California Air Resources Board

Using zero-emission landscaping equipment reduces emissions of air pollutants, but maintaining the landscape can still be water-intensive. The lowest water use landscaping choices are, frequently, the lowest maintenance. Leaving the leaves where they fall and planting native plants that require less watering can support insect and other animal communities.

The following organizations offer information on low-maintenance landscaping:

• Xerces Society
• California Native Plant Society
• California Department of Water Resources

Some utilities and municipalities offer incentives to replace grass with lower maintenance landscape alternatives. You can find your local water utility at California Water Watch.