Colorado Turf Replacement & Xeriscape Rebates (2026)

Program details

• Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP), Residential

  Fort Collins Utilities

  OpenLawn replacement

  Amount

  $0.75 per sq ft, plus a $0.25 per sq ft native-plant bonus

  Cap

  $750 per approved project per address (up to 1,000 sq ft), or up to $1,000 with the native bonus

  First-come, first-served while funds last.

  • A virtual customer meeting is required before you start turf removal (staff review the design package)
  • Native bonus requires at least 80% native Colorado plants and 50% plant coverage at maturity
  • Irrigation plan required only if you have or plan to install an irrigation system

  All 4 requirements

  • Complete the project within one year of approval

  Who qualifies: Fort Collins Utilities residential water customers, including rental properties

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

• Sustainable Landscape Education Program ($100 Wise Tree and Shrub Coupon)

  Colorado Springs Utilities

  OpenPlants & coupons

  Amount

  $100 coupon toward select water-wise trees and shrubs at participating local nurseries

  Cap

  One coupon per household/water account (5 per customer)

  • Must be a Colorado Springs Utilities residential water customer at your primary residence
  • Complete the online curriculum and pass the knowledge check quiz
  • Plants must come from the approved species list and be planted at the registered address

  Who qualifies: Colorado Springs Utilities residential water customers

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

• Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP)

  Aurora Water (City of Aurora)

  Closed for nowLawn replacement

  Amount

  $3 per sq ft for a traditional water-wise landscape; $0.50 per sq ft for a water-wise (native/low-water) grass landscape

  Cap

  None published

  Between application windows. Next window: Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027 (projects due July 31, 2027).

  • Aurora Water must approve the project before installation. Rebates are not retroactive, and grass removed before approval makes the project ineligible.
  • Project area must be existing, irrigated, well-maintained grass (dormant is OK, but not dead grass, weeds, or bare soil)
  • Front yard and curbside: the entire grass area or a section of at least 500 sq ft. Back yard: the entire grass area, or a section of at least 300 sq ft or 35% of the back-yard grass, whichever is larger.

  All 8 requirements

  • At least 50% living plant coverage (grass cannot be replaced with only rock or artificial turf)
  • Landscape design and a plant list calculator are required. Front-yard projects need a landscape feature.
  • At least 3 inches of mulch, using two mulch types
  • Irrigation can be drip, in-ground spray, or hand-watering. A backflow preventer and rain sensor are required for in-ground spray or drip.
  • Rebates of $600 or more are taxable (W-9 required, 1099 issued)

  Who qualifies: Aurora Water customers (residential; a separate Large Property manual covers commercial, HOA, and multifamily properties)

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

• Resource Central Lawn Replacement (City of Boulder partnership)

  City of Boulder Water Utility / Resource Central

  Closed for nowLawn replacement

  Amount

  Up to $750 in discounts toward landscape conversion

  Cap

  $750

  Delivered through Resource Central, whose 2026 program is full.

  • Replace at least 200 sq ft of turf with water-wise gardens
  • Apply through Resource Central and get approval before removing lawn

  Who qualifies: City of Boulder water customers

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

• Turfgrass Removal discount (delivered through Resource Central)

  Denver Water

  Closed for nowLawn replacement

  Amount

  Up to $750 off Resource Central turfgrass removal services (an upfront discount, not a rebate)

  Cap

  $750 per project (2026)

  All 2026 discounts have been allocated (Denver Water notice dated Mar 28, 2026). Watch this page for 2027.

  • Delivered as an upfront discount through Denver Water's partnership with Resource Central. Customers do not file for reimbursement.
  • Resource Central's rules apply: at least 200 sq ft of lawn, replaced with at least 50% waterwise plants
  • Resource Central must approve the project before any lawn is removed (DIY path)

  Who qualifies: Denver Water residential customers

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

• Lawn Replacement Program (Lawn Removal Service and Do-It-Yourself)

  Resource Central (nonprofit)

  Closed for nowLawn replacement

  Amount

  Discount depends on your water provider. Listed 2026 partner tiers were $500, up to $750, up to $1,250, $850, and up to $1,200. A CWCB-funded discount of up to $750 was available outside partner areas.

