Best in Class: Smart Practices for Residential Landscape and Irrigation Programs Guidebook

This resource highlights best practices and creative approaches in utility-sponsored residential landscape and irrigation programs. Designed as a tool for program administrators, the Guidebook aims to capture the evolution of landscape and irrigation programs over the past decade and offers inspiration and guidance for organizations seeking to strengthen existing efforts or launch new initiatives. 

The Guidebook is organized into three sections: Program Development, Program Implementation, and Program Evaluation. Each section dives into step-by-step actions that program administrators can take and draws on real-world case examples from across North America to celebrate the work being done across the industry. 

The Guidebook includes: 

• Step-by-step guidance and actionable strategies for designing residential landscape and irrigation programs  

• 45 case examples showcasing innovative approaches, lessons learned, and proven practices from utilities and organizations across North America  

This project also features a Checklist of Smart Practices for Program Administrators, a companion resource to the Guidebook. It includes a fillable PDF to help walk users through and apply the best practices across each phase of program design. 

Access the Checklist here: AWE Best In Class Checklist 

Thank you to The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation for funding and supporting this project.

Published July 2026