How to Get the Stormwater Fee Credit for Lawn to Native Forest Conversion Rebate

What you get

Maplewood credits a residential stormwater bill by 10% for every 2,000 square feet of lawn removed and converted to natural forested area, up to 40%, within an overall 50% residential credit ceiling. The conversion must be planted with native trees of at least 2.0 to 2.5 inch caliper on 30 to 50 foot centers, with a detailed plan submitted to the Township Certified Tree Expert, and mulch is not permitted as forest floor material. This is an ongoing reduction of the annual stormwater fee, not a one-time cash rebate: the Base Rate is $70 per Equivalent Residential Unit per year, so the 40% maximum is worth roughly $28 a year on a typical single-family property (Township of Maplewood Stormwater Management Fee Credit & Adjustment Policy Manual and Ordinance 3138-24; last verified August 2026).

• Residential: 10% off the stormwater fee for every 2,000 sq ft of lawn converted to native forest, up to 40% (about $28 a year at the $70 per unit base rate)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Township of Maplewood customer
• Property located in: Maplewood
• Residential property containing three residences or fewer in Maplewood Township
• Lawn area removed and converted to natural forested area, credited at 10% per 2,000 sq ft up to 40%
• Native trees of minimum 2.0 to 2.5 inch caliper planted on 30 to 50 foot centers depending on species
• Detailed plan submitted to the Township Certified Tree Expert
• Mulch is not permitted as forest floor material; soil amendments and additional native plants may be required
• Credit application submitted to the Township Engineer and verified by Township staff

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

   Do the conversion

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

2. 2

   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.