Landscape Lighting Orange County

We just passed the darkest day of the year.

On the 21st, there were only 10hrs of daylight in Orange County. The winter solstice marks the turn of a slow climb back to longer days. During this time, you may have been missing landscape lighting in your Orange County yard… Landscape Lighting Orange County

Consider your Orange County landscape: your patio, your side yard, your pool, or your porch. Have you seen them in a while? If you go to work early in the morning and return any time after 5pm, you probably haven’t been able to enjoy your outdoor spaces in quite some time. Why even have a yard if you can’t see or enjoy it?

Landscape Lighting Orange County

Now is the time to consider installing a low voltage Landscape Lighting system from TRU Landscape Services. We use high grade, American Made lighting fixtures that will stand up to the elements, shine bright, and expend very little electricity.

Orange County Landscape Lighting

Why should I have American Made Landscape lighting installed instead of the lights that I can find at Home Depot? For one, TRU Landscape installs lights with a longterm warranty so that your lights can be replaced if they malfunction. Cheaper lights do not stand the sun, wind, and rain as well as their American Made counterparts.

Orange County Landscape Construction

There are many benefits to having TRU Landscape Services install your landscape lighting system. First, we’re a landscape contractor you can trust! As a licensed and bonded landscape company, TRU Landscape carries to insurance to protect you and your home. Our expert technicians have been installing Low Voltage Lighting systems for many years.

Second, TRU Landscape Services is a company that can do it all! Don’t waste time bouncing from contractor to landscape contractor to finish your project… TRU Landscape can install your patio, sprinkler system, driveway, and more! Our world-class concrete landscape construction division and maintenance crews can do it all!

We almost forgot, by upgrading your landscape lighting system, you’ll be saving money and helping the environment! Keeping your energy usage down helps everyone. With more low voltage landscape lighting Orange County will be a “greener” brighter place!

Call TRU Landscape today at 1-866-487-1359 to schedule a free estimate on your next landscape project! We’re you’re best shot at a beautiful landscape.

Orange County Patio Cover Construction

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Part Three: Patio Cover Construction

The third and final part of this Mission Viejo Patio Remodel is this custom wood balcony to patio cover tie in. Our expert teams took the previously bland space and added this important new element. The sturdy custom wood balcony construction adds a whole new space to the house. With a view like this home has, the balcony addition was absolutely essential to maximizing the potential of this family’s backyard space. If you want to capitalize on your view, call TRU Landscape for professional patio cover construction.

Patio Cover Construction Orange County Balcony In a warm climate like Orange County, backyard shade is absolutely essential for entertaining guests! The previously wide open backyard now has several square feet of shade provided by this new patio cover. It is 10-15 degrees cooler in the shade than in direct sunlight. A patio cover also provides the option of installing overhead misters. Rain or shine, a patio cover is an excellent addition to any backyard space.

Patio Cover Pictures

Customize your Patio Cover Installation

There are other options for patio cover construction from variations on columns, lighting fixtures, and tongue in groove construction style. We can wrap your posts with a decorative pilaster. This will add interest to the columns of your new patio cover. They also make a great landing area to place potted plants. There are many options. We could add a simple stucco finish, or we could attach just about any stone from slate to stacked stone.

Here’s an example of a stack stone pilaster at the base of a patio cover post

Landscape Lighting Orange County

TRU Landscape Services is also a full service landscape lighting technician. We install high grade low voltage LED lighting systems. The small lights pictured here are LED and save a lot of power while still sufficiently lighting the outdoor space. Other options include can lighting. A can light is built flush to the ceiling of a patio cover and is a 120 volt light. They are a little bit brighter, give a different look, and give you the option of hooking up a dimmer switch to your system so you can set mood lighting. Another LED lighting options include up lighting to shed light on your plants, pool, or home at night time.

Custom Patio Cover Styles

Our Orange County patio covers come in many styles. There is the open lattice patio cover like the one pictured here. We also install many solid roof style patio covers. It all depends on your home’s style and the functionality that you hope to get out of the patio cover. We can do a full roof tie in for a seamless new outdoor area as well.

