HOA Lawn-to-Garden Conversion in Mountain View, CA: What Surrey Place Did to Save Their Water Bill
Interested in HOA lawn-to-garden conversion in Mountain View? We get it. Your HOA’s water bill keeps climbing, maintenance is adding up and California’s new AB 1572 law is about to make turf irrigation illegal. And residents want beautiful, usable common areas — not patchy grass that costs thousands to maintain with noisy equipment.
So what do you do?
In this post, we’ll look at:
Why HOAs in California are moving away from traditional lawns
What AB 1572 means for your HOA board
How lawn-to-garden conversions save money, meet compliance, and boost curb appeal
A real case study: Surrey Place HOA in Mountain View, CA
With more than 10+ years of experience in lawn-to-garden conversions and in-depth knowledge of Santa Clara County’s rebate programs, we helped Surrey Place replace 4,170 square feet of lawn with a water-efficient, native landscape.
The result? A thriving, climate-resilient community space that cut costs, complied with AB 1572, and earned the HOA an $8,340 rebate.
Before and after native garden installation in Mountain View HOA
Before HOA lawn conversion
After HOA lawn conversion
Curbside lawn replaced with a native garden in HOA community
Why are HOAs Replacing Lawns in California?At Surrey Place HOA, the tipping point was simple: the water bill. It was running in the thousands every month. And for what? A lawn that struggled to stay green, ate up resources, and failed to provide meaningful value to residents.
While many HOA landscapes across California still feature lush lawns, the reality is:
They’re expensive. At Surrey Place HOA, the monthly water bill was “in the thousands.”
They’re wasteful. Turf requires heavy irrigation, often up to 50 inches per year depending on grass type.
They’re noisy. Lawns require frequent mowing, which is disturbing to residents and wildlife.
They’re being phased out. AB 1572 requires HOAs to stop irrigating non-functional turf in common areas by 2029.
Keep in mind: None of these challenges mean an HOA is failing. They’re simply industry-wide issues. But boards that take action early will save money, comply with state law, and create more appealing shared spaces.
What Does AB 1572 Mean for HOAs?
Great question.
AB 1572 is California’s statewide requirement to phase out irrigation of decorative turf. AB 1572 isn’t just policy—it’s transformative. The law is expected to save up to 300,000 acre-feet of water annually in the MWD service area, comparable to serving 900,000 households.
For HOAs, that means:
For HOAs, that means:
- You’ll need a plan to replace turf in common areas with water-efficient landscaping.
- Waiting until 2028 risks higher costs and a bottleneck for contractors.
The good news: conversions are legally supported, cost-effective— and many qualify for turf replacement rebates.
At Surrey Place HOA, the board was already considering lawn removal to cut costs. Once they learned about AB 1572, the decision became even easier.
Client Case Study: Surrey Place HOA in Mountain View, CA
Project Quick Facts
Project Quick Facts
HOA
Location
Sq. Ft. Converted
Plants Installed
Rebate
Completion
Surrey Place
Mountain View, CA
4,170
170
$8,340
June 2025
HOA | Location | Sq. Ft. Converted | Plants Installed | Rebate | Completion |
Surrey Place | Mountain View, CA | 4,170 | 170 | $8,340 | June 2025 |
HOA Landscape Design Highlights
● Native & drought-tolerant plants — 170 total, including narrow-leaf milkweed (host
plant for monarch butterflies) and hummingbird sage.
● Two-color rock mulch — black and yellow rock for a unique, low-maintenance design.
● Boulders — placed at entrances to contain mulch and enhance aesthetics.
● Fruit trees — lemon, orange, and two avocado trees.
● Vegetable garden — a standout feature. Co-designed and built by residents of Unit 6,
now thriving under new rebate rules
● Pavilion upgrade — repaired stairs, added stepping stones, and revitalized the area.
● Fire safety in Zone 0 — designed with low-growing plants and rock mulch near homes.
● Tailored planting — species selected to thrive in both sunny and shaded areas of the
property.
