Smart policy for sustainable lawns

As snowpack levels hit record lows in the western U.S., communities are bracing for water shortages in 2026. While some local governments encourage replacing lawns with hardscapes, we’re advocating for a greener path through drought tolerant grasses. 

Conserving water during times of drought is essential to protect our agricultural water supply for food production. Routinely, municipalities and utilities have offered rebates to homeowners who remove their lawns and replace them with landscapes of rocks or pavers, also known as hardscapes.

However, replacing living landscapes with stone can come with unintended consequences – increased runoff, pollution and heat islands that raise ambient temperatures.

This is why we have worked closely with New Mexico Agricultural Secretary Jeff Witte who sponsored a policy to incentivize homeowners to plant third-party certified drought tolerant grasses.

At the National Associate of State Departments of Agriculture February meeting in Washington, D.C., state agriculture commissioners from around the country unanimously adopted Secretary Witte’s policy resolution. These incentives protect precious resources for food production and support flexible landscaping practices that respect regional differences.

Effective landscape conservation begins with third-party certification. The Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) has tested nearly 175 different drought tolerant grass cultivars through objective, research-backed standards as alternatives to hardscaping. 

These grasses thrive on up to 40% less water and come with a host of other benefits. Drought-tolerant grasses provide more than a beautiful yard – they reduce ambient temperatures, sequester carbon in the soil and provide a beautiful space for families to gather. 

As part of our commitment to sustainability, our drought-tolerant mix features Thunderstruck, a leading water-efficient variety certified by the TWCA. When coupled with irrigation system upgrades, these grasses can be a significant tool for water conservation. 

We believe that overly aggressive turf removal strategies are often insufficient and can result in environmental harm. Drought tolerant grasses provide an effective middle road: conserving water and cooling communities, while sustaining our green spaces for generations to come.