Denver-area residents looking to save water and move away from traditional turf lawns can benefit from a local lawn replacement program offering practical support and financial incentives. Operated by the Boulder-based nonprofit Resource Central, the program assists homeowners in transforming traditional grass lawns into low-water, pollinator-friendly alternatives, with rebates up to $750 available to aid in this transition. Since 2020, participants have collectively conserved over 36 million gallons of water, making Colorado’s lawn replacement initiative a vital consideration for locals interested in reducing water bills and yard maintenance.
This initiative primarily focuses on decreasing outdoor water consumption, which Resource Central highlights as accounting for nearly 50% of residential use. For instance, replacing Kentucky bluegrass, which can consume 19 gallons of water per square foot, with native plants and mulch allows homeowners to conserve water, enhance soil health, and bolster local ecosystems. Mulch is particularly beneficial for those following the xeriscaping trend and aiming to support their gardens during drought conditions.
In addition to lawn removal services, Resource Central offers Garden In A Box kits, community workshops, and events to simplify the process for homeowners. Potential upgrades may include drip irrigation systems and water-smart plant kits, depending on individual preferences. There are numerous low-maintenance options for creating an appealing front lawn without grass, addressing water scarcity concerns for Denver residents, and this program provides a clear pathway to implementing such changes while maintaining curb appeal.
How the program works and why it matters
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To engage with the program, residents must apply through Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement Program, which is open to homeowners with healthy, irrigated lawns ranging from 200 to 2,000 square feet. The existing lawn must remain intact—neither removed nor chemically treated—and at least 50% of the area should be replanted with waterwise, native vegetation. Once accepted, Resource Central takes care of the logistics: removing your lawn, hauling away the sod, and providing planting guidance and eligible rebates. Those who apply for the additional Garden In A Box program can preorder supplies in June and enjoy their new plants by August.
The program collaborates with municipalities across the Front Range to cover lawn removal costs by up to $750 per household. Although the DIY option has closed for 2025 due to high demand, Garden In A Box kits became available from June 18 for residents still eager to landscape independently. Native landscapes require fewer chemicals, are less maintenance-intensive, and offer long-term environmental advantages, while native plants help reduce water consumption, support pollinators, and counteract habitat loss.
Residents can also enhance their yards with non-plant elements like flagstone paths and mulch walkways, which help minimize turf while preserving curb appeal. Combining these with top drought-resistant grass alternatives can create a landscape that is both attractive and water-efficient. With expert advice and robust community support, Resource Central’s program simplifies the process for Denver locals to reimagine how their lawns can better serve them.
