Will your city pay for turf?
It depends on the city. Every program pays you to take grass out. Some pay only when desert plants go in, and a few pay when turf does. Here is what each city's own page said when we read it on November 6, 2026.
Apply before you touch the grass.
Almost every city page says the same thing: get approved first. Grass that is already out does not count.
Programs are funded year to year and can close early. Read your city's page the week you apply.
City by city.
- GilbertTurf allowed
- Pays up to $2,000 for removing grass, plus up to $1,000 more for desert plants, with a 200 square foot minimum. The page's own questions section says artificial turf is allowed in the converted area. You need pre-approval before removing grass, and funds are first come, first served. Read Gilbert's page
- BuckeyeTurf allowed
- Pays half of your removal cost, capped at a rate of $1.75 per square foot, whichever is lower. The page says the rebate covers grass replaced with artificial turf or desert landscaping. First come, first served. Read Buckeye's page
- GlendaleTurf at a lower rate
- The page lists up to $250 for artificial grass ($0.25 per square foot) and up to $3,000 for xeriscape ($1.00 per square foot), with a 500 square foot minimum. Read Glendale's page
- Queen CreekTurf up to 1,000 sq ft
- Pays $2 per square foot up to $5,000, and will pay on up to 1,000 square feet of artificial turf. The yard still has to meet a 30 percent plant coverage rule. When we read the page, all funding was allocated and new applications were not being accepted. Read Queen Creek's page
- MesaTurf only with plants
- Pays $1,000 to $2,000 depending on how much grass comes out, with a 500 square foot minimum. Turf alone does not qualify. You can include turf, but low-water plants have to cover half of the converted area. Apply before you start. Read Mesa's page
- PhoenixPage does not say
- Pays $2 per square foot of grass removed, with a 250 square foot minimum. The page does not say whether artificial turf counts. It does say no bare soil can be left, and that you must wait for a Notice to Proceed before removing any grass. Read Phoenix's page
- TempePage does not say
- Pays $0.50 per square foot up to $2,000 per home each fiscal year. Plants must cover 30 percent of the removal area, and pre-approval is required. The page does not say whether artificial turf counts. Read Tempe's page
- AvondalePage does not say
- Lists up to $800 for converting grass to desert landscaping with low-water plants. Pre-approval is required. The page does not mention artificial turf. Read Avondale's page
- ScottsdaleClosed for the season
- The residential grass removal rebate closed on October 31, 2026. The page says it reopens next season and to check back in May. It listed up to $5,000 and does not mention artificial turf. Read Scottsdale's page
- ChandlerTurf does not qualify
- Pays $1.50 per square foot of grass removed, up to $2,000, with a 500 square foot minimum. Any area converted to artificial turf does not qualify. Get a Notice to Proceed before removing grass. Read Chandler's page
- PeoriaTurf does not qualify
- Pays up to $3,000 for converting grass to low-water plants, with a 500 square foot minimum. Artificial turf is not eligible and may not be installed in the removal area. Read Peoria's page
Not on the list.
We did not find a city grass rebate page for Surprise, Goodyear, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek or Fountain Hills. If your water comes from a private company, ask that company.
Tempe's rule on artificial turf may be in its terms document, which we did not read. Ask the city before you count on it.
Your HOA and artificial turf.
Arizona law says that in a planned community that allows natural grass, the association generally may not prohibit artificial turf on a member's property.
The association can still set reasonable rules about where the turf goes, how much of it, and its quality, and the law has exceptions. Read the statute and your community's rules before you sign anything. This is not legal advice.
What this means for your yard.
Where a city pays for desert plants and not for turf, the rebate and the turf are for different parts of the yard. Start by seeing how big each part is.
Two ways to start.
Either way, Clay comes out, confirms the measurements and gives you one number.