This is the most common question we get! The short answer is: Not if it’s dead. The program requires the lawn to be living and maintained when they come for the first visit.

Pro Tip: If you haven’t turned off the water yet, give us a call immediately. We can help you schedule that initial visit before it goes dormant so you don’t miss out on the funding.

We wish it were that easy, but no. The program wants to avoid “heat islands,” so they require 50% plant coverage once the garden grows in. Don’t worry—we design beautiful Localscapes® that meet this requirement using water-wise plants. You get the low-maintenance yard you want, and the state gets the greenery they want. Win-win.

Yes, we do. We know the application can be confusing. We provide a “Rebate-Ready” Packet that includes your professional design, the plant calculations, and the irrigation specs. We hand it to you on a silver platter so getting approved is a breeze.

Not at all. When people hear “Xeriscape,” they think of just rocks and cactus. We build “Localscapes.” Think of it like a mountain meadow—lush, green, and colorful, but using plants that are native to Utah so they don’t need constant watering.

Yes! If you are building a new home, you typically get $1.00/sq. ft. for the backyard. Want a pro tip? If we landscape your entire lot (Front, Back & Side) to water-wise standards, we can help you bump that up to the $1.50/sq. ft. rate.

It’s huge. Between the $3.00/sq. ft. rebate and the money you save on water bills (usually 50% less), the system pays for itself over time. Plus, think about the Saturdays you won’t spend mowing and fertilizing. That time is priceless.

Once we finish the build and pass the final inspection, the water district handles the check. It usually arrives in your mailbox 30–60 days after approval.

Yes, we help homeowners with backyards and HOAs/Businesses with massive retrofits. If it has grass and you want to save money, we can help.

Yes, you can. Homeowners are allowed to complete water-wise landscape projects themselves and apply directly through Utah Water Savers.

If you’re going the DIY route, Localscapes offers ready-made landscape designs that meet the program’s general water-wise principles and can help you get started.

That said, the Landscape Incentive Program has very specific requirements around plant coverage, irrigation design, mulch depth, turf removal, and documentation. Projects must also pass a site visit and final inspection. Many homeowners choose to work with a qualified professional to ensure everything is designed, installed, and documented correctly the first time.

We’re always happy to answer questions and help you decide which approach makes the most sense for your project.

We love “Flip Your Strip” projects! It’s the best place to save water. We just have to make sure the plants we pick won’t grow taller than 24 inches (for visibility safety). We have a great list of colorful, low-growing plants that fit perfectly.