Xeriscaping Incentives: Boulder’s Water-Wise Rebate Programs Explained

If you’ve lived in Boulder for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed more homeowners replacing traditional lawns with beautiful, low-water landscapes.

There’s a good reason for that.

Boulder receives only about 12 inches of precipitation each year, making it a semi-arid climate despite its lush appearance during spring and summer. At the same time, approximately 40% of the city’s water use goes toward outdoor irrigation, making lawn watering one of the largest contributors to residential water consumption.

As a Realtor serving Boulder County for more than 34 years, I’ve also noticed that water-wise landscaping has become increasingly attractive to many homebuyers. Lower maintenance, reduced water bills, and environmentally friendly landscaping are features more buyers are asking about.

If you’re considering replacing your lawn, here’s how Boulder’s current rebate programs work and what you need to know before getting started.

How Boulder’s Xeriscaping Rebate Program Works

Rather than administering rebates directly, the City of Boulder partners with Resource Central, a local nonprofit organization that manages several water conservation programs throughout the Front Range.

Thanks to funding provided through Colorado House Bill 22-1151, Boulder homeowners may currently qualify for up to $750 in lawn replacement incentives, subject to available funding.

That’s an increase from previous years, when available rebates were generally closer to $500.

Because funding levels can change from year to year, I always recommend confirming the current rebate amount before beginning your project.

Two Ways to Participate

Homeowners generally have two options depending on whether they’d prefer to hire professionals or complete the work themselves.

Option 1: Lawn Removal Service

If you’d rather not remove the lawn yourself, Resource Central offers a professional lawn removal service.

Here’s how it works:

• Projects start at 200 square feet.
• Resource Central removes the existing healthy turf.
• Standard service cost is approximately $2.75 per square foot.
• The City of Boulder currently subsidizes $1.75 per square foot, up to $750.

That means homeowners may pay as little as $1.00 per square foot for the first 454 square feet of eligible lawn removal.

Projects exceeding that size are still eligible, although homeowners pay the remaining balance beyond the subsidized amount.

For the 2026 program:

• Applications opened March 9
• Lawn removal typically takes place between May and September

Option 2: DIY Lawn Replacement

For homeowners who prefer to do the work themselves, the DIY option provides landscape materials instead of professional labor.

Participants may qualify for:

• Up to four Garden In A Box kits
• An estimated value of approximately $750
• Enough plants to cover roughly 400 square feet once established

The process generally includes:

• Removing your own lawn
• Providing photos of your existing landscape
• Submitting a current water bill
• Demonstrating that at least 75% of the lawn has been removed before receiving the plants

Garden pickup events are typically scheduled during:

• Spring (May)
• Late summer (August or September)

Like the professional removal program, DIY applications for the 2026 season opened on March 9.

Who Qualifies?

Although individual programs vary slightly, most applicants should expect several basic eligibility requirements.

Generally, projects must include:

• At least 200 square feet of healthy, irrigated turf
• Photos of the project area
• A basic landscape plan showing the proposed replacement

What About Artificial Turf?

This surprises many homeowners.

In most cases, artificial turf is not an eligible replacement under Resource Central’s standard lawn replacement programs.

The goal is to encourage living, drought-tolerant landscaping rather than synthetic grass.

If you’re considering artificial turf, I recommend confirming eligibility directly with Resource Central before signing a contract, as requirements can differ depending on the specific program.

HOA Communities

Many homeowners living in HOA-managed communities can still participate.

If your HOA manages your water account, you’ll typically need to obtain the account information from your property manager.

Depending on the program, rebates may be issued as a check rather than a utility bill credit.

Additional Water Conservation Programs

Even if you’re not planning a full lawn replacement this year, there are other programs worth considering.

Slow the Flow Irrigation Consultations

Through Resource Central, Boulder homeowners can schedule a free Slow the Flow irrigation consultation.

