Fresno, California (KFSN) – The residents of Fresno who want to save water and beautify their courtyards can now qualify for more financial help in the city.
The city of Fresno has expanded its “lawn to garden discount program” and offers more incentives for homeowners and companies that replace traditional lawns with drought -tolerant landscape design.
The program started in 2015 is intended to reduce water consumption and promote sustainable garden practices. Thanks to a scholarship of $ 5 million, the city increased its discount to $ 2 per square foot on 1,500 square foot for residential properties and up to 4,000 square feet for commercial properties.
This means that homeowners can receive up to 3,000 US dollars while companies can qualify for up to 8,000 US dollars.
“If we all affect our part at an early stage, we may not have to take stricter stricter step-backlers on the water days, if we reach stage 4 or 5 drought,” said Wendy Cornelius, water protection supervisory authority for the Fresno Department of Public Utilities. “It also helps to get our groundwater.”
The department has installed its own demonstration garden, which is filled with colorful, drought -resistant plants in order to show what is possible with a waterwise landscape design.
“Many customers are very happy because we help to encourage the flowers throughout the seasons,” said Cornelius.
A local example are the terraces in San Joaquin Gardens, an older shared apartment near Fresno and Barstow Avenue. The property used the discount program to transform its reasons into a living landscape with low water.
Sebastian Gallegos, owner of SG Landscapes, says that it can also be water -efficient.
“We do a lot of drought -tolerant plants, rock work and designs with which customers can really enjoy their farms,” said Gallegos.
The discount is available in the first come, first available, and applicants must be approved before starting work. So far, more than 100 applications have already been submitted.
For more information or to apply, click here.
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