Project Goals & Challenges
HOA Landscape Design Highlights
● Native & drought-tolerant plants — 170 total, including narrow-leaf milkweed (host
plant for monarch butterflies) and hummingbird sage.
● Two-color rock mulch — black and yellow rock for a unique, low-maintenance design.
● Boulders — placed at entrances to contain mulch and enhance aesthetics.
● Fruit trees — lemon, orange, and two avocado trees.
● Vegetable garden — a standout feature. Co-designed and built by residents of Unit 6,
now thriving under new rebate rules
● Pavilion upgrade — repaired stairs, added stepping stones, and revitalized the area.
● Fire safety in Zone 0 — designed with low-growing plants and rock mulch near homes.
● Tailored planting — species selected to thrive in both sunny and shaded areas of the
property.
The Surrey Place board set out to reduce their steep water bills. At their very first meeting with Water Efficient Gardens, they also learned how AB 1572 would affect their community. Since the HOA was already ready to replace its lawn, compliance with the new law became a natural part of the project.
Key challenge before conversion: The HOA’s water bill regularly ran into the thousands each month.
Designing the HOA Lawn-to-Garden Conversion in Mountain View, CA
This HOA lawn-to-garden conversion in Mountain View wasn’t just about removing turf — it was about creating a layered, resilient, and community-driven landscape. Here’s how the Surrey Place project came together:
Step 1: Choosing Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants
170 plants were installed across the 4,170-square-foot property, including narrow-leaf milkweed (host plant for monarch butterflies) and hummingbird sage, which was already drawing birds within weeks. These selections ensured the garden would thrive with minimal water while supporting local wildlife.
Step 2: Creating a Unique Look with Rock Mulch and Boulders
Instead of standard wood mulch, the HOA leader chose a bold combination of black and yellow rock mulch. Large boulders were added near the entrances to keep mulch in place and enhance the landscape’s structure.
Step 3: Adding Fruit Trees and a Resident-Designed Vegetable Garden
The board requested fruit trees, and the final design included lemon, orange, and avocado trees. This addition not only met rebate guidelines but also delivered visible, practical benefits for residents — something every HOA board should look for when investing in common areas.
But the real highlight came from the residents in unit 6 — a young couple with a baby on the way. They jumped in to co-design a vegetable garden using newly eligible rebate guidelines.The residents even drew up a detailed map for the area during the design stage. By installation time, the family was out working together, baby in tow. Just weeks later, the beds were already filled with thriving vegetables, and the residents shared how proud and happy they were with the garden.
Map drawn by resident and image of vegetable garden beds after installation
Step 4: Revitalizing the Pavilion and Surrounding Spaces
An underused pavilion gained new life with repaired stairs, stepping stones, and improved landscaping. Now it’s a welcoming spot for residents to gather and relax.
For the HOA, this meant turning a low-value, neglected area into a shared amenity where residents can relax and gather — proof that conversions don’t just save water, they enhance community spaces.
Step 4: Revitalizing the Pavilion and Surrounding Spaces
An underused pavilion gained new life with repaired stairs, stepping stones, and improved landscaping. Now it’s a welcoming spot for residents to gather and relax.
For the HOA, this meant turning a low-value, neglected area into a shared amenity where residents can relax and gather — proof that conversions don’t just save water, they enhance community spaces.
Step 5: Prioritizing Fire Safety and Site Conditions
In fire-prone Zone 0 areas near homes, low-growing plants and rock mulch reduced risk. In shadier areas, shade-tolerant species were selected, while sunnier areas were planted with species adapted to full sun.
In fire-prone Zone 0 areas near homes, low-growing plants and rock mulch reduced risk. In shadier areas, shade-tolerant species were selected, while sunnier areas were planted with species adapted to full sun.
3D design image (left) and installation image after completion (right)
3D design image (left) and installation image after completion (right)
Fast Results
The project was installed in June 2025. By early August — just six weeks later — many plants had already doubled or tripled in size, with blooms drawing in hummingbirds. Residents described it as “magical” to see such rapid growth and transformation.
