By now, most California commercial property managers understand what AB 1572 requires and what’s coming next. The next step is the most important one: execution.
AB 1572 is no longer a future concern—it’s an operational reality. Properties that move early will control costs, protect aesthetics, and avoid rushed decisions. Those who wait risk higher conversion expenses, scheduling bottlenecks, and avoidable disruption.
This phase is about shifting from awareness to implementation.
Step 1: Identify Non-Functional Turf
The foundation of every AB 1572 plan is clarity. Start with a site walk and irrigation review to identify:
- Areas that serve no functional purpose
- Sloped or hard-to-irrigate zones
- Turf that consistently struggles or requires excessive water
Mapping these zones creates a clear scope and prevents overcorrection.
Step 2: Prioritize by Impact & Visibility
Not every area needs to be addressed at once. Successful properties phase improvements by:
- High-visibility entrances and street frontages
- Water-intensive zones
- Areas already planned for renovation
This keeps projects budget-friendly while delivering immediate value.
Step 3: Design for Performance, Not Just Compliance
Turf conversion is not about “less green”—it’s about better landscapes.
Modern conversions incorporate:
- Drought-adapted plant palettes
- Mulch and soil conditioning for moisture retention
- Hardscape accents that elevate curb appeal
- Irrigation adjustments aligned with new layouts
When designed intentionally, these spaces look refined, not reduced.
Step 4: Align Budgets & Timelines
AB 1572 works best when integrated into:
- Capital planning
- Annual enhancement budgets
- Multi-year improvement plans
Early planning allows owners and managers to:
- Spread costs across phases
- Avoid emergency work
- Secure preferred installation windows
Step 5: Use Compliance as a Property Advantage
Forward-thinking properties are already using AB 1572 as a value driver:
- Lower long-term water costs
- Improved site consistency
- Stronger environmental positioning
- Simplified maintenance programs
Compliance doesn’t have to feel reactive—it can be a strategic upgrade.
Moving Forward
AB 1572 isn’t just a regulation—it’s a reset in how California landscapes are planned, built, and managed. Properties that act now gain control over cost, timing, and design quality.
The path forward is clear: Assess. Plan. Phase. Improve.
And turn compliance into a long-term advantage for every site you manage.
