In Deerfield Beach, Florida, City Commissioner Gloria Battle is challenging city codes that require property owners to maintain natural lawns by replacing her own with drought-tolerant landscaping. Despite the regulations, she's determined not only to keep her new yard but also to advocate for all residents to have the option to do the same.
While many homeowners have turned to alternative landscaping to conserve water and cut costs, Gloria's motivation was personal—her health.
“My doctor told me I was allergic to every kind of grass there is,” Battle shared. Her grass allergies had made it impossible for her to enjoy her outdoor space. Unable to sit on her lawn or spend time in her yard without suffering allergic reactions, she decided to act.
Now, as a City Commissioner, she’s working to amend local regulations so that other residents facing similar challenges, or those looking to conserve water, can replace their natural grass with drought-tolerant or hypoallergenic alternatives, such as artificial turf.
The city has been under lawn-watering restrictions since 2010, making this initiative not only timely but also environmentally conscious. Battle is optimistic that the proposed changes will allow residents more flexibility in their landscaping choices, providing relief for those with allergies and reducing water consumption.
The proposed code revisions, which are still in development, would legalize the installation of synthetic turf for residents who prefer it. Gloria believes this change is overdue, reflecting the growing need for sustainable and hypoallergenic options in landscaping.