By Alicia Lanier, REALTOR
One of my colleagues has a true green thumb and it is most evident in the eye-catching landscaping admired by all in her Willow Glen neighborhood and the fresh produce enjoyed by friends lucky enough to be invited to dinner.
Not too long ago, she and her husband invested in a true green makeover of their yard, replacing old thirsty grass and plants with new foliage requiring less water and also installing a new water-conserving irrigation system. Their timing could not have been better, with the Bay Area now facing its first drought in 20 years and a recession straining the pocketbooks of many.
Several Bay Area water providers have a rebate program to encourage water-conserving measures in landscaping. On average, half of residential water use gets poured on thirsty lawns, non-native shrubs and other plants outdoors. And a lot of it is just plain wasted by outdated, inefficient or malfunctioning irrigation systems. So, it just might be time to call your water provider and ask for a free “water audit” and learn how a rebate program might help with a green makeover of your lawn.
TIP: Attractive landscaping and a watering system helps the resale value of a home. If you are considering buying or selling a home or investment property, call me at 408-491-1634 with any real estate questions, to obtain photos and details about homes for sale, or to learn the potential selling value for your home.
0 Responses to “Drought + Recession: It May Be Time To Explore A “Green Makeover” of Silicon Valley Yards”