Tempe's Single Family Residential Grass Removal and Conversion Rebate pays $0.50 per square foot, up to $2,000 per property each fiscal year. There is no minimum, which makes it a good fit for the small lawns common in older Tempe neighborhoods. The rules were revised January 16, 2026.
Tempe rebate at a glance
| Rebate | $0.50 per square foot |
|---|---|
| Maximum | $2,000 per property per fiscal year |
| Minimum | None |
| Plant coverage | At least 30% at maturity, or the rebate is limited to 200 sq ft |
| Pre-approval | Required by email before removal |
| Time to finish | 6 months |
Last checked against the official city page on October 31, 2026. Rebate budgets run out and rules change, so confirm on the City of Tempe rebate page before you remove anything.
Who qualifies in Tempe
- The property is in the Tempe water service area, and you own it or have the owner's written permission.
- Only future conversions qualify. Get the pre-approval email first.
- Bare soil alone is not eligible, and new construction is not eligible.
- A post-inspection may be required.
Step by step
- Read the terms on the city page. Tempe also offers a free water consultation.
- Apply online with before photos (no aerial images) and a W-9 if the rebate is over $600.
- Wait for your pre-approval email.
- Finish within 6 months and email final photos to conservation@tempe.gov.
- The city mails a check 6 to 8 weeks after approval.
Other Tempe water rebates
- Residential Desert Plant Rebate: up to $125 for low-water plants and trees. Apply within 14 days of sending final photos and within 90 days of purchase.
How Three Timbers helps with a rebate project
We design and install xeriscapes across the Valley, and design and install work is booking now. The rebate application is yours: the city pays the water customer, not the contractor. Where we help is building a yard that fits the rules.
- We wait for your Notice to Proceed before any grass comes out, so you stay eligible.
- We plan the plant list so mature canopy meets the city's coverage rule, using plants from the ADWR Phoenix AMA low water use list.
- We convert spray zones to drip so new plants get deep, slow water.
- We take before and after photos you can use for your final paperwork.
Want to start with plants only? Order at threetimbersshop.com and add planting at checkout. Delivery is free across the Valley on orders over $150, and we plant the next day.
See what we plant in Tempe on our Tempe xeriscaping page, compare every city on our Valley rebate guide, or price the project with our Phoenix xeriscape cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Tempe pay to remove grass?
$0.50 per square foot, up to $2,000 per property per fiscal year, with no minimum size.
Can I combine the Tempe grass rebate with the plant rebate?
Tempe offers a separate Desert Plant Rebate of up to $125 for low-water plants. Check the timing rules on the city page.
What if my new yard has few plants?
If expected plant coverage is under 30%, Tempe limits the rebate to 200 square feet. Plan enough shrubs to reach 30%.
Recent Valley xeriscapes
