How to Get the Turf Buy-Back Program
City of Denton Water Utilities · North Texas, TX
What you get
Cash rebate for converting irrigated turf to native or adapted plants. $5.00/sq ft for the first 2,500 sq ft, $3.50/sq ft for additional area up to 10,000 sq ft total. Minimum 400 sq ft required. Spray irrigation in the area must be removed or converted to drip.
- Residential: $5/sq ft (first 2,500 sq ft), $3.50/sq ft (2,501-5,000 sq ft)
Are you eligible?
- Be a City of Denton Water Utilities customer
- Property located in: Denton
- Must own the property (at least 1 year old)
- Utility account must be in good standing
- Living lawn required before conversion
- Mandatory pre-inspection before starting work - select "Turf Buy-Back" on WaterWise application
- Remove or convert spray irrigation to drip in conversion area
- Install native or adapted plants with organic mulch
- Complete work within 1 year of pre-approval
- Schedule post-construction inspection within 30 days of completion
- Rebate funds issued within 45 days of approved post-inspection
Before you start
Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.
One of the most generous turf buy-back programs in Texas. Funds are budget-limited; apply early in the fiscal year. The rebate covers up to 5,000 sq ft total: the first 2,500 sq ft at $5/sq ft and the next 2,500 at $3.50/sq ft, for a maximum payout of $21,250. Typical residential projects yield $2,000 to $12,500.
What applying usually looks like
A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.
- 1
Apply and get written approval first
Submit your application to City of Denton Water Utilities and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.
- 2
Do the conversion
Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.
- 3
Submit your claim
After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.
Full Denton guide
Denton has a complete rebate guide with every local program, qualifying plants, and a step-by-step application walkthrough.
Denton water rebates: full guideThe application checklist
How to apply for the Turf Buy-Back Program
These are the steps this application actually takes. The Pollinator Patch app walks you through each one free, with reminders and a photo locker.
- 1
Check eligibility
Make sure you qualify with City of Denton Water Utilities before you start.
- 2
Get pre-approval if required
Some programs require approval before any work begins. Check with City of Denton Water Utilities and take before photos of the existing yard first.
- 3
Do the work
Complete the project, take before and after photos, and save every receipt.
- 4
Submit your application
Send City of Denton Water Utilities the completed application with your photos and receipts, then watch for the confirmation.
In the app
Track this rebate free in the Pollinator Patch app
Free step-by-step guidance for the Turf Buy-Back Program, warnings before the mistakes that disqualify applications, and a photo locker that keeps your before and after photos, receipts, and notes together for the months a rebate takes.
Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.
See a problem with a program? Report it
Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.