One look at a thermometer is enough to remind us that summer’s heat is still bearing down on Southern Nevada. But the pleasant days and cooler nights of fall will be here soon—and with them comes the perfect time of year to convert your thirsty grass to water-efficient landscaping. And the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has all the tools you need to save water, manage your monthly bill, and enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Begin your project by enrolling in the SNWA’s Water Smart Landscapes Rebate Program (WSL) at snwa.com. Through the WSL program, qualifying single-family homeowners can receive cash rebate incentives for each square foot of grass replaced with drip-irrigated plants and trees, which helps fund the conversion.
Need inspiration? The SNWA website features sample landscape designs to complement a variety of lifestyles, plus a comprehensive list of desert-adapted plants and trees. You also can get a sense of what plants are best suited for our region by visiting the Springs Preserve Botanical Garden. Find out more at springspreserve.org.
Trees are an integral element of any landscape upgrade, as they provide much-needed shade during our hot summer months. The SNWA’s Tree Enhancement Program pays new WSL participants a bonus of $100 for every new tree installed (up to 100 percent canopy coverage). A list of qualifying trees is available at snwa.com.
Another key aspect of a landscape conversion is drip irrigation, which delivers water slowly and efficiently; it should run less often, but for longer periods, than sprinkler systems for grass. You can help encourage strong root growth for your new trees by watering them long enough for moisture to reach 18 to 24 inches into the soil. The SNWA’s website offers tips to help you avoid overwatering your new landscape.
Upgrading your grass landscape to drip-irrigated, desert-adapted plants and trees is easy, and the benefits are long-lasting. Learn more at snwa.com.