Turf Removal Fact Check

By Gregory A. Gritters

The statement: “Turf removal will save your association money and is a good investment.” is generally accepted as a fact. But is it? Well…it depends. It is true that the $3/ square foot (sf) rebates to remove turf being offered by CVWD and DWA are the best ever. It is also true that California is experiencing a drought and saving water is a good idea now and in the future. But, how much will your association save on water and maintenance and how much does it cost to convert turf into a water efficient landscape? The answer depends on your association’s goals. There are ways to maximize water and annual maintenance savings and to minimize turf conversion cost. However, savings are frequently not sufficient economic justification. Turf conversions should be evaluated on a caseby-case basis. If your association is currently paying large penalties for excess water use, selective turf conversion is a good investment. Turf conversion should be considered as part of a landscape enhancement master plan to increase the value of your homes and to conserve water in the long term.

CURRENT DROUGHT SITUATION

On June 14, 2022, the State Water Board adopted emergency regulations and ordered all water agencies to implement Level 2 demand reductions intended to result in a 10-20% savings. The regulation included the prohibition of spray irrigation during daylight hours. Effective August 1, 2022, CVWD increased the rate for water use in excess of the Efficient budget by 50%. CVWD also increased their turf removal rebate to $3/ sf. Desert Water Agency (DWA) also increased their turf rebate to $3/sf, but did not increase their water rates. The watering restrictions, rebates and rates apply only to domestic water and not to non-potable water. Additionally, the Colorado River is experiencing a record long drought. Lake Mead is at record lows. Those supplies are under increased risk and public perception is growing to reduce water consumption on turf.

ECONOMICS OF TURF REMOVAL

The economics of turf removal are determined by the initial cost of installation which are paid for by future savings in reduced water and maintenance. Installation cost

Installation costs are dependent on the quantity and size of the plant material and ground cover (DG, boulders etc.). CVWD and DWA require turf be replaced by a water efficient landscape which includes shrubs and/or trees with a minimum size and spacing. Figures 1, 2 and 3 are examples of turf removal landscape designs that meet these requirements. • Figure 1, “Desert Landscape” costs $3 to $4/sf to install and uses 1-gallon shrubs and 15-gallon trees, decomposed granite (DG) and minimal rock. The landscape shown is after “grow-in” approximately 2-5 years after planting. The landscape is very sparse initially and will have more of a “desert” look long-term. After rebate, the cost is less than $1/sf.

Figure 1- Desert Landscape $4/sf

Figure 2- Lush and Efficient Landscape $8/sf

• Figure 2, “Lush and Efficient Landscape” costs $5 to $9/sf and uses 5 to 15-gallon shrubs, 24” box trees/palms, boulders and rubble. This design generally has an attractive appearance initially that improves with time.

• Figure 3, “Enhanced Landscape” costs more than $10/sf and improves on the “Lush and Efficient

Landscape” by incorporating larger shrubs, specimen quality agave/cactus and more larger boulders.

The initial look of this landscape is very much like the design and provides instant gratification.

The size of the project definitely affects the cost per square foot ($/sf). Figure 1, “Desert Landscape” assumes an area of 10,000 to 25,000sf with good access for construction. Landscape lighting is not included in any of the estimates.

Figure 3- Enhanced Landscape 12/sf

Domestic water provided by CVWD and DWA is relatively inexpensive. For CVWD customers this is especially true if consumption is maintained at or below the Efficient Tier 2 budget. For CVWD customers, the annual cost to water one square foot (1sf) of turf is 5 to 7 cents ($.05-.07/sf). However, with the new penalty rate structure, the cost for Inefficient Tier 3 increases to 22 to 32 cents ($.22-.32/sf) and even higher for Tiers 4 and 5 (See Table 1). DWA customers pay approximately 12 cents annually per square foot to water their turf and there is no financial incentive to reduce consumption. It is safe to assume that the water requirements for any of the three proposed landscape designs will be at least 15% of the turf requirements at maturity.

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

In most cases, replacing turf with water efficient shrubs and rock does not reduce maintenance cost. Consider a typical association landscape which is 75% turf and 25% shrub beds. The gardening manpower to maintain the 25% area of shrub beds will be equal to or greater than the mow crew manpower to maintain the 75% area of turf. There are additional savings on seed and fertilizer, but these savings are generally offset by chemical costs for weed abatement and additional manpower for detailing and DG refreshing. The gardening manpower assumes maintenance requirements after grow-in and that the shrubs will be maintained consistent with the sizes shown in the design and allowed to grow naturally without excessive use of hedge trimmers.

CONCLUSION

Using the three landscape designs as examples, the payback times are calculated in Table 2. The potential water savings and the cost of installation are significant factors. Assuming turf replacement is a discretionary decision, a reasonable payback period is less than 10 years. Using this criteria, the only economically attractive option is Figure 1, “Desert Landscape” and the $3/sf rebate is critical. Enhancing the landscape is frequently the best investment an association can make to enhance the value of their homes and property. Replacing turf with attractive water efficient landscapes makes sense and should be included in an association’s reserve planning. Turf rebate funds available from CVWD and DWA are limited, so it is important for associations to act quickly to identify attractive projects and submit them for approval.

Greg is CEO/Managing Partner for Vintage Associates which includes Vintage Landscape, Vintage Outdoors and Vintage Nursery. Vintage Associates has been serving the Coachella Valley since 1992. Greg is a Certified Expert Water Manager and prior to joining Vintage in 2005, he worked 25 years for an international energy company. Greg has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Thunderbird International University.