Have you ever looked at the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the road in front of your house (sometimes called a park strip) and wondered if there's a better way to use that space? Maybe you've noticed that the grass always seems to be struggling, despite your best efforts to water and fertilize it. Or maybe you're just tired of mowing it every week during the summer.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then you might be interested in the "Flip Your Strip" program - which offers up to $1.25/sqft in cash back for homeowners. This water conservation initiative, offered by the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, provides cash rebates to residents who convert their park strips from lawn to a water-efficient design.
Requirements:
Pre-Conversion Lawn Condition
Before starting your project, ensure that your park strip is currently landscaped with living, well-maintained lawn. If the lawn has been killed or removed prior to a pre-conversion site visit, you are not eligible for the rebate program.
Good Standing with Water Provider
Verify that you are in good standing with your participating water provider. Unpaid water bills will disqualify you from receiving a rebate.
Voluntary Participation
Make sure your participation in the program is voluntary. Projects required by governmental codes or policies are not eligible for the rebate.
Complete Lawn Removal
Your project should involve removing all lawn from the park strip and replacing it with water-efficient landscaping. Note that replacing lawn with artificial turf is not eligible for the rebate.
Planting Requirements
At least 50% of the converted park strip must be covered by perennial plants at maturity (trees are not included in the density calculations). Plants should not exceed 24 inches in height at maturity to avoid obstructing views, impeding safety, or interfering with city maintenance.
Mulching and Groundcover
Once your project is completed, cover the area with 3-4 inches of gravel, bark, or compost mulch. Groundcover plants can qualify as mulch if they achieve 100% plant density at maturity. If you choose to use landscape fabric, it must be permeable to water and air.
Hardscape Material Requirements
While concrete areas do not qualify for a square foot rebate, other permeable materials such as pavers, bricks, and stones are permitted.
By understanding and adhering to these specific requirements for Salt Lake City's Flip Your Strip Rebate Program, you can create a beautiful, water-efficient park strip that qualifies for a rebate, contributes to water conservation, and enhances your property's curb appeal.
So why should you consider participating in the program? Here are a few reasons:
Get the rebate: obviously you're here for a reason - the biggest question you might have, and the biggest incentive, is the rebate. If you attend the class and "flip your strip" you can get up to $1.25/sqft in cash back. Pretty cool.
Save water: Park strips are one of the biggest water wasters in a residential landscape. Grass lawns require a lot of water to stay green, especially in Utah's arid climate. By replacing your grass with water-efficient landscaping, you can significantly reduce your outdoor water usage.
Save money: Watering and maintaining a grass lawn can be expensive, both in terms of water usage and upkeep costs. By converting to a more water-friendly design, you can save money on your monthly water bill and reduce the need for regular maintenance.
Improve curb appeal: A well-designed park strip can add visual interest to your home and enhance its overall curb appeal. Plus, with a variety of water-efficient plants to choose from, you can create a unique and personalized look that complements your home's style.
Support sustainability: By participating in the "Flip Your Strip" program, you're doing your part to promote sustainability and water conservation in your community. Making small changes to your outdoor space can have a big impact on the environment, and you'll be setting a good example for others to follow.
So how does the program work? Here's a basic overview:
Check your eligibility: Visit the Utah Water Savers website to see if you qualify for the program. You must be a residential customer within the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District's service area to participate.
Apply online: If you're eligible, you can apply for the program online through the Utah Water Savers website. Be sure to check the deadlines and ensure that funds are still available.
Schedule a site visit: Once you've applied, a representative from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District will contact you to schedule a mandatory pre-conversion site visit. This will ensure that your park strip meets all eligibility requirements.
Convert your park strip: Remove all lawn in the park strip and replace it with water-efficient landscaping using drip irrigation. Your new landscaping should be covered by at least 60% living plant cover at maturity and not exceed 24 inches in height. Be sure to water it with a drip irrigation system equipped with a filter, pressure regulator, and emitters.
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Attend a free park strip class: If you attend a free park strip class at the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Education Center prior to completing your conversion project, you'll receive an additional rebate amount.
Schedule a final site visit: Once your conversion is complete, call to schedule a final site visit. A representative will verify that you've met all program requirements.
Receive your rebate: After your final site visit, you'll receive a rebate check in the mail based on the square footage of your converted park strip.
