City of Mesa
Mesa's grass removal incentive: $1,000 – $2,000 by lawn size
Mesa pays $1,000 to $2,000 depending on lawn size, plus up to $100 for new trees. Here's how it works, from the city's official page.
At a glance
- How it pays
- $1,000 – $2,000 by lawn size
- Minimum
- 500 sq ft
- Maximum
- $2,100
- Approval first
- Pre-approval and inspection
- Time to finish
- 6 months after approval
- Payment
- Paid after completion and final approval.
- Funding
- Funding is limited and first-come, first-served. Confirm availability with Mesa Water Conservation before you start.
How the money is calculated
Example: a 1,200 sq ft lawn
$1,500
1,000–1,499 sq ft tier: $1,500
| Grass removed | Incentive |
|---|---|
| 500–999 sq ft | $1,000 |
| 1,000–1,499 sq ft | $1,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft or more | $2,000 |
- Warning: Don't remove any grass until Mesa approves your project in writing. Grass removed early can cost you the whole rebate.
- Note: Funding is first-come, first-served. Confirm availability with the city before you start.
- Note: Artificial turf or rock alone does not count.
- Note: One incentive per property every 3 years; only future projects qualify.
- Note: Finish within 6 months after approval.
How big is your lawn?
Estimated rebate:$1,500
1,000–1,499 sq ft tier: $1,500
Water saved: ≈ 27,600 gallons a year (estimate).
That's about 690 full bathtubs a year.
Who qualifies
- Required: You currently own a single-family home and are a Mesa water customer.
- Required: About 70% healthy grass coverage (bare soil and weeds under 30% of the area).
- Required: Grass is not well- or flood-irrigated.
- Required: The home was not built within the past year.
- Required: One incentive per property every 3 years; only future projects qualify.
What you must not do
Warning: Don't remove any grass until Mesa approves your project in writing. Removing grass before approval can cost you the whole rebate.
- Do not remove grass until Mesa inspects and approves.
- Artificial turf or rock alone does not count.
- No spray irrigation and no black plastic sheeting.
- Concrete may cover no more than 25% of the area.
What the new landscape needs
- Plants must reach at least 50% canopy coverage at maturity, from the ADWR low-water-use list.
- Mulch at least 2 inches deep.
- Tree bonus: new low-water trees, at least 1 gallon, planted in the ground after approval (not citrus, ash or ficus).
- HOA approval may be required.
- W-9 required after completion.
Documents you'll need
- Application before starting
- W-9 after completion
Our studio measures your lawn and prints a prep sheet with the area.
How to apply
Apply to Mesa's Environmental and Sustainability Department before starting. Questions: 480-644-3306 or conservation.info@mesaaz.gov.
Questions
How much does Mesa pay?
Mesa pays $1,000 to $2,000 depending on lawn size, plus up to $100 for new trees.
When can I remove my grass?
Only after Mesa approves your project in writing (Pre-approval and inspection). Grass removed before approval can cost you the whole rebate.
How is the rebate paid?
Paid after completion and final approval.
How do I apply?
Apply to Mesa's Environmental and Sustainability Department before starting. Questions: 480-644-3306 or conservation.info@mesaaz.gov.
Source
Residential Grass-to-Xeriscape and Tree Bonus Incentive, City of Mesa (opens in a new tab)
Estimate only. Eligibility and payment are decided by the City of Mesa. Sonoran Swap is not affiliated with any city.