State webinar highlights fall planting, turf‑replacement options and water‑wise species for Utah landscapes

The Utah Division of Water Resources hosted a virtual webinar where agency staff and horticulture experts summarized fall landscape maintenance, water‑wise plant choices and turf‑replacement options for homeowners across the state. Presenters included Candace Shibley of the Division of Water Resources, two regional extension specialists and Adria Dent of the wholesale nursery Perennial Favorites.

The session focused on practical steps residents can take now to establish drought‑tolerant landscapes and how those steps interact with the Division’s lawn‑replacement incentives. "The goal is to support people that are planning and establishing and maintaining water wise or water efficient landscapes," Candace Shibley said at the start of the event. She reminded participants that the landscape incentive program can offer up to $3 per square foot for lawn replaced with water‑efficient landscaping and advised homeowners not to remove living lawn until a project is approved so staff can verify eligibility.

Why it matters: replacing high‑water lawns with drought‑tolerant plants can reduce outdoor water use in Utah’s varied climate zones. The presenters emphasized timing and low‑maintenance choices that improve establishment success and reduce long‑term irrigation needs.

Presenters’ practical…