Client Testimonial
Fast Results
The project was installed in June 2025. By early August — just six weeks later — many plants had already doubled or tripled in size, with blooms drawing in hummingbirds. Residents described it as “magical” to see such rapid growth and transformation.
Client Testimonial
“Shelkie has excellent knowledge of plants, laws and regulations (like AB 1572), and the Valley Water rebate ($8,340 for our HOA). Her communication and responsiveness made it easy to schedule meetings and on-site installation support.
She designed the layout of the (170) plants, documented them all for the rebate, ordered them from various nurseries, re-ordered a few as the design evolved, placed them all during installation, and took photos for the rebate submission.
If you like everything lined up, perfectly spaced, and symmetric, you may want to stay on top of that yourself.”
– Bill H., Surrey Place HOA Board Member
➡️ Meet Shelkie Tao, Founder & Landscape Designer at Water Efficient Gardens.
What other HOAs can learn from Surrey Place
So what’s the takeaway for your board? Surrey Place shows what’s possible when a board acts early. Instead of waiting until 2029, they secured an $8,340 rebate, slashed their water bill, and gave residents a more functional, valuable, and beautiful space.
➡️ Meet Shelkie Tao, Founder & Landscape Designer at Water Efficient Gardens.
What other HOAs can learn from Surrey Place
So what’s the takeaway for your board? Surrey Place shows what’s possible when a board acts early. Instead of waiting until 2029, they secured an $8,340 rebate, slashed their water bill, and gave residents a more functional, valuable, and beautiful space.
Image of Surrey Place’s new pavilion area
The benefits are clear:
● Cost savings — Lower water bills + an $8,340 rebate.
● Compliance — Already aligned with AB 1572 requirements.
● Curb appeal — Fresh, modern, and resident-approved.
● Biodiversity — Milkweed and sage attract pollinators and wildlife.
● Fire safety — Smarter planting in high-risk zones.
● Community engagement — Residents actively contributed to the vegetable garden, creating pride and ownership.
Image of Surrey Place’s new pavilion area
The benefits are clear:
● Cost savings — Lower water bills + an $8,340 rebate.
● Compliance — Already aligned with AB 1572 requirements.
● Curb appeal — Fresh, modern, and resident-approved.
● Biodiversity — Milkweed and sage attract pollinators and wildlife.
● Fire safety — Smarter planting in high-risk zones.
● Community engagement — Residents actively contributed to the vegetable garden, creating pride and ownership.
Turf replacement programs deliver strong results—California programs typically save between 11–76 gallons per square foot annually.
Quick Steps for Your HOA Lawn-to-Garden Conversion
If your HOA is considering a lawn-to-garden conversion, here’s how to get started:
1. Review your water bills and calculate the cost of keeping turf.
2. Check AB 1572 requirements for your HOA common areas.
3. Gather board input and secure early buy-in from key residents.
4. Apply for available rebate programs — Valley Water, for example, provided $8,340 to Surrey Place HOA.
5. Work with a native landscape expert who understands HOA approvals, rebate paperwork, and fire-safe, drought-tolerant design.
Water Efficient Gardens guided Surrey Place HOA through every one of these steps — from board approval to rebate submission.
With more than a decade of experience in HOA turf replacement projects, we can help your board navigate compliance, design and installation smoothly, while making sure your community saves water and looks beautiful.
Turf replacement programs deliver strong results—California programs typically save between 11–76 gallons per square foot annually.
Quick Steps for Your HOA Lawn-to-Garden Conversion
If your HOA is considering a lawn-to-garden conversion, here’s how to get started:
1. Review your water bills and calculate the cost of keeping turf.
2. Check AB 1572 requirements for your HOA common areas.
3. Gather board input and secure early buy-in from key residents.
4. Apply for available rebate programs — Valley Water, for example, provided $8,340 to Surrey Place HOA.
5. Work with a native landscape expert who understands HOA approvals, rebate paperwork, and fire-safe, drought-tolerant design.Water Efficient Gardens guided Surrey Place HOA through every one of these steps — from board approval to rebate submission.
