Mesquite Landscaping, Inc.
Water Conservation
Arizona Grass-Removal Rebates: Desert Landscaping Designed to Your City’s Program Requirements
Arizona cities are offering some of the most generous grass-removal rebates in the country — up to $5,000 in Queen Creek and $2 per square foot in Phoenix. Mesquite Landscaping designs and installs desert landscaping to meet the published requirements of East Valley city programs. When a homeowner tells us a city program is one of their goals, we review the published requirements and design with them in mind.
Lower water bills. Less maintenance. A yard that actually looks like it belongs in the desert.
2026 Grass Removal Rebates by City
| City | Rebate | Max Payout | Artificial Turf? | Notes | City Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Creek | $2 / sq. ft. | $5,000 | Allowed, up to 1,000 sq. ft. | 500 sq. ft. minimum. Landscape must still meet 30% low-water-use plant canopy. New program — June 2026. | Queen Creek Residential Turf Conversion Incentive Program |
| Gilbert | Up to $2,000 | $3,000 | — | Plus up to an additional $1,000 incentive. Removed grass must be replaced with low-water-use landscaping. | Gilbert Water Conservation Rebates |
| Mesa | Up to $2,100 | $2,100 | Allowed, not alone | Turf can be incorporated, but turf alone does not qualify — needs sufficient low-water-use plant coverage. | Mesa Residential Grass-to-Xeriscape Program |
| Chandler | $1.50 / sq. ft. | $2,000 | Not rebated | Approved low-water-use landscaping only; turf doesn’t count toward rebated area. Effective Jan 1, 2026. | Chandler Residential Rebate Program |
| Phoenix | $2 / sq. ft. | Varies | — | Qualifying residential grass removal and conversion to desert landscaping. | Phoenix Residential Grass Removal Incentive |
Queen Creek — $2 per sq. ft., up to $5,000, with a 500 sq. ft. minimum. Artificial turf is allowed for up to 1,000 sq. ft., but the overall landscape still has to meet the town’s 30% low-water-use plant canopy requirement. Brand-new program announced June 2026.
→ Queen Creek Residential Turf Conversion Incentive Program
Gilbert — Up to $2,000 for qualifying grass removal, plus up to an additional $1,000 incentive. Removed grass must be replaced with low-water-use landscaping.
→ Gilbert Water Conservation Rebates
Mesa — Up to $2,100 for qualifying grass-to-xeriscape projects. Artificial turf can be incorporated, but turf alone does not qualify; the project also needs sufficient low-water-use plant coverage.
→ Mesa Residential Grass-to-Xeriscape Program
Chandler — $1.50 per sq. ft., up to $2,000. Conversion to approved low-water-use landscaping only; artificial turf does not qualify as part of the rebated area. Current program took effect January 1, 2026.
→ Chandler Residential Rebate Program
Phoenix — $2 per sq. ft. for qualifying residential grass removal and conversion to desert landscaping.
→ Phoenix Residential Grass Removal Incentive
Rebate programs change, and funding is limited. We confirm current terms and funding with your city before your project begins.
City program links:
Common Reasons Rebate Applications Are Denied — and How We Help
Most denied rebate applications come down to three mistakes:
- Not enough plant coverage. Queen Creek, Mesa, and Chandler all require a minimum low-water-use plant canopy. A yard that’s all gravel and turf gets rejected.
- Wrong plants. We design with the applicable published plant list in mind.
- Skipping the pre-inspection. Most programs require approval before removal. Pull the grass early and the rebate is gone.
We’ve built desert landscapes across the East Valley for years. We work with the published requirements for the applicable city program.
What a Water-Smart Yard Looks Like
- Desert-adapted plants — native and low-water species that stay green on a fraction of the water
- Artificial turf — save on water while being safe for kid and pets
- Pavers and hardscape — durable, heat-tolerant surfaces built for Arizona yards
- Drip irrigation — targeted watering with no runoff
- Shade structures — cut heat, protect plants, make the yard usable year-round
How We Support a Rebate-Focused Project
- Free on-site estimate — we measure your turf and review the published requirements for your city’s program
- City-compliant design — plant selection and canopy coverage matched to your program
- Pre-approval support — if a rebate is one of your goals, we can provide project documentation to support your application before any grass comes out
- Demolition and install — licensed, insured, ROC #265347
- Final inspection — the city determines eligibility, approval, and payment.
Disclosure: rebate participation is homeowner-initiated; Mesquite does not evaluate every project for rebate eligibility; if a homeowner names a program as a project goal, Mesquite reviews the published requirements and designs against them; homeowner confirms eligibility, application, and approval with the municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I get for removing my grass in Arizona?
Depending on your city, between $1.50 and $2 per square foot, with caps ranging from $2,000 (Chandler) to $5,000 (Queen Creek). Phoenix pays $2 per square foot for qualifying residential conversions. See the Queen Creek, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, and Phoenix program pages for current terms.
Does artificial turf qualify for the grass removal rebate?
It depends on the city. Queen Creek allows up to 1,000 sq. ft. of artificial turf. Mesa allows turf as part of the project but not on its own. Chandler does not rebate artificial turf at all. We can design with your city’s published rules in mind when that’s one of your project goals.
Can I get the city rebate and Mesquite's free demolition credit on the same project?
Yes. Qualifying projects receive up to $5,000 in free demolition from Mesquite in addition to your city rebate.
How much water will I save?
A typical Arizona lawn uses tens of thousands of gallons per year. Converting to desert landscaping commonly cuts outdoor water use by half or more.
How long does a grass-to-xeriscape conversion take?
Most residential projects are completed in one to two weeks after city pre-approval, depending on size and scope.
Warranty Coverage
Licensed, bonded, and insured — ROC #265347
Questions about your rebate or our warranty? Contact us or call (480) 238-2943.
A Better-Looking Yard With Water Savings in Mind
A water-smart landscape starts with a plan—not simply replacing grass with gravel. Mesquite Landscaping helps homeowners explore water conservation and grass-removal rebate options while creating outdoor spaces designed for everyday living.
Depending on your goals and city requirements, your design can combine artificial turf, efficient irrigation systems, and pavers and travertine walkways. Thoughtful placement brings these features together with low-water-use plants for a practical, inviting yard.
Before choosing materials, review our Arizona landscape design guide and connect with our customer care team to discuss applicable manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
Water savings depend on your existing landscape, new design, and watering practices. City rebates require separate eligibility review and approval; artificial turf does not qualify in every program.

