Tired of watching your Helotes lawn gulp water every summer? You are not alone. With hot months and ongoing watering rules, keeping traditional turf green can be expensive and stressful. The good news is you can save water and money by replacing thirsty grass with resilient plants using SAWS WaterSaver Landscape Coupons. Here is how the program works, why it matters in Helotes, and how to get the most from it.
Let’s dive in.
What WaterSaver Landscape Coupons offer
SAWS WaterSaver Landscape Coupons help you convert turf into a low‑water garden bed with drought‑tolerant plants.
- Coupon value: $125 each, up to four per year per residence, with a lifetime cap of eight coupons per SAWS account. SAWS confirms the current values and limits.
- Project requirements per coupon: remove at least 200 contiguous square feet of turf, take out or cap irrigation in that area, and plant 15 approved plants in the ground. See the application, plant list, and rules on GardenStyleSA’s coupon page.
- Timing: applications typically open March 1 and run through October 15. Coupons are redeemed by October 31, with post‑planting photos due by mid‑November. Dates are enforced by SAWS and may change each year, so always verify on the official pages.
Why this matters in Helotes
Helotes residents are served by SAWS, which makes you eligible for SAWS residential conservation programs if your home has a SAWS account. The City of Helotes lists SAWS as the water and sewer provider on its utilities page.
South Texas summers can be tough on turf. SAWS has implemented heightened drought restrictions in recent years that limit irrigation days and hours. These rules increase the value of replacing high‑use turf with low‑water beds. You can review current guidance in SAWS updates on watering rules and drought stages.
How to use the coupons step by step
Step 1: Verify eligibility and document before photos
- Confirm you have a SAWS residential account in good standing.
- Select a contiguous 200 square foot or larger turf area to replace. Take clear “before” photos showing the grass and any sprinkler or drip components you will remove or cap.
Step 2: Apply online
- Submit your application on GardenStyleSA when the window opens. Approval emails typically arrive within a couple of weeks. You will receive eCoupons to use at participating nurseries.
Step 3: Prep smart and plan for fall planting
- SAWS encourages prepping in spring and summer, then planting in fall so roots can establish in cooler weather. The agency has promoted a “Pause, Prep, Plant” approach in recent seasons. Local reporting explains how this works and notes pilot prep incentives in some years. Learn more from the Express‑News coverage.
- Remove turf and irrigation in the project area. Condition soil and lay mulch to reduce weeds and conserve moisture.
Step 4: Shop and plant with your eCoupons
- Redeem eCoupons at participating nurseries listed on GardenStyleSA. Purchases must be from the approved plant list and meet size requirements.
- Group plants by water needs, use mulch, and avoid leaving permanent irrigation in the new bed. Hand watering during establishment is allowed under current rules.
Step 5: Submit after photos on time
- After planting at least 15 qualified plants in the contiguous bed, submit your post‑installation photos and forms by the deadline to finalize eligibility and keep future options open.
Stack more savings with SAWS rebates
You can combine the landscape coupons with other SAWS conservation programs to stretch your budget and reduce ongoing water use.
- Irrigation Design Rebate: If you have a system, start with a free irrigation consultation. Redesigns that remove or optimize zones may qualify for significant rebates. See the Irrigation Design Rebate.
- Outdoor Living Rebate: Replacing turf with hardscape like a deck or patio can earn a rebate. Review details for the Outdoor Living Rebate.
- Smart devices: Flow sensors and smart controllers can reduce waste and catch leaks. Check current offers for the flow sensor rebate.
Quick planning checklist
- Confirm a SAWS residential account at your Helotes address.
- Pick a 200 square foot or larger turf area to convert and take clear “before” photos.
- Apply when the program window opens. Track approval and coupon delivery dates.
- Prep the site early, then target fall for planting.
- Shop the approved plant list at participating nurseries and use your eCoupons before they expire.
- Plant at least 15 approved plants in the contiguous bed and mulch well.
- Submit “after” photos and forms by the deadline.
Ready to create a low‑water yard?
A thoughtful landscape conversion can lower your bill, ease drought‑season stress, and boost curb appeal if you plan to sell. If you want help deciding which outdoor projects add value in Helotes, connect with Monique Cardenas for neighborhood‑smart guidance and a plan that fits your goals.
FAQs
Who in Helotes is eligible for SAWS Landscape Coupons?
- Eligibility is based on having a SAWS residential account in good standing. SAWS outlines its service areas on the service areas page.
How much grass must I remove for one coupon?
- Remove at least 200 contiguous square feet of turf and plant 15 approved plants to qualify for one coupon.
Can I buy any plants with the coupon?
- No. You must purchase from the SAWS‑approved plant list at participating nurseries, and plant size rules apply.
When is the best season to plant in Helotes?
- SAWS recommends fall planting so roots establish before summer heat. Spring planting is possible if you are prepared to hand‑water through summer.
Can I remove turf now and plant later?
- Yes. SAWS promotes a “Pause, Prep, Plant” approach. Document your prep with photos and follow current‑year instructions for coupon timing.
Will this lower my water bill during drought restrictions?
- Replacing high‑use turf with drought‑tolerant beds can reduce outdoor use and help avoid surcharges tied to heavy irrigation. Watering rules still apply to any remaining irrigated zones.
