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With water conservation being a hot topic for states experiencing drought and wildfires, every drop saved counts. Enter the Colorado Turf Replacement Program, an initiative designed to promote eco-friendly landscaping and reduce unnecessary water use. This program is transforming landscapes into sustainable havens for native plants and wildlife, while conserving water.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn how Colorado’s Turf Replacement Program came to be and where the money comes from
  • Explore what the program means for you based on your location
  • Discover water-efficient landscaping incentives that can result in lower bills and long-term savings

What is the Colorado Turf Replacement Program?

Before we dive into how the Colorado Turf Replacement Program works, let’s look at why it exists in the first place. In 2022, Colorado’s state legislature passed House Bill 1151 which “created a state program to finance the voluntary replacement of irrigated turf,” (i.e. replacing grass with water-wise landscaping / plants with lower water needs) as well as commit a sum of government money to support the program. Here are the bill’s most important points:

Screenshot of HB1151

HB 1151

  • The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) was tasked with developing Colorado’s Turf Replacement Program and distributing funds ($2,000,000) to eligible local governments.
  • Local government eligibility was determined through an application process. During 2023, the following types of governments could apply for funds:
    • Municipalities, counties, cities, public agencies, municipally owned water providers
    • Metropolitan districts, special districts, water districts, water and sanitation districts, conservancy districts
    • 501(c)(3) Nonprofits (i.e. organizations with 501(c)(3) status who work in water with related skills and capacity)
    • Colorado’s Federally Recognized Tribes (Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes)

This means that if your local government successfully applied for and received funds, you—as a Colorado homeowner—have access to the program’s unique financial incentives and landscaping benefits. We’ll cover what these financial incentives and benefits are in the next section.

How the Colorado Turf Replacement Program Works

Now that we’ve covered how Colorado’s Turf Replacement Program is funded, let’s review what the program means for Colorado homeowners. A Turf Replacement Program is not just about getting rid of your grass; it’s about creating sustainable, water-efficient green spaces. The program is a significant step towards promoting water conservation at a time when water has become an increasingly vital resource.

If your local government has received funds from the CWCB, it should have established or is in the process of establishing a local program. Local programs may include:

  • Residential rebates (yes, cash money) for turf removed and installation OR
  • Credits towards professional lawn removal services AND/OR
  • Credits towards a “Garden in a Box,” which includes (mostly) Colorado native plants, plant-by-number maps, and a plant care guide.

Find Your Colorado Local Turf Replacement Program

As of January 2024, the CWCB has awarded 38 Colorado local governments / entities with Turf Replacement Program funds. Out of the 38 entities, eight are allocating their funds to targeted site improvements, including the enhancement of medians, parks, and rights of way. These entities are not establishing local rebate or incentive programs for turf removal. In contrast, the remaining entities are focusing on promoting sustainable landscaping practices by offering rebates for turf removal, details of which are discussed in the following sections.

Fort Collins in October

Aurora Water

Aurora Water incentivizes the conversion of water-guzzling turf lawns to water-wise landscapes through its Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP). Single-family home participants must join a cohort to participate, where they will receive education and guidance on water-wise landscape principles and installation techniques. The Spring 2024 Cohort application is open between March 1, 2024 and June 1, 2024.

  • Areas to be converted must have existing, maintained Kentucky blue-grass (yards that contain barren soil or significant bare patches of soil and weeds do not qualify).
  • Residential projects can be front yard, side, backyards and curbside landscape.
  • Artificial turf doesn’t count for the rebate
  • The rebate is up to $4,000 max, issued as a one-time payment via check. The GRIP will cover all pre-tax material costs according to the approved plan, up to the program maximum limit, as well as up to $1,000 toward installation costs.
  • For detailed information, including eligibility criteria, participation requirements, design guidance, rebate incentive, and more, refer to Aurora Water’s GRIP handbook.

Note: There is a different handbook for commercial and large property owners.

Centennial Water and Sanitation District

Due to an overwhelming response, this water agency has currently paused accepting new applications for the turf replacement rebate. However, for those interested in staying informed about the program, including any updates on when the agency might resume accepting applications, please visit their website for the latest information and resources.

