How to Get the Water Smart Lawn Program - Lawn Upgrade Rebate

What you get

Pays residential applicants $4 per square foot of turf replaced, up to $750, for converting lawn to native meadowscaping and waterwise plants (permeable hardscape capped at 50%) anywhere in Summit County. The converted landscape must keep at least 50% vegetation cover at maturity; clover, fine and tall fescues, buffalo grass, and artificial turf are not eligible. A Water Smart Lawn irrigation assessment is required first, applications are due within 90 days of the paid invoice, and a verification audit is done before the check is mailed (High Country Conservation Center; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: $4 per square foot, up to $750

Are you eligible?

• Be a High Country Conservation Center customer
• Property located in: Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne
• Home located within Summit County
• Water Smart Lawn irrigation assessment required before starting
• Converted landscape maintains at least 50% vegetation cover at full maturity
• Clover, fine and tall fescues, buffalo grass, and artificial turf not eligible
• Apply within 90 days of the paid invoice; verification audit required

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. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to High Country Conservation Center 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. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 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.