The City of Surprise Single-Family Residential Turf Removal Rebate pays $2.00 per square foot for up to 1,000 square feet, so up to $2,000. The fiscal 2027 program opened July 1, 2026, takes applications until May 1, 2027 and runs first come, first served until funds run out.
Surprise rebate at a glance
| Rebate | $2.00 per square foot |
|---|---|
| Maximum | 1,000 sq ft, so $2,000 |
| Minimum | 500 sq ft, or all your grass if you have less |
| Plant coverage | Desert-adapted plants with at least 30% canopy |
| Apply by | May 1, 2027 |
| Finish and notify by | June 1, 2027 |
Last checked against the official city page on October 31, 2026. Rebate budgets run out and rules change, so confirm on the City of Surprise rebate page before you remove anything.
Who qualifies in Surprise
- Surprise resident and current property owner.
- Desert-adapted plants covering at least 30% of the area at maturity.
- A W-9 if you receive $600 or more in a calendar year.
Step by step
- Read the program sheet and apply before May 1, 2027.
- Complete the project and notify the city by June 1, 2027.
Other Surprise water rebates
- New homes: a $400 xeriscape rebate.
- HOAs, commercial and multifamily: $2.00 per square foot up to 6,000 sq ft ($12,000).
- Rotary nozzle and WaterSense controller rebates.
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 Surprise on our Surprise 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 Surprise pay to remove grass?
$2.00 per square foot for up to 1,000 square feet, so up to $2,000.
When is the Surprise rebate deadline?
Applications are due May 1, 2027, and projects must be finished and reported by June 1, 2027.
Does Surprise have a rebate for new homes?
Yes. The city lists a $400 xeriscape rebate for new homes.
Recent Valley xeriscapes