Orange County Stamped Concrete Patio

Once the space was finished and the homeowners had settled into their new outdoor living area, they sent TRU Landscape some pictures to show us the finished product. The patio cover provided a place to hang lights over their new outdoor dining table. They told us how much they love sitting on their newly constructed balcony and watching the sun set over Mission Viejo.

The complete backyard landscape remodel really made some happy customers! With the barbecue island, stamped concrete, low voltage lighting, and custom patio cover, the family was thrilled with their new space.

Call TRU Landscape Services for sturdy landscape construction will last a lifetime.

Mission Viejo Stamped Concrete Patio

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Part Two: Stamped Concrete

Here are some new images of our latest Mission Viejo stamped concrete patio! The patio includes an Orange County Barbecue Island and a balcony-patio cover tie-in. But we’re here to talk about the foundation of it all: the stamped concrete!

The concrete barbecue island blends well with the stamped concrete patio

For this Mission Viejo stamped concrete patio, our crews matched the stain and glossy finish with the rest of the backyard hardscape’s stacked stone elements. The cohesion of your yard’s main elements creates harmony in your outdoor living space. As a landscape construction company, TRU Landscape’s job is to build you the framework for your outdoor paradise. The hardscape elements and various plants play off of eachother, but are also a blank slate for you to fill in. For the basis of your landscape, call the licensed Orange County hardscape team: TRU Landscape Services!

This family filled out their space with bar stools around the American Grill

Orange County Concrete Patio

Stamped Concrete is just one of the many surfacing options for your deck or patio. TRU Landscape’s Orange County concrete crew is skilled in a diverse array of patio styles to best suit your taste! We regularly pour concrete finishes in many different colors and styles. Sturdy and long lasting, we use concrete in many different hardscape construction including driveways, patios, walkways, countertops, and benches.

A close up of the Mission Viejo stamped concrete patio

A stamped concrete patio is an investment in a low maintenance back yard. We integrate drains into your patio for easy cleanup. The patio is also graded (to code) so that there isn’t any unnecessary buildup of water. Spills are cleaned up easily. Concrete is long lasting and reduces lawn maintenance by reducing the size of your lawn! Lastly, you aren’t compromising beauty for the sake of functionality and ease! Everyone will comment on the charm of your outdoor living space.

Mission Viejo Stamped Concrete Pouring

If you’re considering a backyard landscape remodel in Orange County, and need to find the right landscape company for the job, call TRU Landscape Services today! We’ve been a top landscape contractor in Orange County for over 25 years! In this business, you can’t survive that long unless you provide the absolute best quality to your customers.

Call our office today at 1-866-487-1359

Check out our final blog in the Mission Viejo patio remodel series here: Orange County Patio Cover Construction

Tried and True Landscape Contractors

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Licensed Bonded and Insured Landscape Contractor in Orange County

Hello All! Trying to decide on an Orange County landscape contractor? Looking into TRU Landscape Services? Whether you go with our landscape company or not, here are a few big reasons to make sure you have a licensed contractor work on your lawn (and not some turkey).

Ever wonder if you can get away with a low cost independent contractor for your landscape construction? Before attempting to save money by going this route, there are a few things to consider.

Happy Thanksgiving!

First, the contractor is required to have a license even if he isn’t currently operating with a license or bond. It’s true! Landscape Construction actually requires a license and bond. Certain specific jobs like installing a gas line for an outdoor fireplace even require further certification by the State of California. TRU meets those requirements.

Second, a less established landscape contractor may skimp on the materials needed to build a long lasting hardscape installation such as a fireplace, walkway, or block wall. Even though it’s concrete, an installation without a proper foundation, structure, and curing will not hold up over time. There are a lot of intricacies to properly installing everything from retaining walls to driveways that an unlicensed contractor simply won’t worry about.

Lastly, a licensed contractor is required to carry insurance. That insurance is there to protect you, the homeowner!

Licensed Landscape Contractors can construct amazing things like this barbecue Island

Now, you may actually prefer hiring an unlicensed landscape contractor simply because they are more personable than some big company. A smaller team may be more friendly and quick to help with your specific needs. Well, TRU Landscape prides itself in a small company attitude with a big company’s concern for quality. You’ll find that our balance between attention to detail and customer service are perfect for your family, and will help to create your dream yard!

