Turf Replacement Program

In 2023, the City applied for and was awarded a grant for the development and implementation of a Turf Replacement Program through the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). The Turf Replacement Program is an initiative Public Works has undertaken to minimize water consumption throughout the City for nonessential landscape turf irrigation. During the summer season, the consumption of treated water in the City increases more than twofold compared to winter. A significant portion of this consumption is attributed to the irrigation of landscape turf. The Colorado Water Plan has prioritized water conservation and converting "non-functional turf" to low-water-use landscaping.

What is the Turf Replacement Program?

The turf replacement program incentivizes property owners to replace non-functional turf and landscaping plants with qualifying alternatives. This initiative involves removing unutilized grass landscaping and replacing it with drought-resistant plants to save water and establish a more natural wildlife habitat. A low-water-use landscape, or xeriscape, is not a rockscape. Artificial turf, water features, concrete, or any other impervious surfaces are strictly prohibited. Approved projects will need to have a predicted coverage of at least 50% plant growth at maturity to qualify.

The program is set to reimburse approved applicants up to $2,000 in project costs for residential homeowners and up to $4,000 in project costs for commercial business owners. This program offers funds on a first come, first served basis. To apply, review the information below.

Timeline

The Application Period is Now OPEN for 2026!

Anyone who wants to participate in the program needs to submit an application with all of the necessary attachments. The deadline for submissions is September 1st. Applicants will then be evaluated and selected based on the requirements of the program, available funds, and order of applications received.

Awarded Turf Replacement Projects

Selected applicants will have through October 31st to complete their projects. Applicants will be reimbursed following the completion of the project. A City of Cortez staff member will do a final site visit prior to reimbursement.

Low-Water Gardening Made Easy

The City of Cortez partnered with Resource Central in 2025, and has continued its partnership for 2026, to help save you water and money in your yard. Ditch a bit of grass and plant a new perspective with Garden In A Box. Visit Resource Central to learn more.

What is Garden In A Box?

With Garden In A Box's collection of starter plants, plant-by-number maps and plant care guides, low-water landscaping doesn't have to be intimidating. You just pick up the pre-ordered plants at your selected pickup event, then take them home and plant them according to the maps. Follow the watering guidelines and seasonal care for your garden, then spend all the time (and money) you save simply enjoying the summer.

How it Works

The Garden In A Box program offers two times to purchase gardens during the gardening season:

Pre-order in March for pickup and planting in June.
Pre-order in June for pickup and planting in August and September

Join the interest list for all 2026 Resource Central Garden season news and updates.
Measure your space and determine the sun exposure.
When available, pre-order your Garden In A Box online here.
Remove lawn, where needed.
- The kits are designed to replace sections of non-functional lawns for the most water-saving impact.
Pick up your Garden In A Box.
- The pickup event should be listed when you make an order.
Plant and mulch your new Garden In A Box.
After the first year, dial back the water and begin saving.

Requirements of the Program

1. The property must be in City limits and supplied water must be metered by the City.
2. Only visible areas are allowed, no back yards. Side yards are acceptable if they can be seen from the road.
3. Must submit a completed application, "before" photos, and project drawing(s) showing removal area and proposed plants and materials.
4. Existing turf must be established, no dirt areas or new construction.
5. No previously completed projects are eligible for reimbursement. Project costs must be incurred in 2026.
6. Select low-water usage plants specified in the Cortez Plant List or other approved list. Resources can be found below.
7. If a tree is removed it must be replaced with a tree from the aforementioned plant lists. New tree does not need to be replaced in the same spot as the removed.
8. No artificial turf, water features, concrete, or other impervious surfaces.
9. Predicted coverage must be at least 50% plant growth at maturity.
10. Sprinkler systems must be modified for low-water usage (drip system).
11. Project must be completed by the end of October 2026.
12. You must agree to maintain the area for at least three (3) years.
13. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis.
14. Call 811 for utility locates before ground disturbance. Locates can also be scheduled using 811's online portal: Request A Locate Now - Homeowner
15. If you live in an HOA, you must first get approval from the HOA President, Board, or any other Representative(s) responsible for the approval of landscape changes.
16. Complete the attached W-9 form. You will receive a tax form.