City and County of Broomfield

The City and County of Broomfield do not offer a rebate; however, they have partnered with Resource Central to offer a $750 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Broomfield residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Boulder

The City of Boulder does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $500 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Boulder residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Cortez

The City of Cortez has not posted any information about rebates or credits; however, they do have a water-wise resource page. We were also able to dig up a Request for Proposal (RFP) from December 2023 for the development of a Turf Replacement Program, which suggests (to us, at least) that they are in the process of finding a vendor to create and manage the program in 2024. Stay tuned.

City of Durango

Although the City of Durango appears to have been awarded Turf Replacement Program Funding, we can’t find any information on the city’s website. We will continue to investigate and follow-up with Durango and the CWCB.

City of Edgewater

The City of Edgewater does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $750 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Edgewater residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Englewood

The City of Englewood does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $500 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Englewood residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Glenwood Springs

Through its Turf Buyback Rebate Program, the City of Glenwood Springs will pay residents $2.00 per square foot of irrigated, established, non-native lawn that they remove and replace with xeriscaping, up to 1,000 square feet (minimum 100 square feet). This rebate has a PDF application and a number of special requirements, including pre- and post-removal site visits by city staff.

Prior to removing your turf, consult the program guidelines (found on the application under “Requirements”) and book a site visit with the City of Glenwood Springs staff (Lynne Springer: lynne.springer@cogs.us, 970-384-6440).

City of Golden

The City of Golden does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $500 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Golden residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

Important reminders:

  • Spring application has a priority deadline of April 1, 2024
  • Late summer application has a priority deadline of June 14, 2024
  • “Before” pictures need to be included with submission of the application and “after” pictures must be submitted to demonstrate project completion.
  • If the turf is removed BEFORE applying and being accepted to the program, the property WILL NOT qualify for a discount.

City of Grand Junction

According to Grand Junction’s Utilities Director, the city received a $25,000 grant from the CWCB and hopes to implement the turf replacement program by early 2024. Stay tuned and/or contact the Utilities Department for more information.

City of Greeley

Through the Life After Lawn program, City of Greeley residents (homeowners and landlords) can receive $1.00 per square foot to convert a minimum of 500 square feet of healthy, well-watered turf with native and/or water-wise plantings. A maximum of $3,000 per household per year is eligible.

Single Family Homeowner’s Requirements:

  • You must complete an application.
  • You must plan to own the residence for 5 or more years.
  • Lawns being converted must be in the front or side yards that are visible to the public. Backyards may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Check with your HOA to find out what approval they may require. Although they cannot prohibit water-wise plantings or native landscapes, you may be subject to HOA approval.

City of Lafayette

The City of Lafayette does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $750 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Lafayette residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Lakewood

The City of Lakewood states that it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $500 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit; however, we cannot find “City of Lakewood” on Resource Central’s list. We will continue to investigate and follow-up with Lakewood, Resource Central, and–if necessary–the CWCB.

City of Longmont

The City of Longmont does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $750 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Lafayette residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Louisville

The City of Louisville does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $500 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Louisville residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Loveland

The City of Loveland / Loveland Water & Power does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $750 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Loveland residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Northglenn

The City of Northglenn does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $1000 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Northglenn residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Thornton

The City of Thornton provides an incredible amount of resources and support for drought tolerant landscaping initiatives! The city offers both a rebate and a discount on lawn removal services / garden in a box kits.

  1. Download and review Thornton’s H2O Overhaul Kit, a comprehensive 52-page blueprint on how to “transform your thirsty lawn into a water-saving oasis.”
  2. Check out Thorton’s guide to getting up to a $2,000 landscaping rebate. The rebate program provides up to $1 per square foot for low-water grass seed/sod areas and up to $2 per square foot for perennial gardens and other projects, based upon total project costs. Complete the application form before starting your project.

Thornton has also partnered with Resource Central to offer a $750 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Thornton residents can calculate their Resource Central discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

City of Westminster

The City of Westminster does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $750 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Westminster residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

Colorado Springs Utilities

It appears that Colorado Springs Utilities provides education and materials through their Turf Replacement Program, rather than a rebate. During their classes, you’ll:

  • Learn the process for installing this grass and how to water wiser.
  • Receive free high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles to increase your watering efficiency (up to $100 value).
  • Receive expert advice and resources to help you complete your project successfully.
  • Receive free native grass seed based on your situation and preference (up to $150 value).