Hire a company you can trust for their experience, commitment, and impressive portfolio. An estimate is just a call away. Our number is 1-8-66-487-1359

Orange County Barbecue Island

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Part One: Barbecue Island

One of the most striking features of the Mission Viejo Patio Remodel that we just completed was the addition of a custom concrete barbecue island to their backyard patio. Take it in.

The stacked stone veneer and concrete counter top provide a unique feel to this backyard patio

Many of our Orange County barbecue islands are sided with stacked stone like this one though our company provides many other options. We construct stone, pavers, and brick barbecue islands as well.

Built-In American Made Grills

TRU Landscape only uses the finest American Made Grills in their custom barbecue island installations. Why purchase a cheap grill for your new outdoor kitchen when you can have the very best gas or charcoal grill installed.

Grilling in an outdoor kitchen is a lot more fun

Outdoor Kitchen Features

Your barbecue island can be completed with anything you need for cooking outdoors. Everything, plus the kitchen sink! TRU Landscape frequently installs outdoor kitchens with sinks, side burners, refrigerators, and more! If you’re tired of being cooped up in your indoor kitchen, it’s definitely time to consider a fully functional grilling space.

Treated concrete counter tops provide a bar and table for enjoying the outdoor kitchen

Orange County Barbecue Island

What makes an Barbecue Island an “Orange County Barbecue Island”? Well, for one thing, the specially great weather that we experience year round. An Orange County Barbecue Island installation will get use all year. Another thing is the style. Your barbecue can reflect your particular tastes, be they related to the beach or the beautiful hills in our area. Because your grill and outdoor kitchen are custom built, they can be made to blend your taste with the natural beauty of the OC.

Special Feature: Low Voltage LEDs under the Barbecue Island’s Counter

Orange County Landscape Company

So, you want a uniquely Orange County barbecue Island? First of all, you’ll need a uniquely Orange County Landscape Company. TRU has been serving the area for over 25 years. Our team members are vastly experienced in landscape concrete, pavers and driveways installation, sprinkler systems, and landscape lighting. For all of your lawn, patio, and landscape construction needs, call the best landscape contractor in Orange County: TRU Landscape Services!

Our offices are open for calls Monday to Friday from 9am-3pm, or you can send an email using the quick quote feature. All estimates are free. Just call in, and we’ll schedule an appointment to have your landscape project looked at.

Mission Viejo Patio Remodel

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Mission Viejo Patio Remodel

What will you do with your backyard? With TRU Landscape Services, there are unlimited options for renovating your landscape! As a licensed landscape contractor, we do everything outdoors. From planting and maintaining a lawn to installing sprinkler systems, we care for your softscape. In the realm of hardscape, we pouring driveways and pave patios, building elaborate water features and set fire pits alight.

stamped concrete patio, custom wood patio cover with balcony, stacked stone barbecue island

This Mission Viejo patio remodel includes a custom stacked stone barbecue Island, a stamped concrete patio, planter walls, and a wood balcony with a patio cover extension. Other features include a low voltage LED lighting system in the planters.

Orange County Patio Construction

Sometimes you just need to overhaul an area of your landscape. We can help. As your premiere orange county landscape contractor, TRU wants to partner with you to create an outdoor experience you will enjoy. When it comes to patios, we love to make outdoor living areas for relaxation and entertaining family and friends. With fire, food and friends, what more do you need to unwind in your backyard paradise?

Stamped Concrete Patio

Stamped concrete with a sealant on it for a beautiful patio that will last

Stamped concrete provides a visually interesting patio surface with easy clean up. We can stain your concrete in a variety of colors and stamps patterns to suit your visual preferences.

Orange County Barbecue Island and Custom Balcony

The biggest features of this Orange County landscape are the barbecue island and the custom balcony/patio cover. These installations fill out the bulk of this small to medium sized back yard. They make an outdoor kitchen experience possible. Your American Made grill and barbecue Island are perfect for serving up a delicious outdoor dining experience. Make the patio your new dining room under the shade of our custom patio covers.

