California, for real conditions
Three forces are making Californians rethink their yards — and they're all connected. Drought and water bills. Fire and the insurance letters that follow it. And the cost of it all. The good news: the same lawn you pull out and the same plants you choose can answer all three. GoGarden helps you plan it, price it, and — when you're ready — find a local pro. Free, no signup.
Water & drought
Sacramento-area water agencies pay you to swap thirsty lawn for a low-water garden (“Cash for Grass”–style rebates), and they generally want at least 50% mature plant coverage plus drip. A drought garden of the right native and Mediterranean plants stays green through a Central Valley summer on a fraction of the water.
Fire & insurance
If your carrier sent a non-renewal notice or a defensible-space work-order, you're not alone. California requires up to 100 ft of defensible space (Zones 1 & 2) in fire-hazard areas, and the new 0–5 ft “Zone 0” is coming. We'll walk you through the zones honestly — and flag the catch that the rebate pages won't: drought-tolerant isn't the same as fire-safe.
Cost
Draw your yard or enter a few numbers and get the real supply list: cubic yards, tons, bags, rolls, posts, pipe — and a cost estimate. The same math that prices a mulch bed prices a whole drought-and-fire-wise makeover.
Pulling a lawn cuts your summer water use and removes a fine-fuel fire path at the same time. Choosing the right plants — and keeping the flammable ones away from the house — serves both the rebate and the defensible-space rules. And every one of those choices has a materials cost you can size in advance. That's the whole idea of a resilient yard: one plan that works with California instead of against it.
Tell us what you're up against — a water bill, an insurance letter, or a blank yard — and we'll send the right guide and, when you're ready, help you find a local pro.
aSaaSin Ventures LLC operates GoGarden. Rebate programs, defensible-space rules, and insurer requirements change and are jurisdiction- and carrier-specific — GoGarden offers planning guidance and connects you with a local pro; it does not certify compliance, guarantee a rebate, or determine insurability. Verify with your water agency, your local fire district, and your insurer.