A tired lawn that drinks water all summer is one of the most common things we're asked to replace. Turf is a great fit for a lot of yards, but there are three things worth checking before any grass comes out.
1. Your HOA can't ban it
California Civil Code § 4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting artificial turf or low-water plants. They can still apply their landscaping guidelines, such as color, edging or how much of the front yard it covers, so a drawn plan helps the approval go smoothly.
2. Most rebates won't pay for turf alone
Lawn-replacement rebates are usually meant to pay for living, low-water plants, and rules vary by water provider:
- Sacramento County Water Agency's Cash for Grass program is on hold until further notice.
- Carmichael Water District runs a turf replacement rebate. It isn't retroactive: your project must be approved before work starts, funding is limited and first-come, first-served, and it's one rebate per property.
- Citrus Heights Water District offers a free smart irrigation controller with installation while supplies last, one per service connection.
The rule that applies everywhere: get approval before you remove any grass. Most programs don't pay for work that's already done.
3. Turf gets hot
In full afternoon sun, artificial turf gets hot in a Sacramento summer. Shade, placement and the right infill help. Many yards mix turf for play areas with low-water planting and a patio, which also keeps the yard from looking like one big carpet.
Pets and drainage
Turf works well for dogs when it has the right infill and a base that drains, so rain and pet messes go through instead of pooling. Mention your pets at the site visit so the base is built for them.
The order to do it in
- Check your water provider's current programs and HOA rules.
- Get a plan: where turf goes, where planting and paths go.
- Get approvals.
- Then remove the lawn, build the base, and install.
Programs change often. Confirm the details with your water provider before you start.