Low Voltage LED Lighting and Stacked Stone Siding

Planter-Wall-Orange-County

To fill out the edges of the property, we installed planter beds with Low Voltage LED landscape lighting. The stacked stone planter walls match the barbecue island to tie the hardscape together. It’s poured in place concrete cap also provides seating!

Our low voltage landscape lighting system will save electricity over less efficient systems. American made landscape lights are also built to last and under warranty! They are weather resistant and bright enough for any landscape lighting set up. We only use top of the line landscape LED lighting to ensure your landscape is safe and well lit at night.

Landscape Construction Series

We decided to go more in depth into this Orange County landscape construction project.

Here are 3 other blogs to give you more details on each aspect of this patio construction process:

1) Barbecue Island

2) Stamped Concrete

3) Patio Cover Construction

Drought Resistant Plants

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We’re sharing a big “landscaping secret” today. Here are some plants TRU Landscape uses in our Drought Tolerant landscapes. We’ve found them to be readily available from our suppliers in the Orange County area, and hardy against the California drought.

Mexican Feather Grass, Variegated Society Garlic, flax (Phormium), White Lantana, Purple Lantana, Queen Anne, Spanish Lavender, Red Kangaroo Paw, Yellow Kangaroo Paw, Fountain Grass, Rosemary, Dwarf Brown Flax, Blue Fescue, Salvia, Statice, Mexican Bush Sage, Bird of Paradise, and Daylily.

The plant photos were found through Google Image Search and we do not own the rights to them except where noted. They are displayed here for educational purposes.

Free Estimates on Drought Tolerant Landscapes

If it’s time to overhaul your landscape and save some water, call TRU Landscape today for a free estimate.

1-866-487-1359

With drought resistant plants, water efficient drip lines and a smart timer irrigation system, you’ll save instantly!

Orange County Drought Resistant Plants

We use these drought resistant plants primarily because of their availability in Orange County and overall hardiness. Just a quick glance at the photos above proves that you can save water and still have a beautiful Orange County landscape.

Whether you want to limit water usage or totally overhaul your lawn in favor of a drought tolerant xeriscape, TRU Landscape can help you out! If you want to retain your lawn, TRU Landscape can revamp your sprinkler system. We low-water precision sprinkler heads and satellite timers to ensure your lawn is being well watered. If you’re looking for lawn removal, TRU Landscape can install mulch, drought tolerant plants, and hardscape.

If you’re considering totally revamping your yard, check your local water service for information on Drought Tolerant Landscaping Rebates.

If you would like more information on our Orange County Landscape Services, call or fill out our quick quote form.

How to Have a Beautiful Low Water Landscape

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Orange County Drought Tolerant Landscaping

Trying to save water during the California Drought? Here’s one family’s story of how they drought proofed their landscape. It started with calling a licensed landscape contractor. TRU Landscape Services understands the particulars of Orange County drought tolerant landscaping. As an Orange County landscaper for over 25 years, we’ve seen the effects of the drought and know what plants will survive well. Keep reading for more ideas!

Drought Tolerant Landscape Orange County

Save Water Using a Mulch landscape and Drought Tolerant Plants

Landscaping in Orange County California is different than landscaping in other less dry states. Our landscaping company is constantly aware of potential loss from sprinkler systems. Drainage and landscape grades also contribute to water loss. In rainier states, you don’t need to be as cautious of every drop of water.

Don’t worry! There are so many ways to reduce water loss and create a drought tolerant landscape, even in Orange County. Our story begins in a small front yard with dry grass and an ugly wall.

The dry front yard before drought tolerant landscaping installation

Drought Tolerant Landscaping

One of the major ways to drought proof your landscape is by removing your lawn. If you’re lawn is dry and patchy, there are two solutions. The first, is to receive a sprinkler system tune up with a water smart ET Satellite Timer! We use trusted Rain Bird sprinkler timers. The other option is to remove your grass and opt for a xeriscape like this family did.

Many water districts in Orange County will actually give a drought tolerant landscape rebate for grass removal! The water savings will be very noticeable. Instead of a sprinkler head spraying a wide area of grass, drip irrigation can apply just the right amount of water to each individual plant. Mulch or wood chips retain water and keep the soil around the plants from drying out.

