How to Get the Single-Family New Home Xeriscape Landscape Installation Rebate

What you get

The City pays a flat $400 for installing a low-water-use xeriscape landscape at a single-family home built within two years before the application date. Every plant must appear on the Arizona Department of Water Resources plant list for the Phoenix Active Management Area, and a full plant list with common and scientific names and quantities has to be handed to the City before the rebate is processed. Hardscape such as pools, patios, pavers, concrete and driveways does not count toward the landscaped area, and neither does artificial grass. Unplanted or bare soil does not qualify. Applications are processed first come, first served until the rebate funds are exhausted (City of Surprise Water Conservation Rebate Program Parameters, last verified August 2026).

• Residential: $400 flat, for a new home built within the last two years

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Surprise Water Conservation customer
• Property located in: Surprise
• Surprise resident and current owner of the property
• Home must be a new single-family residence built within two years before the application date
• All plants must be on the ADWR plant list for the Phoenix Active Management Area, and a list with common names, scientific names, and quantities must be given to the City
• Apply with at least two pre-project photos per area from different angles, taken within two weeks of the application date, before doing the work
• Hardscape and artificial grass do not count toward the landscaped area, and impermeable barriers such as plastic sheeting are not allowed
• This is the new-home track. A home with existing grass to remove belongs on the separate Turf Removal Rebate instead

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 City of Surprise Water Conservation 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.