~ As the month of September marks the beginning of planting season, Mesa is reminding homeowners about its incentives for converting grassy yards into water-wise landscapes. The city's residential Grass-to-Xeriscape program offers eligible residents up to $1,100 for future projects to remove grass and replace it with low-water-use plants and trees. This initiative not only helps homeowners save money, but also contributes to water conservation efforts.

Since its establishment in 2007, Mesa's Grass-to-Xeriscape program has successfully assisted homeowners in removing over 550 thousand square feet of grass. This has resulted in an estimated cumulative savings of more than 127 million gallons of water. In an effort to expand its impact, Mesa is now increasing incentives for commercial customers and Homeowners Associations (HOAs). These entities may now qualify for up to $70,000 for future grass removal and irrigation equipment upgrade projects. The Water Infrastructure Financing Authority of Arizona has also contributed partial funding for this program.

Scott Bouchie, Mesa's Environmental and Sustainability Director, emphasized the importance of water conservation in the desert region. He stated that outdoor water use can account for up to 70 percent of a home's total water consumption. The Grass-to-Xeriscape program is a crucial step towards promoting sustainability and reducing water usage among residents. Bouchie also highlighted the city's other resources available to educate the public and make fall planting a seamless process.

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To further assist residents with their landscape refreshment after a long, hot summer, Mesa is hosting a free pop-up event at two local plant nurseries. On October 5th from 8-11 a.m., residents can meet with Mesa's Urban Forest Program Manager and water conservation staff at Treeland Nurseries located at 2900 S Country Club Dr. Another event will take place on October 18th from 8-11 a.m. at SummerWinds Nursery located at 3160 S Country Club Dr.

For those in need of guidance on choosing water-wise plants, Mesa has updated its "Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert" guide. This resource is available at Mesa Libraries, local plant nurseries, and the Customer Service Center at 55 N. Center. The guide features 218 plants that are perfectly suited to the desert climate and require less water and minimal maintenance. An online version of the guide is also accessible.

Mesa's efforts towards promoting water conservation and sustainability are commendable. With its Grass-to-Xeriscape program and other resources, the city is making it easier for residents to contribute to these important initiatives. As planting season begins, Mesa encourages homeowners to take advantage of these incentives and make a positive impact on their community and the environment.

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