Arizona Xeriscape Rebates: Get Paid to Ditch Your Grass (Yes, Really)
- Dakota Jeane DiSanto
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
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Did you know Arizona cities will actually pay you to remove your grass? It's true, and right now, there are more Arizona xeriscape rebates available than ever before.
Whether you're in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, or Tucson, there's a good chance your city (or water utility) has money set aside specifically to help you make the switch to desert landscaping. And with rebates ranging from $0.50 to $5.00 per square foot, a mid-size yard conversion can put real money back in your pocket.
How Arizona Xeriscape Rebates Work
Most programs follow the same basic structure: you apply for pre-approval before removing any grass, get a Notice to Proceed from your city, complete the conversion, and then submit photos for your rebate check. It sounds simple, but the details vary a lot by city — plant requirements, minimum square footage, canopy coverage percentages, and eligible irrigation systems all differ depending on where you live.
Here's a quick look at what some of the major programs offer:
Phoenix: $2.00/sq ft, up to 5,000 sq ft for residential, ~82% of the $5M budget still available
Gilbert: Up to $3,000 residential + the highest commercial rate in the Valley at $3.00/sq ft
Mesa: Tiered flat-rate structure up to ~$2,100, with SRP dollar-for-dollar matching for commercial
Chandler: $1.50/sq ft up to $2,000 (rates updated January 2026)
Tempe: Stack multiple rebates: grass removal + TreeBate + smart irrigation = up to $2,500+
Tucson: $5.00/sq ft for commercial/multifamily, the highest rate in Arizona
Some programs are temporarily paused (looking at you, Scottsdale and EPCOR) due to overwhelming demand, which tells you everything you need to know about how popular these rebates have become.
Why Now Is the Time
Arizona is in a long-term water conservation push, and state funding through WIFA (Water Infrastructure Finance Authority) is actively backing these programs. But these rebates are first-come, first-served, and several cities are working through limited budgets. Programs that are fully funded today could look very different next year.
Beyond the rebate dollars, xeriscaping just makes sense in the Arizona desert. Lower water bills. Less maintenance. A yard that actually belongs here.
Let Ocotillo Joe Handle the Whole Thing
Figuring out which program applies to your address, what plants qualify, how much canopy coverage you need, and when to apply is a lot to navigate on your own. That's exactly what Ocotillo Joe is here for.
We guide clients through the entire process, from identifying and submitting your city's rebate application, to designing a custom xeriscape plan that meets all requirements, to sourcing the right desert plants and completing the full installation. One call, one team, start to finish.
Ready to get started? Contact Ocotillo Joe today and find out how much your city will pay you to go xeriscape. We'll help you the entire process!
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