Sustainable, beautiful, and budget-friendly—it’s time to rethink the Shaw Butte lawn
The City of Phoenix recently launched a significant incentive for homeowners to ditch thirsty grass in favor of desert-adapted landscaping. For those of us living in the shadow of the Shaw Butte and North Mountain preserves, transitioning to a "Xeriscape" isn't just about saving water; it's about making our properties mirror the natural beauty of the hiking trails we love.
Here is what you need to know about the Residential Grass Removal Incentive and how to claim your share.
The Incentive: $2 Per Square Foot
The City of Phoenix is currently offering a rebate of $2.00 per square foot of grass removed. With a minimum requirement of 250 square feet, that’s a baseline of $500 back in your pocket for making the switch. For larger projects, the city typically caps the standard approval at 5,000 square feet ($10,000), though larger projects may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Why Make the Switch in Shaw Butte?
Our neighborhood is unique. We are a "community of cleanliness and pride," and many of our homes date back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s. While those lush green lawns were the mid-century standard, today’s reality is different.
Massive Water Savings: Desert-adapted plants use roughly 85% less water than traditional turf.
Lower Maintenance: Spend your Saturday mornings hiking the Shaw Butte Trail instead of mowing, weeding, and edging.
Curb Appeal: A professionally designed desert landscape increases property value and fits the "Sonoran Modern" aesthetic that defines our area.
How to Qualify (Read Carefully!)
The most important rule is: Do not start digging yet. To get the check, you must follow the city’s process exactly:
Pre-Approval is Key: You must apply and receive a Notice to Proceed (NTP) before you remove a single blade of grass. If the grass is already gone, you aren't eligible.
Healthy Grass Only: The area you’re removing must currently be "alive and healthy" (at least 75% green/dense). They won't pay to remove a patch of dirt or weeds.
No Bare Soil: You can't just leave the ground empty. The city requires the area to be replaced with a sustainable landscape (think decomposed granite, desert shrubs, and trees from the approved low-water-use list).
Ownership: You must be the property owner and a Phoenix Water Services customer.
5 Steps to Your Rebate
Measure & Photo: Use the City’s Square Foot Measurement Tool to estimate your area. Take "before" photos of your healthy lawn.
Apply Online: Submit your application via the myPHX311 portal. You’ll need a W-9 and an Affidavit of Lawful Presence.
Wait for the NTP: Once the city reviews your photos and plan, they will issue your Notice to Proceed.
The Transformation: You have 6 months to complete the work. This is the perfect time to plant native species like Saguaro, Agave, or Desert Willow that thrive in our local soil.
Get Paid: Submit your "after" photos. Once approved, a check will be mailed to you within 1-2 billing cycles.
Get a Free Consultation
Before you finalize your design, the City's Planning & Development Department offers free Green Stormwater Infrastructure consultations. They can show you how to grade your new yard to "catch" rainwater, naturally nourishing your new plants and further reducing your water bill.
Ready to start? Visit the City of Phoenix Residential Grass Incentives page for the full checklist and application portal.
Let’s keep Shaw Butte vibrant, sustainable, and water-smart!
