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Free tool · Verified Sep 2026

Lawn Removal Rebate Finder

Water utilities across the West pay homeowners to replace thirsty lawn with water-wise landscaping. We checked 58 programs in 10 states against each agency's own page, including the ones that are paused or full, so you know where you stand.

Get pre-approval before you remove any grass. Nearly every lawn-replacement program requires photos or an inspection of your living lawn before work starts. Kill or dig it first and you usually lose the rebate.

Colorado: 1 open lawn-replacement program

Most Front Range turf-replacement help for 2026 is used up. Denver Water's discounts through Resource Central, Resource Central's own Lawn Replacement program, Garden In A Box, and Colorado Springs Utilities' Native Grass Lawn Program are all full or closed for 2026. Aurora Water's GRIP ($3 per sq ft) opens its next application window on Nov. 1, 2026, and Fort Collins Utilities' XIP ($0.75 per sq ft, up to $750) still describes itself as first-come, first-served while funds are available.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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)

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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'

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

Colorado rebate guide: how to apply, FAQ, local pros

Learn more

Programs change often, and funding can run out mid-season. Always confirm the current amount on the official program page before you plan. Know a program we're missing? Tell us.

Lawn Removal Rebate Finder | Xeriscaping.com