Austin Water Rebate for Native Plant Landscaping (How to Apply)

Austin will literally pay you to rip out your lawn. The WaterWise Landscape Rebate program offers up to $2 per square foot when you replace turf grass with water-saving landscaping, including native plants. If you've been thinking about converting, this is the push (and the cash) to do it.

What Austin WaterWise actually covers

The program is run through Austin Water and it's been around for years. The basics: you get $2 per square foot of turf removed, up to $1,600 for residential customers. That's 800 square feet of lawn you can convert with the city picking up most of the tab.

What counts as a qualifying replacement? Native plants, mulched beds, permeable hardscape like gravel or flagstone, and drought-tolerant ground covers. You can't just kill the grass and leave dirt. The city wants to see something intentional go in its place. Check the Austin native plants page for species that qualify.

How to apply (step by step)

The process isn't hard, but you do need to follow it in order. Skipping a step is the most common reason people get denied.

• 1. Check eligibility. You need to be an Austin Water customer with an active account. Rental properties qualify if the account holder applies. The area you're converting must be existing, irrigated turf grass.
• 2. Submit your application with before photos. Take clear photos of the lawn you're removing. Include a shot that shows the full area plus a close-up. The online portal walks you through it.
• 3. Wait for pre-approval. This typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Don't start work until you get the green light. If you rip out grass before pre-approval, you won't get the rebate. That's the mistake people make most often.
• 4. Do the work. Remove the turf and install your new landscaping. You've got 90 days from pre-approval to finish.
• 5. Submit after photos. Same angles as your before shots. The city wants to see the completed conversion with plants, mulch, or hardscape in place.
• 6. Get your rebate. Once they verify the work, the rebate shows up as a credit on your water bill. Usually takes another 4 to 6 weeks after submitting final photos.

Documentation you'll need

Keep it organized from the start. You'll want before and after photos (dated), your pre-approval confirmation email, receipts for plants and materials, and a simple sketch or plan showing what went where. If you're replacing your lawn step by step, the plan doesn't need to be fancy. A hand-drawn diagram with plant names works.

Timeline and common mistakes

The whole process from application to rebate credit usually runs 3 to 5 months. Most of that is waiting. The actual conversion work takes a weekend or two for a typical front yard.

Where to buy native plants in Austin

Skip the big box stores for this. You want plants that are actually grown for Central Texas conditions. Barton Springs Nursery on Bee Caves Road is the go-to for native plants in Austin. Their staff knows what works and what doesn't, and they can help you pick species that'll satisfy the rebate requirements.

The Natural Gardener on Old Bee Caves Road is another solid option, especially if you want organic gardening supplies alongside your natives. Both nurseries carry plants that are well-adapted to the Austin area, which means they'll establish faster and need less water from day one.

The cost comparison between native landscaping and traditional lawn breaks down what you'll spend on plants and materials. With the rebate covering a big chunk, most people come out ahead within the first year when you factor in the water savings too. Our getting started guide can help you plan the whole project.