California Xeriscaping Guide
Published: June 6, 2026 · Updated:
Drought-tolerant landscaping plans for 92 California cities across USDA zones 10a, 10b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9b. Find native plants, water-saving strategies, and xeriscape designs for your specific location.
Water Restriction Level: critical
California has some of the strictest water restrictions in the US. Many municipalities mandate xeriscaping-friendly landscapes and offer rebates of $1–$3 per square foot to replace turf.
Verified turf removal rebates in 50 California cities, listed below.
What drives landscape water use in California
Mediterranean climate with almost all rain falling in winter and a five to six month rainless summer, which is why established natives need little or no summer water.
Mean annual precipitation across California spans about 3 to 70 inches, and the state covers USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9b. That spread matters more than any single statewide number: the wettest and driest parts of California need different plant palettes and different irrigation entirely, which is why the zone for your own city is the figure to plan against rather than a state average.
Plant genera native to California
These genera are native to California and are the backbone of low-water planting here. Starting from natives matters because they evolved with the local rainfall pattern and soil, so once established they generally need no irrigation beyond what the climate provides.
Listed at genus level deliberately. Which species within a genus is native varies across California, so check the species with a local native plant society or extension office before buying.
USDA Zones in California
Turf removal rebates in California
50 cities in California runa residential turf removal rebate we have verified against the water provider's own page. The terms differ sharply between them, so the city you are in changes what the same lawn is worth:
$5.00 per square foot. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
$7.00 per square foot on the first 1,000 square feet, then $2.00. Riverside Public Utilities.
$5.00 per square foot on the first 1,000 square feet, being the $2.00 regional base plus a $3.00 adder. Western Municipal Water District and Jurupa Community Services District.
$4.00 per square foot as a limited-time rate, against a standard $3.00. Burbank Water and Power.
$3.00 per square foot, plus up to $1,500 towards design. Long Beach Utilities.
$3.00 per square foot. City of Anaheim Public Utilities.
$3.00 per square foot. Irvine Ranch Water District.
Starts at $3.00 per square foot. Mesa Water District.
$3.00 per square foot. Glendale Water and Power.
$3.00 per square foot. SCV Water.
$3.00 per square foot on the first 2,000 square feet, then $2.00. City of Corona Department of Water and Power.
$3.00 per square foot, up to $3,000. San Bernardino Municipal Water Department.
$2.50 per square foot, up to $4,000 on 1,600 square feet. Ventura Water.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
Starts at $2.00 per square foot, and some member agencies add to it. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through your local member agency.
$2.00 per square foot, up to $3,000 for a single-family home. Valley Water.
$2.00 per square foot, up to $3,000 for a single-family home. Valley Water.
$2.00 per square foot, up to $3,000 for a single-family home. Valley Water.
$2.00 per square foot, up to $3,000 for a single-family home. Valley Water.
$2.00 per square foot, up to $3,000. Alameda County Water District.
$2.00 per square foot, up to $1,500, with $3.00 for rain-garden area. City of Santa Barbara.
$1.50 per square foot, up to $3,000. City of Sacramento.
$1.50 per square foot, up to $2,250, with $0.50 more per square foot if the work is finished within 45 days. Palmdale Water District.
$1.00 per square foot, or $2.00 under the Super Rebate, up to $2,000 in any 24 months. East Bay Municipal Utility District.
$1.00 per square foot, or $2.00 under the Super Rebate, up to $2,000 in any 24 months. East Bay Municipal Utility District.
$1.00 per square foot, or $2.00 under the Super Rebate, up to $2,000 in any 24 months. East Bay Municipal Utility District.
$1.00 per square foot, up to $2,000. Contra Costa Water District.
$1.00 per square foot, up to $2,000. Contra Costa Water District.
$1.00 per square foot, up to $1,000 on 1,000 square feet, once per account. Santa Rosa Water.
$1.00 per square foot. Los Angeles County Waterworks District 40.
$1.00 per square foot, up to $1,000. Rialto Water Services.
Outside those cities, no California provider in our checks publishes a residential turf rebate. Ask your own water utility directly before assuming one exists, and see our turf removal rebate comparison.
Xeriscaping Principles for California
1. Plan and Design
Start with a water-efficient landscape plan that groups plants by water needs. Place high-water plants (if any) closest to the house and low-water plants further away.
2. Improve Soil
Amend soil with compost to improve water retention in sandy soils and drainage in clay soils. Healthy soil holds more moisture and supports deeper root systems.
3. Reduce Turf Area
Limit conventional lawn to areas that serve a functional purpose (play areas, pathways). Replace decorative turf with native plants, ground covers, or mulch.
4. Choose Low-Water Plants
Select native and adapted plants suited to your USDA zone. Native plants have evolved with local rainfall patterns and typically need no supplemental irrigation once established.
5. Mulch Generously
Apply 5–10cm of organic mulch (or gravel in desert climates) around all plantings. Mulch reduces evaporation by up to 70%, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
6. Irrigate Efficiently
If irrigation is needed, use drip systems or soaker hoses rather than sprinklers. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water before 9am to reduce evaporation.
7. Maintain Appropriately
Proper maintenance reduces water waste. Keep mulch refreshed, prune to reduce water demand, and adjust irrigation seasonally. A well-maintained xeriscape improves over time.
California cities and their USDA zones
Your hardiness zone is the single most useful number for choosing plants, so this is every California city we hold, with its zone. Cities shown as links have their own guide because they run a verified turf rebate worth explaining on its own page. For the rest, the zone below plus the state palette above is the plan: their local advice would not differ from what is on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is xeriscaping worth it in California?
Yes. California has critical-level water restrictions. Xeriscaping reduces outdoor water use by 50–75%, which translates to significant savings on water bills. Many California municipalities also offer rebate programs for turf-to-xeriscape conversions, making the upfront cost more manageable.
What USDA zones are in California?
California contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9b. Each zone has different drought-tolerant plant recommendations. Find your city below for zone-specific xeriscape plant lists.
Does California offer xeriscaping rebates?
Yes. California has some of the strictest water restrictions in the US. Many municipalities mandate xeriscaping-friendly landscapes and offer rebates of $1–$3 per square foot to replace turf.
What are the best drought-tolerant plants for California?
The best plants depend on your specific USDA zone within California. Generally, native plants adapted to California's climate are the best choices: they evolved with local rainfall patterns and soil conditions. Browse your city guide below for zone-specific recommendations.
How much does xeriscaping cost in California?
Professional xeriscaping in California typically costs $5–$20 per square foot depending on design complexity, plant selection, and hardscape elements. DIY approaches can reduce costs to $1–$5 per square foot. Rebate programs can offset 20–50% of the initial investment.