Did you know that there are tax rebates for Conejo Valley homeowners looking to tear up the artificial grass and replace it with drought resistant plants and mulch or rocks instead?
The bristly artificial grass that debuted on football fields in the 60s has been reincarnated, and now the faux fuzz is new and improved with perfect green-toned blades, bits of brown yarn woven on the base to mimic dirt, flawless uniformity, and even extra padding (pleasing to toes and tushes alike).
While one would be hard pressed to eyeball the fake from mother nature’s version, the reality is that fake grass has to be replaced every 8-10 years and summer heat can turn this from a comfy and cool to a walking on coals experience – not to mention the effect of animal waste left by passive dog walkers.
In lieu of Governor Brown’s Water Conversion Mandate that imposes restrictions to achieve a 25% reduction in water use, here are some tips to save hundreds of gallons per year, and costly fines too.
- Save up to 25 gallons a day by watering your yard only before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to reduce evaporation and interference from wind..
- Save 40 gallons a day by installing a smart sprinkler controller.
- Save hundreds of gallons a year by using organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.
- Save 150 gallons each time by using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Save 500 gallons a month by checking your sprinkler system for leaks, over spray, and broken sprinkler heads.
While fake grass reduces our carbon footprint and landscape maintenance costs, others are finding that these well-designed, eco-friendly options may actually be the new lawn nirvana. Visit bewaterwise.com for foliage alternatives and before and after photos.