. The long-term savings are great, but it’s tough to get past that initial sticker shock.
I ran the numbers on my own yard when the rebate program first launched, and honestly, the return just didn’t justify the upfront cost. Between removing the old lawn, prepping the soil, and buying drought-tolerant plants, I was still out thousands after the rebate. I agree, a tiered system based on property size or actual water reduction would be a lot more equitable. Not everyone’s starting from the same place, and those bigger projects get expensive fast.
WHAT IF YOUR CITY PAID YOU TO USE LESS WATER?
I’ve looked into these rebate programs too, and I get where you’re coming from. When I helped a client redo their backyard, the costs piled up way faster than we expected—especially with all the prep work before even planting anything new. The flat rebate didn’t really make a dent. I do wonder if cities underestimate how much labor and materials actually cost, especially for larger or oddly-shaped lots. Maybe a more flexible system would encourage more people to take the plunge, instead of just those with smaller yards or bigger budgets.
Maybe a more flexible system would encourage more people to take the plunge, instead of just those with smaller yards or bigger budgets.
- I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen some folks make a big impact with even the basic rebates.
- Sometimes it’s less about the upfront cost and more about creative design—using native plants, gravel, or mulch can cut expenses.
- Not every yard needs a full overhaul. Phasing projects or tackling high-use areas first can help stretch those dollars.
- I do agree, though, that cities could offer tiered incentives for larger or trickier lots. That’d level the playing field a bit.
