Arizona Native Landscaping Rebates
Arizona cities offer strong incentives to replace water-hungry grass with desert-friendly landscaping. From Tucson's $5/sq ft program to Mesa's $2,100 residential rebate, here are all the programs we've found across the Phoenix metro and Tucson.
Last updated: February 2026 · 7 programs tracked
The quick version
- Tucson offers $5/sq ft for turf removal, plus tree and rainwater harvesting bonuses.
- Mesa provides up to $2,100 for residential grass-to-xeriscape conversions.
- Gilbert offers up to $3,000 for residential grass removal.
- Most Arizona programs require at least 50% plant canopy coverage at maturity.
- Pre-approval is required for nearly all Arizona programs. Apply before removing grass.
How to apply for Arizona rebates
Most water conservation and turf replacement rebates require pre-approval before you start work. Apply first, then wait for confirmation. Starting before approval is the most common reason applications get denied. Take clear before photos of the area you plan to convert. After you complete the work, submit after photos from the same angles. Many programs are first-come, first-served, so apply early in the fiscal year when funds are available.
Each program below has its own requirements and application link. Click through to the provider for current details. Rebate amounts and eligibility can change. If you are planning a native plant conversion, check our step-by-step lawn replacement guide for project planning tips.
7
Programs Tracked
$5/sq ft
Max Rate (Tucson)
2
Regions Covered
Feb 2026
Last Verified
Central Arizona
6 programs available
Residential Grass Removal Incentive
City of Phoenix Water Services
Residential grass removal incentive program for converting turf to low-water desert landscaping. Phoenix also operates a separate non-residential grass removal program for commercial properties and HOAs.
Phoenix has expanded residential incentives recently. Check the city website for current rebate amounts and application windows.
Turf Removal & Xeriscape Rebate
Scottsdale Water
Rebates for converting grass to water-wise landscaping based on measured removal area. Projects over 1,000 sq ft must include Arizona-friendly plants with minimum 25% mature canopy coverage. Artificial turf limited to 1,000 sq ft max per property. Two rebates allowed per program year.
Scottsdale also offers smart irrigation controller rebates, pool/spa removal rebates, and separate programs for multifamily and HOA properties.
Grass-to-Xeriscape Program
City of Mesa
Up to $2,100 for removing established grass and replacing with low-water-use desert plants. Minimum 500 sq ft of healthy grass required. Converted areas must have 50% plant canopy coverage at maturity. Tree bonus adds up to $100.
Mesa also offers separate programs for commercial customers and HOAs (up to $50,000 at $2/sq ft with 2,500 sq ft minimum).
Grass Removal Rebate
City of Chandler
$1.50 per square foot for residential grass removal, up to $2,000 maximum. HOA/commercial projects up to $20,000. Minimum 500 sq ft of grass removal required. Must replace with low water-use plants (50% coverage post-conversion).
Rebate amounts revised effective January 1, 2026 (reduced from $2/sq ft and $3,000 max).
Grass Removal Rebate
Town of Gilbert
Up to $2,000 for residential grass removal plus an additional $1,000 incentive available, with amounts varying by square footage. Non-residential customers (businesses and HOAs) can receive up to $30,000.
Gilbert also offers smart irrigation controller rebates (up to $250 residential, $400 non-residential).
Landscape Conversion Rebate
City of Tempe
$0.25 per square foot for converting grass to desert landscape, up to $2,000 per home. TreeBate: up to $75 for desert plant purchases. HOA/multi-family projects up to $20,000.
Tempe also offers high-efficiency irrigation upgrade rebates (up to $500) and gray water system rebates (up to $200).
Southern Arizona
1 program available
Ornamental Turf Removal Program
Tucson Water
$5 per square foot to replace ornamental turfgrass with low-water landscaping. Bonus rebates: $100 per new tree and $1 per gallon of rainwater harvesting basin capacity. Since 2024 launch, the program has replaced over 105,000 sq ft of turfgrass.
Program ending March 1, 2026. Has saved nearly 4 million gallons of water annually since launch. Check Tucson Water website for any successor programs.
Rebates in Other States
Related reading
Planning a Native Yard? Pollinator Patch Can Help.
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for your region, plan an HOA-conscious layout, and generate the documentation that rebate programs ask for.
