Most big Valley cities will pay you to replace living grass with a desert landscape. Rebates run from $0.50 to $2 per square foot, and most cities cap them between $2,000 and $5,000 for a home. Nearly all of them require approval before any grass comes out, so apply first and dig second.
Valley grass removal rebates compared
| City | Rebate | Max | Minimum | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $2 per sq ft | No cap listed | 250 sq ft | Before |
| Scottsdale | Up to $5,000 | $5,000 | See city | Before (pre-inspection) |
| Mesa | $750 to $1,000 flat | Up to $1,100 with trees | 500 sq ft | Before |
| Chandler | $1.50 per sq ft | $2,000 | 500 sq ft | Before (pre-inspection) |
| Gilbert | Up to $2,000 + $1,000 plant bonus | $3,000 | See Town | Before |
| Tempe | $0.50 per sq ft | $2,000 a year | None | Before |
| Glendale | $1 per sq ft | $3,000 | 500 sq ft | After |
| Surprise | $2 per sq ft | $2,000 | 500 sq ft | Before May 1, 2027 |
Last checked against each city's official page on October 31, 2026. Funding runs out and rules change, so confirm with your city before you start.
Other cities
- Peoria: the city takes applications for a Xeriscape Conversion Rebate with a 500 sq ft minimum and two plant canopy tiers (25% and 50%). We could not find the dollar amounts on the city website, so contact conservation@peoriaaz.gov or (623) 773-7561.
- Queen Creek: the Residential Turf Conversion Incentive ($2 per sq ft, up to $5,000) is closed to new applications. Check the Town page for a reopening.
- Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills and Cave Creek: we could not find a city program. Some homes in these areas are served by EPCOR, a private water company with its own rebates, so check with your water provider.
- Goodyear and Avondale: we could not verify a current program. Call your city water conservation office.
Rules almost every city shares
- Apply before you remove anything. Most cities void the rebate if grass is gone before approval.
- The grass has to be alive. Dead lawns and bare dirt usually do not qualify.
- Plants, not just rock. Most cities want 30% to 50% plant coverage at maturity using the ADWR Phoenix AMA low water use list.
- No sprays in the new area. Convert to drip.
- No black plastic under the rock, and artificial turf usually does not count.
- Your HOA still has to approve the design.
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.
Pricing out a project? Start with our Phoenix xeriscape cost guide and our list of drought-tolerant plants for Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Valley city pays the most to remove grass?
Per square foot, Phoenix and Surprise pay $2. Scottsdale has the highest cap at up to $5,000, and Gilbert pays up to $3,000 with its Desert Plant Bonus.
Do I have to use a contractor to get a rebate?
No. Valley rebates pay the water customer whether you do the work yourself or hire a landscaper. The city cares that the finished yard meets its rules.
Can I get a rebate for artificial turf?
Mostly no. Chandler and Mesa exclude it, and Glendale pays only $0.25 per square foot for it versus $1.00 for xeriscape.
Is a grass removal rebate taxable?
Several cities ask for a W-9 and issue a 1099 for larger rebates. Ask a tax professional how it applies to you.
Recent Valley xeriscapes
