Austin, TX Xeriscaping Guide
Published: June 6, 2026 · Updated:
Austin Water pays $100 per 100 square feet, so $1.00 per square foot, up to $3,000 over the life of the property to Austin homeowners who replace thirsty lawn, on at least 200 square feet.
The Austin turf removal rebate
WaterWise Landscape Rebate, run by Austin Water.
$100 per 100 square feet, so $1.00 per square foot, up to $3,000 over the life of the property
- At least 200 square feet converted
- At least 75 per cent of the conversion area must be healthy turf grass to start with
- Plants installed in spring or autumn only
Apply and get approval before you remove any grass. This program does not pay retroactively.
Austin's own Watershed Protection page still quotes a $1,750 cap. The current Austin Water rebate table and application both say $3,000, which is the figure to use.
Verified 2026-07-28 against the Austin Water rebate page. Compare turf rebates.
What to plant in Austin
The planting palette for zone 8b is shared across Texas and is set out once, with the genera native to the state, on the Texas xeriscaping guide. What is specific to Austin is the money above: Austin Water sets what your removed lawn is worth.
What is specific to Austin is the money: Austin Water decides what your removed lawn is worth, and those terms are above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Austin, TX offer a turf removal rebate?
Yes. Austin Water runs the WaterWise Landscape Rebate, paying $100 per 100 square feet, so $1.00 per square foot, up to $3,000 over the life of the property. You must remove at least 200 square feet to qualify. Full conditions are on the Austin Water rebate page.
How much is the Austin turf rebate actually worth on a typical lawn?
At Austin Water's rate of $1.00 per square foot, removing a 600 square foot lawn returns $600. A 1,000 square foot lawn returns $1,000.