Native Plants: Carmichael vs Folsom
How do native plants rules compare between Carmichael, CA and Folsom, CA?
Carmichael and Folsom have similar restriction levels.
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through MWELO and regional water-wise programs. New development over 500 sq ft must meet Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance water budget rules.
View full Carmichael rules →Folsom, CA
Sacramento County
Folsom encourages California native and climate-appropriate plantings through its Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) implementation. New construction landscape plans over 500 sq ft must meet water budget requirements favoring natives and drought-tolerant species. Replacement of non-functional turf with natives is incentivized.
View full Folsom rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carmichael | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| MWELO Threshold | 500 sq ft new install | - |
| ET Factor | 0.55 residential | - |
| Natives | Valley oak, redbud, poppy | - |
| Rebate | Lawn conversion funds | Turf replacement ~$2/sf |
| Irrigation | Drip/high-efficiency required | - |
| Standard | - | MWELO (Title 23 CCR §490) |
| Trigger | - | >500 sq ft new landscape |
| AB 1572 | - | Non-functional turf ban |
| Climate | - | USDA Zone 9b |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carmichael FAQ
Do I have to rip out my lawn?
No. MWELO applies only to new or major rehabilitated landscapes, not existing ones.
Can I still have a small lawn?
Yes, but new lawns are limited by MWELO water budget and hydrozone rules.
Folsom FAQ
Do I have to plant natives in my Folsom yard?
Not on existing home landscapes. MWELO native/low-water requirements apply to new construction, major remodels, and landscapes over 500 sq ft going through permit review. Homeowner choice otherwise.
What's the best native shade tree for Folsom?
Valley oak (Quercus lobata) and interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni) are native to the region, drought-adapted once established, and provide excellent shade. Both are also protected under Folsom's tree ordinance once mature.
Compare other topics
See how Carmichael and Folsom compare on other ordinance categories.
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