Spanish Lavender is a drought resistant plant

Orange County Landscape

There’s something special about an Orange County Landscape. It’s different than a New England Landscape, or even a San Francisco Landscape. Here in the OC we have a climate that’s warm year round, with palm trees and bright flowers. Near the beaches unique plants grow naturally. We also have the unique desert landscape around us.

Installing a drought tolerant landscape allows your yard to work in harmony with the climate of our region. Grass does not grow naturally in most areas of the OC, but other beautiful plant varieties do. There are many options for zone 9 landscaping.

Low Water Sideyard Orange County

Xeriscaping in Orange County

What is a “xeriscape”? Xeriscaping is landscaping that reduces or eliminates additional water consumption from irrigation. Even native plants need a little water, so we always install drip irrigation into our low water landscapes. Still, xeriscaping can be achieved as long as water use from irrigation is reduced.

Drought Tolerant Plants

Over the years, TRU Landscape Services has had success with many varieties of hardy, drought resistant plants. We are able to recommend just the right plants for your existing style of landscape. If you have a tropical style landscape, there are low water plants that will still look great in your yard. Flowers and plants of many different colors can grow happily even during the drought.

Water Saving Landscape

Beyond grass removal and drought tolerant plant installation, there are other ways to save water. Your lawn may be too big! Your plants may be too abundant! There are ways to maintain the beauty of your softscape and reduce its size. This family decided to install a paver walkway to fill out their side yard. The interlocking pavers are beautiful and reduce the size of the lawn and planter beds. Pavers are a perfect footpath. This area is given an old world, Mediterranean feel.

Before the interlocking pavers steps were installed

Before the pavers installation

Other hardscape installations can also help to reduce water use. Extending your driveway to fit other vehicles or RVs is one option. It can reduce your lawn size and still look great! Tiered planter beds break up your landscape visually and allow for more focused areas of planting. A fire pit or other fire feature can become a focal point in your backyard without taking up anymore water.

Custom pavers steps!

Pavers replace yellow grass

Synthetic Turf Installation

Do you love the color green? Are you unwilling to give up any more of your lawn? Do you need a safe, clean place for your children and animals to play? Then Synthetic turf installation may be the low water solution for you!

This family didn’t install any synthetic turf, but it’s a great option for drought tolerant landscaping. You’ll be surprised how natural American Made synthetic turf looks and feels in your back yard. Our expert synthetic turf installation comes with an 8 year warranty. For the person who wants a green lawn without the water usage, a modern synthetic grass installation just makes sense.

TRU Landscape Services – Orange County Landscape Contractor

There are many ways to have a beautiful low water yard. If you’re considering Orange County Drought Tolerant Landscaping, call our office for more information at 1-866-487-1359

Licensed Landscape Contractors

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Licensed Landscape Contractors

It is crucial to hire licensed landscape contractors to install hardscape or other technical landscape installations. If you want to have your yard redone or business properly maintained, don’t even consider an unlicensed company.

First, there are many benefits to hiring a licensed Orange County landscaper.

Quality: The thing that matters most to you and your lawn is the quality of the landscape installed. At the end of the day, you care about the final presentation of the landscape installation. Hiring a licensed contractor for landscaping will ensure that no corners will be cut. The materials

Safety: There are many skilled craftsmen in the world who may have experience in the landscape trade. It is important to be sure that your contractor is licensed no matter how good his or her work may be. For your own safety, landscape contractors carrying a license must have insurance and a bond. This benefits you as the customer.

Licensed Landscape Contractors Orange County

A Scan of Our License Card

TRU Landscape also has our employees take courses in important safety measures. For example, we are credentialed to install gas lines and water mains. It could be a hazard to have something so important installed improperly!

Ease with Billing: Most licensed landscapers will also have an office. This way they are able to manage the numerous contracts and schedules. Contractors with an office are also able to respond to your calls and emergencies more readily! TRU Landscape is proud to offer our customers quick and easy service. Just call our office, and we’ll take care of your landscape problems.

Variety of Services: If you want your whole yard done, you will need to talk to licensed Orange County landscapers. As a full company, we are able to provide a full outdoor service. For your lawn, we install sprinkler systems with state of the art sprinkler heads and ET satellite timers. Our concrete and Orange County Hardscape crews, build patios, lay interlocking pavers, and install driveways and walkways. In the specialty category, we are preferred synthetic grass installers and install low voltage LED landscape lighting. If it’s outdoors, we can do it!

