By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The growing season is still suitable for about another week to plant warm-season turf grass such as Buffalo or Bermuda.

The city of Hays encourages private property owners to convert from cool-season turf grasses like Tall Fescue and Kentucky Blue Grass which require supplemental irrigation during the hot summer months to keep them looking nice.

A Turf Conversion Rebate is available from the city to those who convert well-maintained cool season turf to warm-season turf or water-conserving landscaping.

“Warm-season grasses thrive during the heat of the summer and therefore require very little if any supplemental irrigation once established,” explains Holly Dickman, Water Conservation Specialist for the city of Hays. “The same is true with drought tolerant landscaping plants.”

The maximum rebate is $1,500 and the pre-inspection is good for one year. Pre- and post-inspections by Dickman are required for rebate eligibility.

Details about the rebate are available at www.watersmarthays.com.