What Denver Locals Need To Know About Colorado's Lawn Replacement Program & Its Incentives

For Denver-area residents looking to conserve water and ditch their turf lawns, a local lawn replacement program is offering both practical support and financial incentives. Run by Boulder-based nonprofit Resource Central, the program helps homeowners replace traditional grass lawns with low-water, pollinator-friendly alternatives — and provides up to $750 in rebates to help make it happen. Since 2020, participants have collectively saved over 36 million gallons of water, making Colorado's lawn replacement program and its incentives something that all locals should learn about if they want to benefit from reduced water bills and lower maintenance yards.

At its core, this initiative is about reducing outdoor water use, which Resource Central notes accounts for nearly 50% of residential consumption. For example, by replacing Kentucky bluegrass (which can use 19 gallons of water per square foot) with native plants and mulch, homeowners not only save water but also improve soil health and support local ecosystems. Mulch is especially useful if you're following the xeriscaping trend and want to help your garden in a drought.

Alongside lawn removal services, Resource Central can provide Garden In A Box kits and community workshops and events to simplify the process for homeowners. Other upgrades may include drip irrigation and water-smart plant kits, depending on what you're looking for. There are plenty of low-maintenance ways to create an eye-catching front lawn without grass if you're worried about water scarcity as a Denver resident, and this program offers a clear path to making those changes without sacrificing curb appeal.

To participate, residents must apply through Resource Central's Lawn Replacement Program, which is available to homeowners with healthy, irrigated lawns between 200 and 2,000 square feet. The lawn must still be in place — not removed or chemically treated — and at least 50% of the area must be replanted with waterwise, native vegetation. Once approved, Resource Central handles the logistics: they remove your lawn, haul away the sod, and connect you with planting guidance and eligible rebates. Applicants who apply for the additional Garden In A Box program, can preorder supplies in June and enjoy their new plants by August.

The program partners with municipalities across the Front Range to offset lawn removal costs by up to $750 per household. While the DIY option has closed for 2025 due to high demand, Garden In A Box kits became available from June 18 for residents still looking to landscape independently. Native landscapes also require fewer chemicals, lower maintenance, and offer long-term environmental benefits, while native plants reduce water usage, support pollinators, and help reverse habitat loss.

Residents can also enhance their yards with non-plant features like flagstone paths and mulch walkways, which help reduce turf while maintaining curb appeal. Pairing these with some of the best drought-resistant grass alternatives for your yard can create a landscape that's both attractive and water-wise. With expert guidance and strong community support, Resource Central's program makes it easier for Denver locals to rethink how their lawns can work better for them.