Residential Grass Removal Rebate

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Residential Grass Removal Rebate Program

Gilbert is now offering a limited supply of rebates for converting qualifying grass landscapes into low-water-use landscapes for residential customers on a first come, first served basis.

Qualifying customers can receive up to $2,000 for removing their grass and up to $1,000 with an additional incentive ($3,000 maximum rebate amount). Rebate amounts will vary based on the square footage of grass removed. All removed grass must be replaced with low-water-use landscape.

As we face a future with less water from the Colorado River, it is critical to find new ways for Gilbert to conserve water and use it more efficiently. Through Gilbert's rebate program, residents can reduce their home’s outdoor water use by 50% or more.

Questions? Email water.conservation@gilbertaz.gov or call (602) 540-9650.

Please read the "program eligibility" tab below before applying.

To qualify for this rebate, residents must receive pre-approval from the Town of Gilbert before beginning the grass removal process. Previously completed projects are not eligible for this rebate.

See If You Qualify

Program Eligibility

Must be a Gilbert water customer with an active water account in good standing and/or not eligible for disconnect.
Rebates are for future grass conversion projects only. Residents must receive pre-approval from Town Staff before beginning a grass removal project to qualify.

A preliminary verification of the customer's current grass landscape is required before a rebate can be pre-approved. No project is eligible for a rebate if the grass removal process started before the initial verification by a Gilbert Water Conservation Specialist.
The following are not eligible for this rebate:
- Any properties that are non-single family residential
- Any grass areas watered by flood or well water
- Completed projects

See the 'Rebate Amount' tab below to see a breakdown of rebate eligibility.

Program Rules

Rebate will be issued as a bill credit to the Town of Gilbert water account owner and applied toward any subsequent utility bills. Refunds will not be issued for any resulting credit. The first bill credit may take up to two bill cycles to appear once approved.
Applicants must be the owner of the property, or have the permission of the owner, to implement the specific conversion and to apply for and receive rebate funds; please include authorization letters, as necessary.
All landscape conversions and modifications must abide by Homeowners Association (HOA) Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), if applicable.
Two Residential Turf Conversion Rebates permitted per property for the lifetime of the property.

Gilbert Water Conservation will track water consumption of program participants to analyze water conservation savings associated with our program. All customer information will be kept anonymous, and data will be aggregated before being shared.
A limited amount of rebate funds are available each year. Applications will be processed in the order they are received for as long as rebate funds are available. Program rules may change at any time.

Removing less than 1,000 sqft of grass?

Removing more than 1,000 sqft of grass?

Desert Plant Bonus

Qualifying residents may receive up to $1,000 for planting low-water-use desert plants in their grass removal area. Qualifications for the Desert Plant Bonus include the following:

All plants must be selected from Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert or Arizona Department of Water Resource's Low-Water-Use Plant list.
At least 30% of the grass removal area must be converted to low-water-use plants and trees to qualify.
- Example: If removing 1,000 sqft of grass, 300 sqft of the removal area must be covered by low-water-use plants or trees at maturity.

Not sure where to start? Use Gilbert's Plant Canopy Calculator to explore how different desert plants and trees can help you qualify!

Rebate Process

1. Prepare and submit completed application with 2-3 current photos of the qualifying grass removal area and proposed landscape plans.

2. Water Conservation will review your application. If it meets the minimum requirements, we will reach out to you to schedule a site inspection to verify. No grass is eligible for a rebate if the removal process has started before initial site inspection is performed.

3. After the initial site inspection, written confirmation of project approval will be provided to the resident and the Water Conservation team will reserve rebate funds for your project for 90 days.

4. Photos of finished converted area must be submitted to Gilbert Water Conservation within 90 days of receiving pre-approval along with any project-relevant receipts.

5. Once final documents and photos are submitted, we will review and approve application if all requirements were met. A bill credit will be applied to the water account associated with the site upon application approval.

Current Landscape Requirements

*Grass that is eligible for a removal rebate, herein defined as “qualifying grass”*

Grass must be routinely and permanently irrigated by an active and functioning landscape irrigation system.
Qualifying grass must be healthy. The landscape's health is based on actively growing with at least an average coverage of 50% density.
A minimum of 200 square feet of qualifying grass must be removed to be eligible for rebate. Multiple areas can be combined to meet the minimum square footage. Minimum square footage requirement may be waived if all grass on the property is removed.