Info about Licensed Orange County Landscapers

What does our C-27 License cover exactly? Here’s an excerpt from The California Code of Regulation:

Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications

A landscape contractor constructs, maintains, repairs, installs, or subcontracts the development of landscape systems and facilities for public and private gardens and other areas which are designed to aesthetically, architecturally, horticulturally, or functionally improve the grounds within or surrounding a structure or a tract or plot of land. In connection therewith, a landscape contractor prepares and grades plots and areas of land for the installation of any architectural, horticultural and decorative treatment or arrangement.

Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059 (Business and Professions Code)

That about sums it up for our company! Our license allows us to safely construct, maintain, and install for the betterment of your home’s exterior and the lay of the land.

Elaborate landscape installations require a full C-27 license

The Danger of Hiring Unlicensed Landscape Contractors

Another thing to note is that unlicensed landscape contractors are only legally able to do jobs under $600. This includes both materials and labor. If someone is quoting you for a job over $600 but they can’t provide their license number, you may want to reconsider their service. You don’t want to be breaking the law just to save a few bucks!

Play it safe and go with an insured company like TRU Landscape Services: Licensed Landscape Contractors serving the Orange County California for over 25 years!

Contact our office today at 1-866-487-1359

Drought Tolerant Landscape Rebate Programs for Orange County

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Drought Tolerant Landscape Rebate Programs:

Orange County

Concerned about the drought? Want to do something about it? Your water service may provide big rebates for replacing your sprinklers or removing your turf!

Here is a resource for those researching drought tolerant landscape rebate programs. We’ve compiled a list of some helpful links on the topic that we’ll keep updated as time goes on.

TRU Landscape is serious about the current Orange County Drought. We want to provide you with the information necessary to make a decision about how you proceed with your landscaping. Just identify your water company, and then see if you are eligible for any of their landscape renewal programs. It’s all about saving water during the California Drought!

A Recently Installed Mulch Landscape after Turf Removal

There are a number of ways to reduce water consumption, and you may be able to receive a rebate for your drought tolerant landscape installation. Browse the links below, or call our office for more information at 1-866-487-1359.

First, identify your water company by looking at your water bill. Some websites can be hard to navigate. Look below for direct links to rebate information.

A compilation of resources for Drought Conscious Orange County Residents

Irvine Ranch Water District offers many Drought Tolerant Landscape Rebates for removing turf and/or changing out your sprinkler system and sprinkler timer.
Laguna Beach County Water District has multiple rebate options for turf removal and sprinkler system alteration.
Laguna Niguel, CA and and portions of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, and Mission Viejo have a Water Efficiency Rebate Program through the Moulton Niguel Water company.
For the Metropolitan Water District which includes Anaheim, Santa Ana, and many other areas in Orange County, go to this site for water conservation rebate information. It has Turf Removal Rebates as well.
The Orange County Water District offers this information on their rebate programs
Orange County, Municipal Water District offers a rebate on Smart Controllers and Sprinkler Timers as well Turf Removal Rebates
San Juan Capistrano offers a water conservation Rebate for Satellite Sprinkler Timers.
The Golden State Water Company offers rebates to customers in these Orange County cities: Buena Park, Cowan Heights, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Mirada, Lemon Heights, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placentia, Rossmoor, Santa Ana, Stanton, Yorba Linda

This list is obviously not complete yet. The rebate process can be a bit complicated at first, but we want to make it as smooth as possible for you! It will be well worth your time to install a native water saving landscape.

If you have another useful resource to add to this post, please share them in the comments section!

Ways to Save Water in Orange County

By changing your sprinkler nozzles to drip, removing your turf, or adding an irrigation smart timer, you may be eligible for water saving rebates from your water company.

There are many other ways to reduce water use that may not result in a refund. Still, installing pavers instead of grass, or synthetic turf instead of a lawn are great alternatives to traditional landscapes. If you currently have a lawn and would like to install something else, you may be able to get money back through a turf removal program!