Now that many areas have turned the corner into spring, our home landscapes will be springing back to life (if all goes to plan). From a water standpoint, that may mean irrigating and higher water bills.

Not so fast.

Did you know that several water utilities around the United States offer incentives to customers to transform their landscape? Customers that use xeriscape – a way of landscaping that requires little to no water – or change to a more water-efficient landscape might receive financial rewards or rebates from their water utilities. Some utilities even offer "cash for grass," by financially rewarding customers who get rid of or reduce the amount of grass in their landscape.

All to reduce the amount of water used for irrigation, which, as a bonus, reduces your water bill. Not to mention the benefits of not having to mow and otherwise maintain your lawn.

Before proceeding with any xeriscaping projects at home, we encourage you to check whether such landscapes are permitted under your homeowners’ association (or similar entities).

Remember, your local water utility may have water restrictions which we should accept. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also offers landscaping tips.

This gives a different meaning to greener pastures.