To be notified when registration opens for future classes (April 6 and May 11, 2024), sign up to receive notifications here. Note that you must prepare your yard by July 31, 2024 to receive your free grass seed.

Eagle County Conservation District (including ERWSD and UERWA)

If you live within the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District (ERWSD) or Upper Eagle River Water Authority boundary (UERWA) you qualify for ERWSD’s rebate program.

ERWSD and UERWA will pay $2 per square foot of irrigated lawn you replace with native or drought tolerant landscaping. There is a 100 square foot minimum requirement, but no maximum requirement. Before you start your project, you must request a site visit. It’s not clear on the website how to request a site visit online, so we recommend calling Customer Service at (970) 477-5451 or emailing customerservice@erwsd.org, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday.

If you live in Eagle County but outside ERWSD and UERWA, you may be eligible for a Beyond Lawn rebate; however, you must request a Landscape and Irrigation Evaluation first. The Evaluation is $100 and will gather data and observations on how landscaping is currently being watered, flag potential irrigation inefficiencies, estimate the water and cost savings potential, and make recommendations as to projects/actions that can achieve the homeowner’s water-saving goals. Spring 2024 Evaluations (April 22- May 2) will be available soon, and can be booked soon through this website. If you have questions, email beyondlawn.ec@gmail.com.

East Cherry Creek Valley (ECCV) Water & Sanitation District

The 2023 program has reached capacity. To be placed on a waitlist for 2024, fill out this form. ECCV will provide all interested customers with information and resources for DIY turf removal, waterwise gardening, and retrofit sprinkler systems. Program space and funding is limited to up to 25 customers with a rebate of up to $1,000 per approved application. This rebate only applies to replacement of front or side yards, with a minimum of 500 square feet. In addition, replacement options MUST include at least 50% living material, and artificial turf DOES NOT qualify as a replacement option.

ECCV has also partnered with Resource Central to offer an $850 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. ECCV residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

Montrose County

Montrose County was offering up to $2,000 in project costs and as much $2.00 per square foot to replace turf in 2023. However, we couldn’t find any 2024 information. With that being said, the Turf Replacement Rebate Program application lists a deadline of March 1, 2024. We will follow-up with Montrose County personnel. You can also reach out to Justin Musser, Ecological Services Manager at 970-249-5216 or jmusser@montrosecounty.net.

Town of Berthoud

The Town of Berthoud does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $1000 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Berthoud residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

Town of Carbondale

Carbondale was awarded a turf replacement grant for $8,000.00, which will be matched with $8,000.00 from the Town of Carbondale Water Fund. Their program/application hasn’t launched yet; however, we contacted a staff member for more information. The Senior Long Range Planner told us that the Town of Carbondale will be launching a turf replacement rebate for $2.00 per square foot of irrigated turf removed. The minimum is 100 square feet and the maximum 1000 square feet, for a rebate maximum of $2000. This is for any resident who is serviced by the Town of Carbondale water.

Town of Castle Rock

The Town of Castle Rock exhausted their rebate funds in 2023; however, their Water Conservation Rebate Incentive Program budget will increase 50% to $300,000 this thanks to Town Council approval. In 2024, the rebate for turf removal and replacement with a water-wise ColoradoScape has increased from $1.50 per square foot to $2.50 per square foot. Additionally, residents are no longer required to take the Water Wiser workshop to be eligible for the rebate. Customers can begin planning now to be ready to take advantage of this rebate when the application becomes available in spring 2024.

Town of Erie

The Town of Erie 2024 Turf Replacement program hasn’t been announced yet; however, the 2023 rebate was $2 per square foot for low-water use garden plantings or $1 per square foot for low water use grasses, up to 1000 sq ft. The Town of Erie also provides excellent xeriscaping resources, which includes a partnership with Resource Central to offer an $1000 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Erie residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

Town of Frederick

The Town of Frederick does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $1000 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Frederick residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups:

Willows Water District

Willows Water District does not offer a rebate; however, it has partnered with Resource Central to offer a $500 credit for lawn removal services (a minimum of 200 sq. ft.) and/or a Garden in a Box kit. Frederick residents can calculate their discount here.

Discounts are available on a first come, first served basis, dependent on available funds, so be sure to sign up for the interest lists ASAP (see below). Remember, there are two separate sign-ups: