How to Get the CleanScapes Rebate

What you get

Reimburses 75% of project cost for residential stormwater practices: rain gardens up to $5,000, conservation landscaping up to $3,000, and urban tree canopy up to $1,000 ($150 per tree); also rainwater harvesting, impervious removal, permeable hardscape, and green roofs. Limited to homes built before 2003; projects must use at least 75% native plants (Howard County Stormwater Management / Clean Water Howard; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: 75% of cost: rain garden up to $5,000, conservation landscaping up to $3,000, trees up to $1,000

Are you eligible?

• Be a Howard County (Clean Water Howard) customer
• Property located in: Columbia, Ellicott City
• Howard County home built before 2003
• At least 75% native plants
• Pre-approval before installation

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 Howard County (Clean Water Howard) 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.