Overall, the "Flip Your Strip" program is a great way to improve your outdoor space, save water and money, and support sustainability in your community. If you're interested in participating, be sure to check your eligibility and apply online through the Utah Water Savers website.
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind as you plan your park strip conversion:
Do your research: Before you start tearing up your lawn, take some time to research water-efficient landscaping options and design ideas. The Utah Water Savers website has a variety of resources and tips to help you get started, and you can also consult with a local landscaping professional for advice.
Consider your maintenance needs: While water-efficient landscaping can reduce your need for regular maintenance, it's important to choose plants and materials that fit your lifestyle and schedule. Be realistic about how much time and effort you're willing to devote to your park strip, and choose plants that are well-suited to your soil type and sun exposure.
Think beyond aesthetics: While it's important to create a visually appealing park strip, it's also important to consider the ecological benefits of your new landscaping. Choose plants that support local pollinators and wildlife, and consider incorporating elements like rain gardens or bioswales to help manage stormwater runoff.
Connect with your community: If you're excited about your park strip conversion, consider sharing your experience with your neighbors and encouraging them to participate in the program as well. Not only will this help spread the word about water conservation, but it can also help build a sense of community and pride in your neighborhood.
Checklist:
Research available rebates and incentives:
Check with the Salt Lake City Public Utilities for any rebates or incentives offered for water-wise landscaping projects, such as the Landscape Rebate Program.
Visit their website (https://www.slc.gov/utilities/) or contact them directly at (801) 483-6900 to inquire about eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines.
Choose cost-effective plants and materials:
Opt for native plants that are readily available at local nurseries or garden centers, as they are likely to be more affordable and well-adapted to the local climate. Consider repurposing or sourcing hardscape materials from local suppliers, online marketplaces, or community groups to save on costs.
Plan and budget your project:
Develop a detailed plan for your parking strip transformation, including estimated costs for plants, materials, and labor. Need someone to talk to - we'd love to lend a hand!
Set a realistic budget for your project, keeping in mind any potential rebates or incentives you may qualify for.
DIY vs. hiring professionals:
Assess your skill level and available time to determine whether you can complete the project yourself or need to hire professionals.
If hiring professionals, obtain multiple quotes from reputable landscape contractors and compare their services, experience, and pricing.
Proper installation and care:
Ensure plants are installed correctly, at the right depth and spacing, to minimize future maintenance and replacement costs.
Follow recommended care practices, such as proper watering, pruning, and pest management, to maintain the health and appearance of your parking strip landscape.
Best Trees for Park Strips in Utah:
When selecting trees for this project, it's essential to choose species that are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and well-suited for the Utah climate.
Here are some good tree options to consider:
Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis): This native evergreen tree is well-adapted to Utah's climate, requires little water, and provides a valuable food source for wildlife.
Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum): This evergreen tree is hardy and drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for Utah's climate.
Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii): A deciduous tree native to Utah, Gambel Oak is drought-tolerant and provides beautiful fall color.
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana): A small deciduous tree that produces white flowers in the spring and provides food for birds.
Western Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia): A drought-tolerant deciduous tree that produces beautiful white flowers in spring and edible berries in the summer.
Utah Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis): A low-water-use tree with filtered shade that is tolerant of urban environments.
Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis): A small, drought-tolerant tree with white flowers in spring and red berries in fall.
Next Steps & Beyond
The "Flip Your Strip" program is a valuable opportunity for residents in the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District to save water, money, and improve their outdoor spaces. By converting your park strip from a grass lawn to a water-efficient design, you'll be taking an important step towards sustainability and conservation. So why not take the plunge and start planning your park strip conversion today?
Remember, the benefits of water-efficient landscaping extend beyond just your home and property. By reducing your outdoor water usage, you're helping to conserve a valuable resource that is essential to the health and well-being of your community and the environment.
Plus, the "Flip Your Strip" program is just one of many water conservation initiatives that are available to Utah residents. By taking advantage of these resources and making small changes to your daily habits and routines, you can make a big difference in the fight against water waste and depletion.
So if you're ready to transform your park strip and become a water-saving hero, visit the Utah Water Savers website today to learn more about the "Flip Your Strip" program and other water conservation opportunities in your area. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space that benefits both you and your community.