My Silicon Valley city pays people to rip out their lawns. Owners usually replace with artificial turf, rocks, or dyed mulch, none of which cool or provide h

My Silicon Valley city pays people to rip out their lawns. Owners usually replace with artificial turf, rocks, or dyed mulch, none of which cool or provide habitat for critters. They should really encourage the installation of native plants only. My personal favorite is the Manzanita, which some varieties can grow tree-like up to 15 feet and needs no supplemental water