Residential Grass Conversion Program

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Xeriscaped yard 1080x1080 The Town of Queen Creek offers incentives to help homeowners save water and transform their existing high-water-use grass lawns into desert-friendly landscaping. By incorporating xeriscape principles, you can create a water-efficient landscape that stays cooler, supports local wildlife, and provides lasting environmental benefits. To do this, prioritize low-water-use plants, shade trees, organic mulch, and efficient drip irrigation. Thoughtful landscape design can reduce heat buildup while creating a more sustainable and comfortable outdoor environment.

Program Overview

Qualified homeowners may receive $2 per square foot, up to $5,000 per property, to remove grass and replace it with a low-water-use landscape. The entire landscaped area must meet a minimum required 30% low-water use plant canopy density. Plant density will be calculated separately for the front and back yards. Please note that projects may not begin without a written Notice to Proceed from the Utilities Department. The Town is unable to issue approvals for projects that are completed, have already started, or if funding is exhausted.

PROGRAM UPDATE: All current program funding has been allocated to in-progress projects. New applications can be submitted but are not guaranteed funding at this time and will placed on a waitlist.

How It Works

Step 1: Apply Online
Submit an application including property information, photos, an aerial map, and a basic landscape plan. A detailed checklist of information and documents you’ll need to submit can be found in the ‘How to Apply’ section below.

Step 2: Pre-Inspection
Conservation staff will review your photos and may schedule an on-site visit to confirm grass health and measure the conversion area. If everything looks good, they will email you a formal Notice to Proceed (written approval to begin your work). No work may begin until you've received the written Notice to Proceed. Projects started prior to receiving a written Notice to Proceed will be ineligible for funding.

*It is the applicant's responsibility to get any HOA approvals necessary for the turf conversion.

Step 3: Start Your Project
You’ll have up to 90 days from receiving the Notice to Proceed to complete the work. Failure to respond to correspondence by outlined deadlines or complete project within 90 days will result in the project funding being forfeited to other applicants on the program waitlist.

Step 4: Post-Inspection & Incentive

Once you have completed your project, notify Town conservation staff. Staff will request 3-5 photos to verify that the landscape meets all program requirements and request any receipts and paid invoices for services and materials. Incentive payments will be provided via direct deposit within approximately 6 weeks of staff verifying project completion and documentation submission.

Step 5: Support

Once you’ve completed everything, we’ll keep an eye on your water use and may check back in periodically to provide guidance or feedback on your water use and savings!

Eligibility

Residential potable water customers within the Town of Queen Creek water service area.
Applicant must be the legal property owner.
A minimum area of 500 square feet must be converted. The existing grass must be healthy and regularly irrigated with potable metered water, with at least 50% living coverage at the time of inspection (dormant grass is acceptable).
Conversion from: existing grass only - areas consisting of bare ground, artificial turf, existing desert-adapted plants with gravel, or partially completed turf conversion projects at the time of application are not eligible.
Conversion to: low-water-use landscaping (see below for limitations).
- Converted artificial turf areas must meet overall natural foliage canopy coverage requirements for the front and/or back yard. Incentives will be provided for a maximum of 1,000 square feet of artificial turf.
Applicant must have a bank account capable of receiving direct deposits, as all program incentives will be disbursed exclusively via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system.
Project must not already be started or completed, and may not be started until the Notice to Proceed is issued.
Failure to respond to correspondence by outlined deadlines or complete project within 90 days will result in the project funding being forfeited to other applicants on the program waitlist.

Converted Landscape Requirements To Qualify

All newly installed plants must be Low-water-use plants from the Phoenix AMA 5th Management Plan Low Water Use and Drought Tolerant Plant List only.
Minimum 30% canopy coverage at plant maturity for any plant on the ADWR Drought-Tolerant Plant List or existing plants in the landscape.
Shrubs and accent plants must be at least 1 gallon in size; trees must be 15 gallons or larger.
A minimum 2-inch layer of mulch covering the entire area. Organic (i.e. wood mulch) and inorganic (i.e. decomposed granite) are both acceptable.
Spray irrigation is not permitted in any of the converted area(s).
Hardscape cannot exceed 25% of the converted area and must be permeable, such as pavers or stepping stones. Non-permeable materials may not be included in the project area, including black plastic sheeting or concrete.
Areas converted to artificial turf may not contain any irrigation emitters or heads.

How to Apply

You'll need the following documentation:

Queen Creek utility account number (or upload a utility bill).
Landscape Plan - Rough sketch of property boundaries, indicating areas to be converted, location of new plants, and details about plants (species, quantities, rough sizes, and groundcover details).
Property Photos - 3–5 clear photos for each area to be converted (dual front and back yard conversions require 6-10 photos).

Once you submit your application, the following two documents will be emailed to you through a secure file transmission service to request information for processing your final incentive.

W-9 Tax Form with your Tax ID or SSN. Project incentives at or over $2,000 will receive a 1099 for tax purposes.
ACH Direct Deposit Form - Incentive payments are issued as a direct deposit once your project is completed and passed all requirements and inspections.

Apply today!

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Important Notes

This program does not apply retroactively. Any turf removed before approval is not eligible for an incentive.
You must maintain your new landscape.
The Town may photograph your project for use in educational or promotional materials.
Funding is limited. Incentives are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on final approval. Failure to respond to correspondence by outlined deadlines will result in your project being forfeit to other applicants on the program waitlist.

Funding is provided by Salt River Project in partnership with the Town of Queen Creek to support water conservation efforts in Arizona through projects that reduce water use, improve water-use efficiency, and enhance long-term water reliability.

Need Help?

Our conservation team is ready to assist with questions about qualifying technologies, application requirements, or project planning.

conserve@queencreekaz.gov

480-358-3423

Queen Creek, AZ

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