Examples of Eligible Grass

Examples of Ineligible Grass

Future Landscape Requirements

Qualifying grass must be converted to a low-water-use landscape that meets the following minimum qualifications in order to be eligible for a rebate:

The entire rebated area must be landscaped (not left as bare soil)
For plants to qualify as low-water-use, they must be listed on the Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert or Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List from the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Water-intensive plants in any portion of the converted area are prohibited. Water-intensive plants are any plant material not listed on the ADWR Low Water Use Plant List.
Water features, including fountains and pools, may not be installed in the converted area.
The living areas of the new landscape must be covered with a minimum of a 2” deep layer of organic or inorganic mulch (e.g., granite or rock); non-pervious materials (e.g., black plastic sheeting) are not permitted.
Spray irrigation is not permitted.
If an existing tree is impacted by the conversion, then the tree must be maintained or replaced with a tree from the Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert or the ADWR Low Water Use Plant List.
If an existing, mature water-intensive tree exists, an allowance to preserve this tree may be made if the tree is watered in a separate zone from the rest of the low-water use landscape.
All new irrigation systems must be efficient irrigation systems. Spray irrigation is prohibited in the converted area. While a US EPA WaterSense labeled smart controller is not required to qualify for this rebate, they are strongly encouraged. Additional rebate funds may be available for this cost.

Apply Now

More Information

Grass Removal Tips

Step-By-Step Guide for Grass Removal

More Helpful Tips

Do not use soil sterilant when removing Bermuda grass. They are non-selective weed killers and kill all vegetation and prevent it from growing back.
June-September is the best to treat your lawn with a Glyphosate product because it is most effectively absorbed when the grass is actively growing.
Do not use black plastic sheeting when installing your new landscape! This material decomposes, impedes drainage, and starves plant roots of oxygen.
Remember, your trees were getting most of their water from the lawn sprinklers. Be sure to install enough drip emitters at the dripline of the tree canopy to water them adequately.
Most sprinkler systems can be easily converted to drip systems. Simply remove existing sprinkler heads and install drip adapters on the risers. A pressure regulator and filter are also required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install artificial turf in the rebated area?

Yes. Artificial turf is allowed to be installed in your conversion area however we encourage residents to learn more about the pros and cons of artificial turf to make the best decision for your landscape and the environment. See Educational Resources for more information.
Is there an easy way to measure how much grass I’m removing?

This tool can be used to measure your grass areas.
I have already removed the grass in my yard. Do I still qualify?

Unfortunately, any projects started before receiving pre-approval from Gilbert Water Conservation are not eligible for this rebate.
I have stopped watering my grass. Can I still participate in this rebate program?

This rebate requires grass to be relatively healthy (routinely irrigated and maintained).
What’s the best way to remove my grass?

Take a look at this article from The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension to learn more about how and when to successfully remove your grass.
How long will it take to receive my rebate after my rebate is approved?

Once your application is approved, please allow 6-8 weeks for rebate processing. Once your rebate is approved and processed you will receive a bill credit on your Gilbert Utility Account.
Why do I get extra money for installing desert plants and trees?

Replacing grass with appropriately irrigated low-water-use plants and trees saves water and promotes overall sustainability by reducing the heat island effect through shading. Plants also supply oxygen, provide wildlife habitat, and absorb carbon dioxide. Planting shade trees works hand in hand with the Town’s mission to building a healthier, more livable community through the growth of the urban forest. (Shade and Streetscape Master Plan)
How do I choose the right plants to install in my new landscape?

Check out the follow resources to decide which desert plants are right for your new landscape.
Do I need to save documentation of my expenses for the conversion?

All receipts/invoices relevant to your project may be requested upon final review. We also require photos of the converted area after project completion.
What if the application is being submitted by someone who is not the homeowner?

An authorization letter from the homeowner is required when submitting the application.
Can you convince the HOAs to relax their rules requiring grass?

Last fall, Gilbert asked HOAs to join us in not planting winter grass and we have made this request again this year. We have seen multiple HOAs participate in this request and also relax their requirements on residents to plant winter grass. We hope to see more join us this year.

At this time, the Town is in Stage 1 of our local Water Supply Reduction Management Plan, which includes these types of requests of customers. If the Town moves into later stages of the plan, there are measures in place to require limits on landscape watering.?

Gilbert, Arizona

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