With more than a decade of experience in HOA turf replacement projects, we can help your board navigate compliance, design and installation smoothly, while making sure your community saves water and looks beautiful.
FAQs about HOA Lawn-to-Garden Conversions in California
What is AB 1572 and how does it affect HOAs?
AB 1572 is California’s law that phases out irrigation of non-functional turf by 2029. For HOAs, it means common area lawns that aren’t actively used must be replaced with water-efficient landscaping. Acting early helps HOAs avoid deadline pressure and take advantage of rebate programs.
Do lawn-to-garden conversions for HOAs qualify for rebates?
Yes, many HOAs qualify for turf replacement rebates. At Surrey Place HOA, the board earned an $8,340 rebate through Valley Water’s program. Rebates can vary depending on location and project details, but they often offset a significant portion of the cost.
What kinds of plants work best for HOA drought-tolerant landscaping?
The best choices for HOAs are native and drought-tolerant plants that can handle California’s climate while supporting local ecosystems. At Surrey Place, the board selected milkweed for monarch butterflies, hummingbird sage, fruit trees, and shade- or sun-adapted species depending on the site.
How long does it take to complete a lawn-to-garden conversion for an HOA?
The timeline depends on the size of the project. Surrey Place HOA began design in November 2024 and completed installation in June 2025, with visible plant growth and wildlife returning within six weeks. Most conversions require several months from planning to completion.
Why should HOAs start their lawn-to-garden conversion now?
HOAs should start now to save money, secure available rebates, and avoid a last-minute rush before AB 1572’s 2029 deadline. Acting early also locks in lower costs and ensures a smoother approval and installation process.
Ready to plan your HOA lawn-to-garden conversion?
Don’t wait until 2029. The earlier you act, the more your HOA will save — and the smoother the approval process will be.
FAQs about HOA Lawn-to-Garden Conversions in California
What is AB 1572 and how does it affect HOAs?
AB 1572 is California’s law that phases out irrigation of non-functional turf by 2029. For HOAs, it means common area lawns that aren’t actively used must be replaced with water-efficient landscaping. Acting early helps HOAs avoid deadline pressure and take advantage of rebate programs.
Do lawn-to-garden conversions for HOAs qualify for rebates?
Yes, many HOAs qualify for turf replacement rebates. At Surrey Place HOA, the board earned an $8,340 rebate through Valley Water’s program. Rebates can vary depending on location and project details, but they often offset a significant portion of the cost.
What kinds of plants work best for HOA drought-tolerant landscaping?
The best choices for HOAs are native and drought-tolerant plants that can handle California’s climate while supporting local ecosystems. At Surrey Place, the board selected milkweed for monarch butterflies, hummingbird sage, fruit trees, and shade- or sun-adapted species depending on the site.
How long does it take to complete a lawn-to-garden conversion for an HOA?
The timeline depends on the size of the project. Surrey Place HOA began design in November 2024 and completed installation in June 2025, with visible plant growth and wildlife returning within six weeks. Most conversions require several months from planning to completion.
Why should HOAs start their lawn-to-garden conversion now?
HOAs should start now to save money, secure available rebates, and avoid a last-minute rush before AB 1572’s 2029 deadline. Acting early also locks in lower costs and ensures a smoother approval and installation process.
Ready to plan your HOA lawn-to-garden conversion?
Don’t wait until 2029. The earlier you act, the more your HOA will save — and the smoother the approval process will be.
Schedule a Free Consultation — Water Efficient Gardens will guide your HOA through every step of the lawn-to-garden conversion process, including design, HOA approval, and rebate paperwork, so your community saves water and looks beautiful.
Not ready for a call? Learn more about HOA lawn replacement with Water Efficient Gardens.
Schedule a Free Consultation — Water Efficient Gardens will guide your HOA through every step of the lawn-to-garden conversion process, including design, HOA approval, and rebate paperwork, so your community saves water and looks beautiful.
Not ready for a call? Learn more about HOA lawn replacement with Water Efficient Gardens.