Virginia Native Landscaping Rebates
Virginia's conservation programs help homeowners install native plants and rain gardens, primarily within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. VCAP covers up to 80% of costs, and Arlington offers ongoing stormwater bill credits. Here are the programs available.
Last updated: February 2026 · 3 programs tracked
The quick version
- VCAP covers up to 80% of rain garden and conservation landscaping costs (max $7,000).
- Arlington County offers ongoing stormwater bill credits (up to 35%) for native plantings and rain gardens.
- Fairfax County provides free native seedling sales and the Plant NOVA Natives campaign.
- All programs require pre-approval. Do not start work before receiving approval.
- VCAP funding is subject to annual state budget approval. Check current availability with your local district.
3
Programs Tracked
$7,000
Max (VCAP)
2
Regions Covered
Feb 2026
Last Verified
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
1 program available
Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)
Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Cost-share program covering up to 80% of installation costs (max $7,000) for rain gardens and conservation landscaping (native plantings, meadows, mulched beds, tree plantings). Available to residential properties in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
VCAP funding is subject to annual state budget approval. Check with your local Soil and Water Conservation District for current availability and rates, which may vary by district.
Northern Virginia
2 programs available
Conservation Assistance Program (CAP)
Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
Financial and technical assistance for conservation landscaping, rain gardens, and stormwater management. Covers reimbursement of actual installation costs. NVSWCD staff review your property and determine eligibility. Low-cost native seedling sales also available.
Fairfax County also promotes the Plant NOVA Natives campaign with guides at NativePlantCenter.net. Low-cost native trees and shrubs available through NVSWCD seedling sales.
Stormwater Utility Fee Credits
Arlington County
Ongoing stormwater utility bill credits for conservation projects. Rain gardens (min 100 sq ft): 10% credit. Conservation landscaping with native plants (min 150 sq ft): 5% credit. Credits also available for rain barrels, cisterns, dry wells, and permeable pavement. Credits capped at 35% total per property.
Credits are ongoing (applied each year) unlike one-time rebates. Re-certification every 2 years. Stormwater bill savings accumulate over time.
Rebates in Other States
Planning a Native Yard? Pollinator Patch Can Help.
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for your region, plan an HOA-conscious layout, and generate the documentation that rebate programs ask for.