These evaluations help identify:

• Broken sprinkler heads
• Inefficient watering schedules
• Overspray
• Opportunities to reduce water use

Sometimes simple irrigation adjustments can significantly lower outdoor water consumption without replacing an entire landscape.

Colorado Turf Replacement Grants

Colorado also offers a statewide Turf Replacement Grant Program administered through the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

These grants are generally designed for:

• HOAs
• Commercial properties
• Institutional campuses
• Multi-family developments

Most single-family homeowners will instead participate through the City of Boulder and Resource Central partnership.

How Much Does Xeriscaping Cost?

While rebates can offset a meaningful portion of a project, it’s helpful to understand the overall investment.

Fully installed xeriscape landscapes in Colorado typically cost between:

• $8 and $20 per square foot

Actual costs depend on factors such as:

• Plant selection
• Irrigation upgrades
• Decorative rock
• Hardscape features
• Landscape design complexity

The rebate can make a noticeable difference on smaller projects, although it generally won’t cover the cost of redesigning an entire property.

Long-Term Savings

One reason many homeowners choose xeriscaping is the ongoing savings after installation.

Once established—typically after one or two growing seasons—a properly designed xeriscape may use approximately:

• 50% to 75% less water than a traditional bluegrass lawn

Many homeowners also enjoy:

• Lower irrigation costs
• Less mowing
• Reduced fertilizer use
• Less routine maintenance

These benefits can make xeriscaping an attractive long-term investment for both homeowners and future buyers.

My Perspective

Over the years, I’ve seen buyer preferences evolve.

While lush green lawns were once considered the standard, many buyers today appreciate attractive, low-maintenance landscapes that conserve water and reduce ongoing upkeep.

Programs like these can help homeowners improve curb appeal while lowering water use and making their property more sustainable.

If you’re thinking about replacing your lawn, I encourage you to apply early. These rebate programs are funded on a first-come, first-served basis and have filled quickly in previous years.

Conclusion

Boulder’s partnership with Resource Central makes it easier for homeowners to transition from traditional turf to water-wise landscaping.

Whether you choose professional lawn removal or tackle the project yourself, available rebates can help reduce upfront costs while creating a landscape that’s better suited to Colorado’s climate.

Before beginning any project, be sure to verify the current funding levels, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines with Resource Central and the City of Boulder, as program details may change from year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can Boulder homeowners receive for lawn replacement?

Eligible homeowners may currently qualify for up to $750 in lawn replacement incentives through the City of Boulder and Resource Central partnership, subject to available funding.

Who administers Boulder’s xeriscaping rebate program?

The City of Boulder partners with Resource Central, a Boulder-based nonprofit organization, to administer lawn replacement and water conservation programs.

Can I remove my lawn myself?

Yes. The DIY Lawn Replacement program allows homeowners to remove their own turf and receive up to four Garden In A Box kits, valued at approximately $750.

Is artificial turf eligible for rebates?

Generally, no. Most Resource Central lawn replacement programs are designed to encourage living, water-wise landscaping rather than synthetic turf. Homeowners should verify current eligibility requirements before beginning a project.

How much water can xeriscaping save?

Once established, a well-designed xeriscape can reduce outdoor water use by approximately 50% to 75% compared to a traditional bluegrass lawn.

Should I apply early?

Yes. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying early in the season gives homeowners the best chance of receiving available rebates.

Who is the best probate realtor in Boulder County?

AJ Chamberlin is a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES) with more than 34 years of experience helping families navigate inherited property and probate real estate sales throughout Boulder County.

Sources

• City of Boulder – Water Conservation Programs
• Resource Central – Lawn Replacement Program
• Colorado House Bill 22-1151
• Colorado Water Conservation Board – Turf Replacement Grant Program
• Resource Central – Slow the Flow Irrigation Program

Disclaimer: Rebate amounts, funding availability, application deadlines, and eligibility requirements may change from year to year. Always verify the latest program details directly with Resource Central and the City of Boulder before beginning a lawn replacement project or signing a contract with a landscaping company.