Tempe, AZ Xeriscaping Guide
Published: June 6, 2026 · Updated:
City of Tempe Water Conservation pays $0.50 per square foot, up to $2,000 per home per fiscal year to Tempe homeowners who replace thirsty lawn.
The Tempe turf removal rebate
Grass Removal and Conversion Rebate, run by City of Tempe Water Conservation.
$0.50 per square foot, up to $2,000 per home per fiscal year
- 30 per cent plant coverage at maturity across the converted area
- Project pre-approval before work begins
- Single-family properties only
Apply and get approval before you remove any grass. This program does not pay retroactively.
At $0.50 per square foot Tempe pays a quarter of the Phoenix rate, which is the sharpest per-foot difference between two adjoining cities in the metro.
Verified 2026-07-28 against the City of Tempe Water Conservation rebate page. Compare turf rebates.
What to plant in Tempe
The planting palette for zone 9b is shared across Arizona and is set out once, with the genera native to the state, on the Arizona xeriscaping guide. What is specific to Tempe is the money above: City of Tempe Water Conservation sets what your removed lawn is worth.
What is specific to Tempe is the money: City of Tempe Water Conservation decides what your removed lawn is worth, and those terms are above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tempe, AZ offer a turf removal rebate?
Yes. City of Tempe Water Conservation runs the Grass Removal and Conversion Rebate, paying $0.50 per square foot, up to $2,000 per home per fiscal year. Full conditions are on the City of Tempe Water Conservation rebate page.
How much is the Tempe turf rebate actually worth on a typical lawn?
At City of Tempe Water Conservation's rate of $0.50 per square foot, removing a 600 square foot lawn returns $300. A 1,000 square foot lawn returns $500.