What is Bay-Friendly Landscaping? 

Bay Friendly Landscaping is a whole systems approach to the design, construction and maintenance of the landscape to support the integrity of one of California’s most magnificent ecosystems, the San Francisco Bay watershed.

Some of the principles guiding Bay-Friendly Landscaping are:

✔ Landscaping in harmony with the natural conditions of the San Francisco Bay watershed

 ✔ Reducing waste and recycling materials

✔ Nurturing healthy soils while reducing fertilizer use

✔ Conserving water, energy and topsoil

✔ Using integrated pest management to minimize chemical use

✔ Reducing storm water runoff

✔ Creating wildlife

(picture credits: EBMUD)

Landscapes Designed to capture rainfall prevent flooding and pollution

See Emeryville's and other Green Streets on this Clean Water Program website, and multiple resources and info on the Blue Green Building website 

 Landscaping and Gardening Resources 

The Alameda County Waste Management Authority has developed information on landscaping that is better for the environment and is tailored to our Bay Area plants, climate, and soils. For more information, view an overview of the program, including the 7 principles of Bay-friendly design.

Bay Friendly Gardening Program

The Bay Friendly Gardening Program is primarily for residential gardens. For additional information on this program, view the Guidelines.

Bay Friendly Landscaping Program

The Bay Friendly Landscaping Program is for commercial landscapes. For more information on this program, view the Guidelines and the Scorecard.

City Hall Bay-Friendly Conversion

Details regarding the conversion of City Hall's lawn to water-efficient, Bay-Friendly certified landscaping can be found here.