  Cap

  None published

  Full for 2026; 2027 applications open in spring 2027.

  • Minimum project size 200 sq ft
  • Replace with at least 50% waterwise plants
  • Must be in good standing with your water provider and agree to adjust sprinklers/watering

  All 6 requirements

  • HOA approval if required
  • DIY path: lawn removal cannot begin until Resource Central approves the project
  • Removal service: 50% deposit usually required after approval

  Who qualifies: Front Range residents whose water provider or municipality partners with Resource Central; others along the Front Range may apply under 'Other'

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

• Native Grass Lawn Program for Homeowners

  Colorado Springs Utilities

  Closed for nowPlants & coupons

  Amount

  Free high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles (up to $100 value) plus free native grass seed (up to $150 value). This is not a cash rebate.

  Cap

  None published

  2026 registration is full; expected to reopen in spring 2027.

  • Limited to Colorado Springs Utilities residential customers
  • Complete two in-person classes or the on-demand online classes
  • Plant from seed in a sunny spot (6+ hours of sun)

  All 4 requirements

  • Update sprinklers as part of the program

  Who qualifies: Colorado Springs Utilities residential customers

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

• Garden In A Box

  Resource Central (nonprofit)

  Closed for nowPlants & coupons

  Amount

  Not published — check the program page

  Cap

  None published

  Sold out for 2026; new designs arrive in spring 2027.

  • Order online during the spring (March–April) or late-summer (June–August) sales windows
  • Pick up at a designated event, then plant, mulch, and set up or convert irrigation to drip or microsprays

  Who qualifies: Colorado. Front Range pickups, plus 2026 pickups in Alamosa, Aspen, Eagle County, Summit County, Grand Junction, Durango, and Steamboat Springs.

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

• Turf Replacement Grant Program (state funds for local programs)

  Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB)

  Closed for nowBackground

  Amount

  Not published — check the program page

  Cap

  None published

  Not a homeowner program. CWCB stopped accepting applications in March 2025; homeowners benefit only through local programs.

  • Homeowners and HOAs cannot apply directly. Only local governments, water districts and utilities, and qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply.
  • Homeowners can benefit only through a local program funded by CWCB, such as a water utility or Resource Central

  Who qualifies: Statewide, through eligible local entities

  Verified Sep 2026Official program page (opens in a new tab)

How to apply for a lawn-replacement rebate

1. Confirm who supplies your water. Rebates follow the water bill, not the city name on your address. Find the utility on your bill, then open its program page from the list above.
2. Apply before you touch the grass. Submit photos of the living, irrigated lawn and wait for written approval, a site visit, or a Notice to Proceed.
3. Design to the program's rules. Most require a minimum area, plant coverage at maturity, drip or no irrigation in the converted area, and a mulch layer. Many prohibit plastic sheeting and artificial turf.
4. Finish within the deadline. Programs set completion windows. Keep receipts and take after photos.
5. Pass the final inspection and get paid. Payment arrives as a check or a bill credit, usually within one to three billing cycles.

Good to know in Colorado

• Colorado SB24-005 (signed March 15, 2024): starting January 1, 2026, local governments may not allow the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on commercial, institutional, or industrial property, common interest community property, or a street right-of-way, parking lot, median, or transportation corridor. Artificial turf on athletic fields is exempt. Source
• Colorado HB22-1151 required the Colorado Water Conservation Board to create a statewide program that pays for the voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping. Local governments, certain districts, tribes, and nonprofits can apply for this money. Individual homeowners cannot apply directly. Source
• Colorado HB21-1229 added nonvegetative turf grass (artificial turf) to the list of drought-tolerant landscaping materials that an HOA may regulate but not prohibit in a unit's backyard. Source

Local guides and pros in Colorado

• DenverUSDA zone 6aXeriscape pros in DenverXeriscaping in Denver
• Colorado SpringsUSDA zone 5b–6aXeriscape pros in Colorado SpringsXeriscaping in Colorado Springs
• Fort Collins & BoulderUSDA zone 5b–6aXeriscape pros in Fort Collins & BoulderXeriscaping in Fort Collins & Boulder

Frequently asked questions