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To Sod or Not To Sod: That Is the Question

Before you consider re-sodding your lawn, make sure you know these tips and rules regarding new turf. It could save you money!

Maybe you’re looking at your lawn thinking it’s not looking so hot and perhaps re-sodding it will give it new life. Before you spend a boatload of money and time doing that, let me give you the “skinny” on SAWS policies for variances on new landscapes.

During drought restrictions — we’re currently under Stage 1 watering rules — SAWS may issue five-week watering variances for new landscapes, but only for brand new construction or for lawns that have been destroyed by specific circumstances such as foundation repair. The lawn area being refurbished must be more than 50 percent of the total landscape area of your lot.

Variances will not be issued to replace spot areas in the landscape, and variance approvals are on a case-by-case basis. Also, we reserve the right to inspect any landscape with a variance to make sure it meets the criteria. If upon further inspection the landscape is deemed non-compliant, the variance will be revoked at that time.

There are many other ways to refresh your landscape — drought-tough options such as perennial plants or a pretty patioscape. Since turf uses the most water, we certainly encourage you to forgo the grass and go for those.

And with our WaterSaver Landscape and WaterSaver Patioscape coupons, you’ll save money and water!

Current watering guidelines allow watering with a sprinkler once a week on your designated watering day. If after mulling over the options, you’re still interested in turf, you can apply for a variance. There is no guarantee of approval.

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Guest Author
Our Guest Authors are fantastic former SAWS employees, incredible interns and community leaders in the local landscaping world. They are all as passionate as we are about saving water with beautiful, diverse landscapes.
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