California, Are Lawns Becoming a Thing of the Past? AB 1572 Says…YES !!!

As water scarcity becomes an ever-greater challenge in California, the era of thirsty turf is drawing to a close. AB 1572, signed into law in October 2023, bans the use of potable water (i.e., drinking water) to irrigate nonfunctional turf, lawns that are purely decorative and never used for recreation or gatherings.

What’s nonfunctional turf? Think street medians, office park lawns, or ornamental strips in front of buildings not sports fields, cemeteries, or parks, which are exempt as functional turf.

A phased farewell:

Jan 1, 2027 State and local government properties must stop using potable water for these decorative lawns.
Jan 1, 2028 Commercial, industrial, and institutional properties follow suit.
Jan 1, 2029 Homeowners association common areas and similar developments get the mandate.
Jan 1, 2031 Disadvantaged communities held off until funding is secured.

This isn’t just about removing grass it’s a broader shift toward water-wise, climate-adapted landscaping. With incentives and programs emerging (like rebates for converting turf to drought-tolerant plants), there’s room for creativity, resilience, and long-term savings

Let’s imagine a future landscape in California one where lawns are rare, but beauty and biodiversity thrive. Where every choice is intentional, and every plant tells a story of our commitment to sustainability.

What does your ideal California landscape look like? I’d love to hear your vision.