Northern Colorado’s Turf Removal Rebate Programs

The lush, green lawns of Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG) have defined suburban landscapes for decades. But in Northern Colorado’s semi-arid climate, that aesthetic comes at a steep cost—rising water bills, constant mowing, and heavy environmental impacts from fertilizers and runoff.   More communities are asking the same question: Is there a better way?   The answer is a resounding yes. Thanks to recent Colorado legislation (including SB23-178) and Northern Colorado turf removal rebate programs, homeowners and HOAs now have real funding options to replace thirsty lawns with water-wise, native landscapes.  You no longer have to choose between a beautiful landscape and a responsible budget.

Whether you are an individual homeowner or an HOA board member, there is a path to transform your landscape using “other people’s money.” Here is our guide to current turf removal rebate programs for Fort Collins, Loveland, and the surrounding districts.

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s look at who is eligible for these programs:

Who Is Eligible for Turf Removal Rebates in Northern Colorado?

• Residential Homeowners: Most programs offer “per-square-foot” rebates or discounted DIY kits (like Garden In A Box) for individual yards.
• HOAs & Commercial Properties: This is where the “large-scale” funding lives. HOAs can apply for significant grants to convert common areas, medians, and entrance ways.
• Property Managers: Can apply on behalf of the communities you manage, often bundling multiple areas into a phased master plan.

Local Funding Hubs: How Turf Removal Rebates Work

Historically, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) helped fund local turf replacement programs through its Colorado Turf Replacement Grant Program. While that statewide grant program is no longer accepting applications, many local utilities and water providers continue to offer their own turf replacement rebates and water conservation incentives.   These Northern Colorado turf removal rebate programs are designed to reduce outdoor water use while helping communities transition to long-term, climate-appropriate landscapes.  Here is what is available in our neck of the woods:

1.  Fort Collins Utilities — Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP)

Fort Collins continues to lead the way with one of the most user-friendly programs in the state.  The goal is simple: replace high-water-use turf with approved, low-water-use landscapes.

• The Incentives:
  • Turf Removal Rebate– Funding per square foot when you remove KBG and replace with xeric gardens, especially natives!
  • Water-Smart Irrigation – Rebates for installing high-efficiency irrigation systems (like drip & smart controllers) that comply with their efficiency standards
• Funding Details for HOAs/Commercial:
  • The Reward: Get $1.50 per square foot of area converted.
  • Project Cap: Funding is generous, capped at $15,000 per project per calendar year.
  • New in 2025: A special upfront bonus of $0.30/sq ft (up to $3,000) helps with initial costs.
• Funding Details for Residential Homeowners:
  • The Reward:  Get $0.75/square foot (up to 1,000 sf) of area converted.
  • The Native Bonus:  Get an Additional $0.25/square foot (up to 1,000 sf) or up to $1,000 total, for a minimum of 80% plants native to Colorado. Requires 50% mature plant coverage in the renovation area.
• Homeowners & HOAs Can Apply Here: Fort Collins Utilities XIP Portal

Find more information on specific rebates here: Residential Rebates & Commercial Rebates

2.  Loveland Water & Power — Lawn Replacement Program

Loveland focuses on a “resource-first” model, making it very easy for homeowners and smaller HOA areas to get started.

• Funding Details for HOAs/Commercial:
  • The Edge: For larger HOA common areas, Loveland’s Hydrozone Program offers customized water audits to help identify exactly where you can save the most money.
• Funding Details for Residential Homeowners:
  • The Reward: Participation in the Resource Central Lawn Replacement Program, provides 50% discounted turf removal services and up to 4 free “Garden In A Box” kits, for turf replacement.
  • Homeowners can apply here: Save Water
  • Homeowners Rebate options: Outdoor Water Rebates

3.  Fort Collins–Loveland Water District (FCLWD)

If you live between the two cities, you are likely served by the FCLWD. They offer excellent support for homeowners looking to downsize their lawns.  At this time their focus is primarily on a smaller scale, not applicable towards large scale HOAs.

• Funding Details for Residential Homeowners:
  • The Reward: FCLWD typically offers rebates for high-efficiency irrigation upgrades (applied to your next bill)
    • EPA Water Sense Certified Smart Controller – $100 bill credit (limit 1 per account per year)
    • Any brand rain sensor – $25 bill credit (limit 1 per account per year)
    • Rotary sprinkler nozzles (high efficiency nozzles) – not to exceed $4 per nozzle
    • $25 bill credit for purchasing Garden In A Box through Resource Central
• Apply Here: FCLWD Rebate Center

4.  Northern Water & NoCo Water Conservancy District

Northern Water launched their Collaborative Water-Efficient Landscape Grant Program in 2018.    Their focus is on commercial-scale landscapes that reduce water use and enhance our native ecosystems.

• The Incentives:
  • Turf Removal Rebate– Conversion projects that promote water-efficient, local climate-friendly landscapes and serve as regional demonstration gardens
• Funding Details for HOAs/Commercial:
  • The Reward: Get project co-funding at 1:1 matching dollars
  • Project Cap: Funding is generous, capped at $25,000 per project per calendar year.

HOAs Can Apply Here: Northern Water Grants

Pro Tips for a Successful Turf Removal Rebate Application

Navigating government and utility paperwork can feel daunting, but these three steps will keep you on the right track:

1. Don’t Dig Yet! This is the most important rule: Pre-approval is mandatory. Most districts require a “before” photo and a site visit before you remove a single blade of grass. If you start early, you forfeit your rebate.  Most will also require a landscape plan showing your redesign.
2. Think “Permeable”: To qualify for most rebates, your new landscape can’t just be a sea of rock. It must include living, low-water plants and permeable materials that allow rain to soak into the ground.
3. Phase Your Projects: For HOAs with massive common areas, consider breaking the work into Phases across multiple budget years. This allows you to hit those rebate caps more than once!

Let Us Make It Simple

At Waterwise Land & Waterscapes, we specialize in more than just moving dirt—we are experts in the “paperwork” side of Northern Colorado conservation. We help HOAs and homeowners design compliant landscapes and navigate the rebate application process from start to finish through our turf conversion and waterwise landscape services from early planning to final installation.  Together we can turn those high water bills into a beautiful, sustainable landscape that pays you back in more ways than one.