Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.