Xeriscaping, or landscaping that requires little to no supplemental irrigation, has been a practical and increasingly popular solution for San Diego homeowners for years. With a naturally arid climate, limited rainfall, and frequent drought conditions, traditional turf lawns are often costly and difficult to maintain. Xeriscaping offers an alternative approach to landscape design by prioritizing drought-tolerant and native plants that thrive without fertilizers or pesticides, along with water-wise features such as permeable hardscaping, gravel, and stone.
At EcoMinded Solutions, we complete approximately 10 custom xeriscape projects each year, with most projects ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on scope, plant selection, and hardscape features. For homeowners considering this investment, local rebates and incentive programs can help offset costs and improve long-term savings. While availability varies year to year, roughly 20% of our xeriscape clients take advantage of rebate programs when they are active, making it worthwhile to explore incentives early in the planning process.
Key Takeaways: San Diego Xeriscape Rebates
- Xeriscaping in San Diego reduces outdoor water use by up to 75%, making it ideal for Southern California’s dry climate
- Most San Diego xeriscape projects cost between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on design, plant selection, and hardscape features
- Xeriscape rebates and turf replacement incentives can lower upfront costs, but programs vary by location, water agency, and year
- Roughly 20% of homeowners apply for xeriscape rebates when programs are available, highlighting the importance of timing
- Rebate eligibility typically requires pre-approval, specific plant types, efficient irrigation systems, and compliance with local program guidelines
Different San Diego Xeriscape Rebates
SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement Programs
The SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement Programs programs differ slightly depending on region, but throughout Southern California, there are rebates and incentives for replacing high-water-use turf with water-wise, California-Friendly native plants.
This rebate is funded by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and starts at $3 per square foot for up to 5,000 square feet of residential landscaping.
This rebate requires using permeable hardscape, planting at least three California-Friendly plants per 100 square feet, adding a stormwater retention feature like cisterns or rain gardens, and replacing any spray sprinklers with more efficient systems.
This rebate also includes additional incentives for planting trees, with an extra $100 available per tree planted.
San Diego County Waterscape Rebate Program
In the unincorporated communities of San Diego, the San Diego County Waterscape Rebate Program rebate is designed to help residents add xeriscaping efforts to replace turf.
This rebate offers $3 to $6 per square foot of high-water-use turf removal. An additional $1 per square is offered if you use native California plants to replace the turf.
In addition, this rebate offers more incentive for rain-saving measures. Up to $3,500 is available for features like rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, and gutters. Additional rebates are available for upgrading old driveways or paved areas with permeable pavers.
Water-Wise Rebate Programs
In addition to the larger rebate programs, you can find additional incentives for installing devices that support water conservation. This includes smart- or weather-based irrigation controllers, rotating sprinkler nozzles, soil moisture sensor systems, rain barrels or cisterns, and even high-efficiency toilets and washers for indoor water savings.
Steps to Check Eligibility
Before starting a xeriscaping project, it’s important to understand which San Diego xeriscape rebates and turf replacement programs you may qualify for, as eligibility can impact both project scope and budget. Requirements vary by program and water agency, so the first step is determining whether your property is served by the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department or a participating San Diego County water agency in an unincorporated area.
Most rebate programs — including SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement and San Diego County Waterscape Rebates — require pre-approval before any work begins. If construction starts before approval is granted, the project is typically no longer eligible for incentives.
At EcoMinded Solutions, we assist clients during the rebate application process by helping compile required documentation, including site photos, measurements, and proposed landscape plans, so applications are complete and aligned with program requirements before submission.
Who is Eligible?
For the San Diego Watercape Rebate Program, only residential, commercial, and agricultural properties in unincorporated areas of San Diego are eligible. You also must be served by a member agency of the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) or the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD).
For the SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement Program, any resident in San Diego County is eligible, as long as they are within the Metropolitan Water District’s service area and are served by a participating water agency, which can be found on the Water$mart website.
Benefits of Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping offers many benefits for San Diego residents.
San Diego often experiences drought conditions, and xeriscaping supports critical water conservation. It can reduce outdoor water use by up to 75%. In practical terms, this can save households roughly 120 gallons of water per day.
Beyond conserving water, xeriscaping provides both time and cost savings for homeowners. Reducing irrigation needs immediately lowers water bills. On average, residents who implement xeriscaping can save approximately 36 cents per square foot each year. Relying on native plants also reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides. A thoughtfully xeriscaped property can increase curb appeal and property value, making your home more attractive should you decide to sell.
Xeriscaping also supports the environment by creating healthy habitats for pollinators and helping preserve local biodiversity. Capturing rainwater and improving drainage can reduce runoff and help prevent pollutants from reaching nearby creeks, streams, rivers, and ultimately, the ocean.
In short, xeriscaping is a practical choice that benefits both your wallet and the planet.
San Diego Xeriscaping Examples
Uno Verde Project
At Uno Verde Court, our team transformed an abandoned vineyard into a unique outdoor retreat centered around a custom chipping and putting green. We worked closely with the homeowner to design a space that blends natural contours, real turf, and thoughtful hardscaping to create the feel of a professional-course experience at home.
To frame the green, we incorporated durable hardscape materials, gravel pathways, and retaining walls that add character and reinforce the surrounding landscape. The design is complemented by drought-tolerant xeriscaping, using native plants that minimize irrigation and maintenance while enhancing visual interest.
This project reflects our ability to combine specialty features, water-wise landscaping, and purposeful outdoor design to create a backyard that is both engaging and environmentally responsible.
Orchard Avenue Project
This Orchard Avenue landscape demonstrates how thoughtful design can maximize livable space on a smaller city lot. Our team reimagined both front and back yards, expanding usable space with a widened deck, structured hardscaping, and tiered retaining walls to bring functionality and curb appeal.
Native and drought-tolerant plantings support the overall xeriscape strategy, reducing water use and maintenance while contributing vibrant texture and seasonal color. In the backyard, we created a multi-use entertainment area complete with a spa, fire pit, bar island, and redwood pergola for comfort and privacy.
The result is a modern outdoor living environment tailored for relaxation and social gatherings, demonstrating our expertise in creating sustainable spaces that integrate form, function, and Southern California lifestyle.
Service Providers in San Diego for Xeriscaping
For ideal xeriscaping results, it is best to partner with a design-build landscape contractor. Keeping both design and construction under one roof helps ensure your project stays on budget and is executed according to your vision.
At EcoMinded Solutions, we provide both landscaping and home remodeling in addition to our design-build services, allowing us to seamlessly blend interior and exterior spaces.
We understand what it takes to create a beautifully xeriscaped property in San Diego, from Encinitas to La Mesa and throughout the Coastal North County and Greater San Diego area. Our knowledge of native plants, local style, and the full home-building process ensures your landscape complements your home and enhances outdoor living.
We also stay up to date on local rebate programs and can help you choose a landscape plan that maximizes savings while guiding you through the approval process.
To learn more about our services, get in touch today.
