In dry places like Southern California, a green lawn is one of the thirstiest things around a home. Replacing grass with native plants creates a yard that needs far less water, feeds bees and birds, and looks good year-round. Many cities, including Santa Monica, even offer rebates to help pay for the switch.
Quick answer: Native plants are adapted to your local rain, soil and heat, so once established they need much less watering than a lawn. Replacing turf with natives, mulch and drip irrigation cuts outdoor water use, supports wildlife, and may qualify for local rebates like Santa Monica’s Cash for Grass program.
Why lawns use so much water
Most home water use outdoors goes to landscaping. EPA WaterSense says residential outdoor water use in the U.S. accounts for nearly 8 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation, and that the average household uses more water outdoors than for showering and washing clothes combined (EPA WaterSense).
Turfgrass also needs regular mowing, fertilizer and weed control. In a region with long, dry summers and frequent drought, that is a lot of water and work for a plant that mostly just gets walked on.
Why native plants work better
Native plants have grown in your region for thousands of years. They are adapted to its climate, soil and rainfall, so after their first year or two they often get by on winter rain plus occasional deep watering. They also:
- Need little or no fertilizer or pesticide
- Provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife
- Offer color and texture through the seasons, from spring wildflowers to evergreen shrubs
Native plants to try in Southern California
These popular California natives handle dry summers well:
- Sage (Salvia species): Fragrant leaves and flowers that bees love.
- California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum): A tough shrub with long-lasting summer flowers.
- Manzanita (Arctostaphylos): Evergreen, with striking red bark and winter blooms.
- Deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens): A large grass that adds movement and texture.
- Coastal prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis): A hardy cactus with bright flowers.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and bush sunflower (Encelia californica): Easy choices for beginners.
Designing a water-wise native garden
Group plants by water needs, so the few that like summer water are not mixed in with ones that prefer to stay dry. Cover bare soil with a few inches of mulch to hold moisture and block weeds. Swap spray sprinklers for drip irrigation, which delivers water right to the roots, and add a smart irrigation controller if you can. Where possible, direct roof runoff into a rain garden or rain barrel.
Native gardens don’t have to look like a desert. Spring poppies and lupines, layered with evergreen shrubs, can make a yard feel full and green. Converting a section at a time also spreads out the cost and work.
Rebates and our own lawn conversion
Santa Monica currently offers two landscape rebate programs to residents: Cash for Grass, which helps replace a lawn with a California-friendly garden and is open to single-family, multi-family and commercial properties, and Spray to Drip, which helps replace sprinklers in planter beds with drip irrigation (City of Santa Monica). The city asks you to review the program guide and apply first, then submit an installation checklist and schedule an inspection after the work is done. Rebate amounts and rules change, so check the city’s page before you start.
We took this step ourselves. In February 2025 we applied to Santa Monica’s Cash for Grass program and found the application easy. We worked with landscape architect Gus Khoury, who helped us replace our lawn with drought-tolerant native plants using salvaged plants from local construction and renovation projects, keeping them out of dumpsters and landfills.
Frequently asked questions
How much water do native plants save compared to a lawn?
It varies by plant choice, climate and how you irrigate, but established native gardens usually need far less water than turf. Since outdoor watering is often the biggest part of a home’s water use, replacing a lawn is one of the largest water-saving steps a household can take.
When is the best time to plant California natives?
Fall and early winter are usually best, because cooler weather and winter rain help roots grow before summer heat. Water new plants regularly during their first year or two, then cut back.
Do I need a permit or approval to replace my lawn?
You usually don’t need a permit for basic planting, but rebate programs like Santa Monica’s require you to apply and follow their rules. Check with your city and any neighborhood or building association before you start.
See your water impact
How much water does your yard really use? Try our free Household Water Simulator to compare lawn watering, showers and other uses and see which changes save your household the most.
Related guides
- How to Landscape with Native Plants to Cut Water Use
- How to Set Up a Rain Barrel for Free Garden Watering
- How to Switch from Sprinklers to Soaker Hoses for Your Garden
Sources
- U.S. EPA WaterSense, Outdoors
- City of Santa Monica, How to Get a Landscape Rebate
Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.
