🎯 Quick Answer
How to convert lawn to native plants in San Francisco:
- 1. Apply for SFPUC rebate (get up to $2,000)
- 2. Remove lawn (sheet mulching or sod cutter)
- 3. Improve soil (add 3-4 inches compost)
- 4. Install drip irrigation (most efficient)
- 5. Plant natives in fall (October-December best)
- 6. Mulch heavily (3-4 inches organic mulch)
- 7. Water regularly first year (then minimal)
$3-8
per sq ft
2-4
weeks timeline
80%
water savings
Why Convert Your Lawn?
💰 Cost Savings
- • Save $600-800/year on water bills
- • Eliminate $200-400/year lawn maintenance
- • No fertilizer costs ($100-150/year)
- • Get up to $2,000 SFPUC rebate
🌍 Environmental Benefits
- • Save 15,000+ gallons water/year
- • Support native birds & pollinators
- • Zero pesticide/fertilizer runoff
- • Reduce carbon emissions (no mowing)
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
Apply for SFPUC Lawn Conversion Rebate
Timeline: 1-2 weeks before starting | Cost: Free | Savings: Up to $2,000
How to Apply:
- Visit sfwater.org/rebates
- Submit pre-approval application with lawn photos
- Wait 1-2 weeks for approval
- Complete conversion within 90 days
- Submit final photos for payment
Rebate amounts: $1-2 per sq ft removed (varies by season). Typical 500 sq ft lawn = $500-1,000 rebate.
Remove Your Lawn
Timeline: 1-2 days | Cost: $1-2/sq ft (professional) or $50-200 (DIY)
Method A: Sheet Mulching (Easiest)
Best for: DIY, no rush, organic approach
- Mow lawn very short (1 inch)
- Water thoroughly day before
- Lay cardboard/newspaper (overlap edges)
- Add 4-6 inches compost on top
- Water again to weigh down
- Wait 6-8 weeks OR plant immediately through cardboard
Cost: $50-150 in materials
Method B: Sod Cutter (Faster)
Best for: Immediate planting, clean slate
- Rent sod cutter ($75-100/day)
- Cut lawn into strips
- Roll up and remove sod
- Dispose at green waste facility
- Till remaining soil
- Ready to plant same day
Cost: $150-250 DIY or $500-1,000 pro
Improve Your Soil
Timeline: 1 day | Cost: $100-300 for compost
What to Do:
- Add 3-4 inches of compost across entire area
- For clay soil (common in SF): add gypsum (5 lbs per 100 sq ft)
- Till or fork compost into top 6 inches
- Level and smooth surface
- Water lightly to settle
Where to buy: Bulk compost from Recology SF ($25-40/cubic yard) or bagged from garden centers.
Install Drip Irrigation
Timeline: 1-2 days | Cost: $300-800 DIY or $1,500-3,000 professional
Basic DIY Drip System:
- Connect to existing hose bib or sprinkler line
- Install pressure regulator (25 PSI)
- Lay 1/2" mainline tubing in serpentine pattern
- Insert 1/4" drip emitters (1-2 GPH) at plant locations
- Add timer for automation ($30-150)
- Test system and adjust
💡 Tip: Install irrigation BEFORE planting so you know exact plant locations.
Plant California Natives
Timeline: 1-3 days | Best season: October-December | Cost: $500-2,000 for plants
Planting Steps:
- Arrange plants (still in pots) according to design
- Dig holes 2x wider than root ball, same depth
- Gently loosen root ball if pot-bound
- Place plant, backfill with native soil (no amendments in hole)
- Create watering basin around each plant
- Water deeply immediately after planting
| Spacing Guide | Small (1-2 ft) | Medium (3-5 ft) | Large (6+ ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plants per 100 sq ft | 25-40 plants | 8-15 plants | 3-6 plants |
| Plant spacing | 18-24" | 3-4 ft | 6-10 ft |
Recommended natives for 500 sq ft lawn: 3-5 Ceanothus, 10-15 California Fuchsia, 20-30 California Poppies, 5-10 Pacific Iris, 2-3 Manzanita.
Apply Mulch
Timeline: Half day | Cost: $100-300
- Apply 3-4 inches organic mulch (bark, wood chips, compost)
- Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from plant stems
- Cover all bare soil completely
- Mulch reduces evaporation by 70%!
Free mulch: Recology SF offers free wood chips to residents (arboristchips.com).
Water & Maintain
Timeline: Ongoing | Cost: Minimal
| Period | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Month | Every 2-3 days | Deep watering to establish roots |
| Months 2-12 | 1-2 times/week | Reduce gradually |
| Year 2+ | Monthly or less | Most natives need zero supplemental water in SF |
Complete Cost Breakdown
500 Sq Ft Lawn Conversion Example
DIY Costs
- Lawn removal (sod cutter rental)$100
- Compost (2 cubic yards)$80
- Drip irrigation kit$400
- Plants (40 natives, 1-gal)$600
- Mulch (3 cubic yards)$150
- Total Cost$1,330
- SFPUC Rebate-$750
- Net Cost$580
Professional Install
- Design consultation$300
- Lawn removal & disposal$500
- Soil preparation$400
- Drip irrigation install$1,500
- Plants & installation$1,200
- Mulch & cleanup$400
- Total Cost$4,300
- SFPUC Rebate-$1,000
- Net Cost$3,300
Annual Savings After Conversion
$800-1,000/year
Water + maintenance + fertilizer savings
DIY project pays for itself in <1 year!
Timeline
Total project time: 4-6 weeks from start to finish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Planting in summer
Natives struggle in heat. Plant October-March when rains help establishment.
❌ Forgetting SFPUC pre-approval
Must apply BEFORE starting work or you forfeit rebate!
❌ Skipping irrigation
Even drought-tolerant plants need water during establishment (1-2 years).
❌ Planting too densely
Plants need room to grow. Follow mature size spacing guidelines.
❌ Using wrong plants for your microclimate
Foggy Sunset ≠ sunny Mission. Choose plants suited to YOUR conditions.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to remove my lawn in SF?
Answer: No permit needed for lawn removal or planting. Permits only required for structures, grading over 50 cubic yards, or protected tree work.
Can I do this project myself or do I need a contractor?
Answer: Totally DIY-friendly! Most homeowners can complete this project over 2-3 weekends. Hire pros for irrigation if you're not comfortable with plumbing.
How long until my native garden looks full?
Answer: 1-gal plants: 1-2 years to fill in. 5-gal plants: 6-12 months. Plant densely with 1-gal for faster coverage at lower cost.
Need Professional Help?
While this is a great DIY project, our licensed landscape contractors can handle your entire lawn conversion from design to installation. We'll maximize your SFPUC rebate and create a stunning native garden perfectly suited to your SF microclimate.