Landowners are responsible for meeting any regulations, ordinances, and laws including, but not limited to, HOA regulations (if applicable), City Ordinances, and the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.

Additional Considerations for Landowners

Landowners are encouraged to move forward with plans for water-wise landscaping regardless of funding availability.
- Most landowners will see monetary savings in removing non-essential turf.
Water-wise landscaping should be more than landscape fabric and rocks. Landowners are encouraged to explore viable approaches that best achieve desired outcomes and meet the minimum predicted coverage.
Xeriscaping is not zeroscaping. Though most will see significant decreases in yard maintenance, xeriscaping still requires some work. That work can be very different from maintaining a lawn.
Existing trees, shrubs, and other landscape features can be affected by changes in the adjacent landscaping. Care should be taken to ensure existing landscape features are adequately maintained.
- Trees and shrubs often grow to be dependent on water and runoff from lawns and existing irrigation systems.
- Landscape fabric can impact water infiltration and soil health. It can girdle trees and promote shallow roots with diminished drought tolerance.
Work eligible for reimbursement must be completed between your start date (once approved) and the completion date.

How to Apply

Application for the Turf Replacement Program can be found below:

Online Application for Turf Replacement Program
- PDF Application for Turf Replacement Program
  - Physical Copy Available at City Hall & City Service Center Front Desks

E-mail completed PDF (or postal mail/deliver in person) application form with signature(s) and all necessary attachments.

Public Works Department
Attn: Turf Replacement Program
110 W. Progress Cir.
Cortez, CO 81321

Email completed PDF applications to:
npeterson@cortezco.gov
CC: kbeougher@cortezco.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the rebate cover the costs to remove and replace my turf landscaping?

The City's turf replacement rebate pays a portion of the cost; however, it will not cover the entire conversion to a low-water landscape. This is meant to be an incentive, and over time the savings on water bills will add up with expected savings being between 40-60% once plants have reached maturity.

Does the property owner have to provide matching funds, or is this a cost share?

This program is incentivized by a rebate/reimbursement. Property owners do not provide matching funds, nor is it a cost share. Property owners whose application has been approved for replacement of turf will pay, in full, the regular price of materials, labor (if you hire a landscaper), etc. needed to replace their non-functional turf to low-water alternatives. Once a final site visit/inspection has been performed, the City will offer cash back, up to the maximum allotted amount of removed turf, lowering the overall cost it took you to convert your landscape.

I see that the maximum square footage for the rebate is 1,000 for residential or 2,000 for commercial. Can we convert more turf than the listed maximums?

Yes, you are allowed to convert as much non-functional turf as you wish, however, the rebate will only reimburse project costs up to the listed maximums.

Why are all rock lawns, or rockscape, not accepted as part of this rebate?

By choosing to only use rock, or to design a landscape without the necessary plant growth coverage, the ground stays hotter, which can ultimately lead to a more arid community. The grant that has been awarded to the City of Cortez also requires a minimum of 50% plant coverage, at maturity, to offset heat.

Do I have to hire a landscape contractor, or can I do it myself?

You can either do it yourself or hire a contracted landscaper, but the requirements, as listed, must be followed in order to qualify for reimbursement. Please remember to call 811 for utility locates before ground disturbance.

What do I do with the turf once I remove it?

Your removed turf can be disposed of at the Landfill located at 26100 Road F Cortez, CO 81321. Phone Number: (970) 565-9858

Do I have to have a sprinkler system in order to participate in the Turf Replacement Program?

No, you are not required to have a sprinkler system in order to participate in the turf replacement program, but you do have to follow the requirements as listed, and install drip or high efficiency, low precipitation hoses, waterers, etc. It will be up to City staff to determine if the proposed changes to how you water are sufficient enough to qualify for the program.

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