Here in the Mountain West, we’ve been told to pray for rain, year after year. But American Stone is here to empower everyone. It’s true, instead or relying on hope, we can actually do something about it. Conserving water is in everyone’s best interest, and now Utahns are getting rewarded for it.
If you’ve been thinking about ripping out your thirsty lawn, flipping your park strip, or going full xeriscape, here’s the good news: your local city or county might pay you to do it. Whether you're in Salt Lake, Utah County, Davis, or surrounding areas, conservation programs are stepping up to help homeowners like you save water, money, and time. All while making your space look downright incredible.
What’s a Lawn Removal Rebate?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: many Utah municipalities and water districts will give you cold hard cash for removing grass and replacing it with water-wise landscaping.
Depending on your city and the scope of your project, you could receive $1–$3 per square foot of grass you remove. That adds up fast, especially for park strips, front yards, or those back corners of your property you’re tired of mowing anyway.
✅ Save hundreds (sometimes thousands) in upfront costs
✅ Dramatically reduce your water bill
✅ Ditch the mower and reclaim your weekends
✅ Protect our shared resources, and your grandkids’ future
Quick Tip: Don’t start digging just yet! Most rebate programs require pre-approval before you begin your project. We’ve included a list of links below so you can apply with confidence.
Who Qualifies for Rebates?
Eligibility varies slightly by location, but here’s a general checklist:
- You live in a participating city or water district (we’ll link a list below)
- You’re removing existing turf grass
- You replace it with a qualifying xeriscape or water-wise design
- You follow basic guidelines (like proper plant spacing and use of mulch)
Some programs also provide free designs, DIY guides, and even on-site consultations to help you get started.
Programs to Explore:
- Utah Water Savers Program (Statewide) - https://www.utahwatersavers.com/
- Central Utah Water Conservancy District - https://cuwcd.gov/residential-rebates#gsc.tab=0
- Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District - https://conservationgardenpark.jvwcd.gov/
- Salt Lake City Public Utilities - https://www.slc.gov/utilities/conservation/
- Weber Basin Water Conservancy District - https://weberbasin.gov/
- Washington County Water Conservancy District - https://www.wcwcd.gov/
What Can You Replace Lawn With?
This is where American Stone shines. Whether you’re going full xeriscape or just want a more beautiful, low-maintenance yard, we’ve got the products and the people to bring your vision to life.
Here’s what we recommend for rebate-friendly projects:
Decorative Ground Covers: Gravel, chat, or cobble make for stunning low-water alternatives to grass, and they reduce dust, weeds, and mud.
Planting Beds: Use boulders and flagstone to anchor your garden and build in definition.
Pathways & Patios: Our natural patio stone and manufactured stone pavers help create beautiful, functional spaces for gathering and relaxing.
Artificial Turf: Still want some green without the water and mowing, we have a large selection of turf for your xeriscaping project.
And don’t worry, our team can help you choose the right products, calculate quantities, and stay within the program requirements. We’ve done this before, and we’ve got your back.
The Big Picture: Why It Matters
Utah is the second-driest state in the country, and the fastest-growing. We all share a responsibility to protect our natural resources, and flipping your strip or lawn isn’t just good for your water bill. It’s an act of conservation that: Lowers our collective carbon footprint and reduces demand on strained water systems. Plus by promoting native plant habitats and pollinators we create more resilient spaces.
The best part? It doesn’t mean settling for less. With the right design, materials, and planning, you can create something more beautiful and easier to maintain than any lawn you’ve ever had.
Ready to Get Started?
We’ve got a saying around here: “You dream it, we’ll rock it.” Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a pro, we’re here to help you pick the right materials, meet program guidelines, and create something your neighbors will envy (in a good way).
📍 Visit your local American Stone location
📞 Call us for product advice or a referral
Final Tips for Getting the Most From Your Rebate:
- Get pre-approved before you begin.
- Document everything - before, during, and after your project.
- Follow the specs for plant choices, drip irrigation, and coverage.
- Save your receipts - you may need them for reimbursement.
Let’s Build Something Beautiful (and Sustainable)
At American Stone, we believe in building legacy spaces, and that includes taking care of the land we build them on. Whether you’re flipping your strip or transforming your entire yard, we’re proud to be your partner in creating a cleaner, greener, better Utah.
Ditch the Grass, Pocket the Cash: How Utah Rebates Make Water-Wise Landscaping a Win-Win