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SAWS Garden Rebates Basics

By Cathy Criado

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Criado Realty 0548772

May 24, 2023 04:07 PM

SAWS has programs for gardening, yards, irrigation, patios, pools, and plumbing. This blog is more or less a narrative on my home project since my gardening group wanted to know what and how I did my yard, my rebates, cash vs plants, etc. Rules. Contacts. Benefits. Ideas. This is not all encompassing, just what I looked into for myself. Photos will be added over time as my progress occurs. Currently I'm grassless and about to go do my paver selection tomorrow.

I knew there was a water saving program that if you pull out your grass SAWS will pay you, but it was confusing when I researched because Home Depot, Lowes, and some small gardening centers know nothing. That's because they aren't participants. Makes sense. Also, I had no idea there was a comprehensive website with detailed information. So as a result I am signing up to be a community support person on the committee to be an advocate. I just sent in my application.

I listed the SAWS garden center participants at the bottom of this blog.

The Basics is to understand that there are 9 programs. I only researched the ones I was interested in so if you want to study the others then go to the SAWS Coupons & Rebate Link.

IRRIGATION REMOVAL

I started with that because like I said in my first blog, why bother when you can't use it most of the time anyway? Secondly, I didn't want to mow. Thirdly, grass is ugly. Boxwoods are ugly unless Edward Scissorhands is your son. Plants are pretty. Native plants thrive.

You get cash back for removing the system but be it known that you have to sign an affidavit that you will not install a new system or they will require you to refund the rebate. I hired my friend Drew Nelson of Dreamscapes Landscaping (I'll post his website soon). He is an irrigation guy that can install or remove systems and he is a horticulturalist so he can help you design a landscaping plan.

Call 210-704-SAVE (7283) to book your inspections or for questions, for any of the programs. Be specific which programs as you will need different inspections by different people.

Gail came out within a week (they say 2) to inspect my irrigation system and measure the water it uses in 30 minutes. As it turns out, even though I only had one area, it was leaking so I qualified for the maximum rebate of $1,500.00. TIP! Do it within 90 days to get a 10% bonus. I emailed photos of the items that needed to be removed, filled out and signed some forms, and then shortly after received an official notice of approval with a check date.

I didn't know that the inspection by Ms. Dugle was only for irrigation since when I ordered the inspection I told them the 3 programs I wanted to do. Luckily I held off on having Drew remove the grass when he came over to pull out the irrigation. I was able to sneak in an appointment a few days later from a cancellation but typically it takes two weeks to get the guy to inspect.

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

The long of the short of it, remove grass and add a patio that allows water penetration (pervious). There is a list of approved materials and there are some rules about how much gap is between the pavers, or whatever you use. From the photo I was shown, it's about 2 fingers in between each paver. They don't want you to pour base and just throw out a few pavers to say you have a patio, but don't. It needs to be a patio or deck.

This is a cash program. Material may be decking, flagstones, stepping stones and pavers.You may not use concrete, mortar, asphalt or other impervious construction. Project must be a minimum of 200 square feet and at least 10 feet wide (no walkways). The irrigation must be removed prior.

DO NOT START BEFORE INSPECTION OR YOU WILL NOT QUALIFY.

Your rebate will be calculated based on these grass removal options:

200-300SF $300
301-450SF $500
451-600SF 750
600+ SF $1000

Customers are encouraged to combine this rebate with other SAWS conservation incentive programs to maximize your outdoor living project.

MY HOUSE IN PROGRESS

The grass is removed. The rock border will be removed to join the bed to the yard. This photo shows the right side of the front yard and wll be covered with underlayment, mulch and some plants. There will be a river rock border to the far right to separate from the neighbor. The existing plants are Salvia, Sage, Wisteria, and Lantana. New plants will include Mexican Heather, Esperanza, and lots of Lantana and Salvia because I like the colors and they don't grow too large.

It is taking longer than expected since we keep getting down pours and my grass didn't want to let up.

WATER SAVER REWARDS

The third program I am using does not require another inspection just photos. I had all the grass pulled up and will receive $100 in plant money (this is where the participants list matters) to use towards my purchase of approved plants. There are some size and type limitations. I belive it is one gallon limit and the approved list is lined: SAWS Approved Plant List

$100 isn't alot and the plants are small. Keep in mind they can grow quickly. Those Esperanzas and Indigo Salvia I planted in July were frozen, cut down in February, and now are over 3ft tall. Just remember if it is native it will endure. You can earn extra points redeemable in coupons by attending events that SAWS puts on. You can plant them anywhere.

Lastly and not a SAWS program, the ACOG has a free tree giveway program. I used to sit on the board years ago. Check this out for your free trees! Free Trees in San Antonio!

Have fun! Share your photos!! Tell others about the programs!!

This is the left side of my yard. This whole area will be sandstone over base, surrounding the Mountain Laurel tree. Because it is shady I will probably hang plants off the tree or put out some container plants ie Elephant Ears. Those are not natives but they do love the shade, are pretty, and once a week watering from a watering can is sufficient.