Grass Removal Rebates in the Phoenix Valley: A City Guide

By The Three Timbers Team · October 30, 2026

Many Phoenix Valley cities offer incentives to help homeowners replace thirsty grass with low-water landscaping. These programs can take a real bite out of the cost of a grass to desert conversion, but they come with rules, and most of them require approval before any grass comes out. This guide gives an overview of the programs we have confirmed, explains the kinds of requirements you are likely to see, and links straight to each official page.

Important: Rebate amounts, funding and rules change often, and programs can open, pause or close with little notice. Always read your city’s current program page and get any required approval before you remove grass or start work.

Why Cities Offer Grass Removal Rebates

Outdoor watering is one of the largest uses of water at a typical Valley home, and grass is one of the thirstiest things you can plant in the desert. Cities offer rebates because replacing grass with desert-adapted plants, rock and drip irrigation can save a meaningful amount of water over time. For homeowners, the benefits include lower water bills, less mowing and a landscape that fits the desert.

Programs by City

Phoenix

The City of Phoenix offers a Residential Grass Removal Program for qualifying water customers. The program requires a Notice to Proceed before you remove any grass, and it has requirements about the size and health of the existing lawn and what replaces it. Read the details on the City of Phoenix residential grass incentives page. See our Phoenix xeriscaping page for local project ideas.

Mesa

Mesa offers a Residential Grass-to-Xeriscape rebate, which the city pairs with a tree bonus incentive. The city notes that incentives are for future conversion projects only, so completed work does not qualify, and the existing grass has to meet a health standard. Find current details on the City of Mesa Residential Grass-to-Xeriscape rebate page, and see our Mesa xeriscaping page.

Gilbert

The Town of Gilbert runs a Residential Grass Removal Rebate. Approval from the town is required before you start removing grass, and previously completed projects are not eligible. Funding is limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis. Check the Town of Gilbert Residential Grass Removal Rebate page and our Gilbert xeriscaping page.

Chandler

Chandler lists a Grass to Xeriscape rebate among its residential rebate and incentive programs. It requires pre-approval before grass is removed and has rules about the minimum lawn area, plant coverage with low-water-use plants and what does not count toward the conversion. Review the City of Chandler residential rebates page and our Chandler xeriscaping page.

Tempe

Tempe offers a Grass Removal and Conversion Rebate. Project pre-approval is required before you proceed, and residential projects must meet a plant coverage requirement in the converted area. See the City of Tempe Grass Removal and Conversion Rebate page and our Tempe xeriscaping page.

Glendale

Glendale’s water conservation rebates include a Landscape Conversion rebate for existing homes that convert healthy, irrigated grass, along with other residential rebates. Requirements cover lawn size, use of approved low-water plants, planting at least one drought-tolerant tree and proper ground cover. Read the City of Glendale water conservation rebates page and our Glendale xeriscaping page.

Scottsdale, Queen Creek and Surprise

Scottsdale, Queen Creek and Surprise have had grass removal or landscape rebate programs that were paused or closed recently. Programs like these sometimes return or change, so if you live in one of these communities, check your city’s water conservation page for the current status before planning around a rebate. Our Scottsdale xeriscaping page has ideas for local projects either way.

Common Requirements to Expect

Every program is different, but these are the kinds of rules that show up again and again. Use this as a checklist when you read your city’s page, not as a substitute for it.

Approval before work. Many programs require an application and written approval before you remove any grass. Starting early can make your project ineligible.
Healthy existing lawn. Programs often require living, irrigated grass at the time of application. Dead grass, weeds or bare dirt may not count.
Minimum area. Some programs set a minimum number of square feet that must be converted.
Plant coverage. Several programs require a certain share of the converted area to be covered by low-water plants at maturity, often from the Arizona Department of Water Resources low-water-use plant list.
What counts. Some programs exclude hardscape like patios and pavers, and some exclude artificial turf, while others allow it. Bare soil generally does not count.
Deadlines. Approved projects usually have to be finished within a set time window.
Documentation. Expect to provide before and after photos, receipts and sometimes an inspection.
HOA rules. Most programs expect you to follow your HOA’s covenants. Our HOA front yard landscaping page covers what to think about.
Limited funding. Many programs are first come, first served while funds last.

How to Plan a Rebate-Friendly Conversion

Read your city’s current program page and confirm the program is open.
Measure your lawn and take clear photos of it while it is still green and healthy.
Apply and wait for approval before removing anything.
Design with coverage in mind. Choose desert-adapted plants that will meet coverage rules as they mature, and plan a drip irrigation system to water them efficiently.
Keep your paperwork organized, including receipts and photos, so submitting for the rebate is simple.

A good conversion is more than rock. Our front yard xeriscape and backyard xeriscape pages show how plants, rock, boulders and dry riverbeds come together into a landscape that looks finished, not empty.

Start Your Grass to Desert Conversion

Xeriscape design and installation are back on the schedule now, including consultation, design and installation with native plants, weed fabric, landscape rock, dry riverbeds and boulders. Once you have checked your city’s rebate rules, ask about a xeriscape quote. Just need plants? Shop at threetimbersshop.com and add planting at checkout.

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