Lawn-to-turf conversions
Swapping a lawn for turf is the most common job here. If you want the water district's incentive, the order you do things in matters.
The Washington County Water Conservancy District runs the Water Efficient Landscape Program, which pays property owners to replace living grass with water-efficient landscaping. Its program page lists $3 for each square foot of grass replaced. The Salt Lake Tribune reported in June 2026 that the district raised the rate from $2 to $3 for the first 1,000 square feet, for projects completed by June 1, 2027, after which it returns to $2 unless the board acts again. Check the district's page for the current terms before you plan around a number.
How does turf fit the program?
The district says no incentive is paid for turf itself. Turf may be used in place of mulch only if it's permeable to air and water, and the converted area still has to meet the plant-cover and drip irrigation requirements. Plants must cover at least 50% of the converted area at maturity; the district counts each tree as 350 square feet and each shrub, groundcover or perennial as 35 square feet. A design that's mostly turf with a few plants won't meet that. A design that puts turf in a play or seating area and fills the rest with trees and shrubs on drip might.
What order should I do things in?
- Apply first. Submit the district's application and schedule the pre-conversion site visit while the grass is still there.
- Wait for approval. The district says starting before approval and the site visit makes the project ineligible.
- Plan with your installer. Share the district's requirements so the design covers plant cover, drip, a filter and a pressure regulator.
- Build it. Then submit the paperwork and grant the conservation easement.
What's the conservation easement?
To be paid, you grant the district a perpetual easement over the converted area that's recorded with the Washington County Recorder and binds future owners. You can change plants and mulch later, but you can't put irrigated lawn, spray irrigation, pools or water features back in that area.
Not doing the incentive?
That's fine too. You can convert any part of a lawn to turf on your own schedule. Just check your HOA rules and, for newer St. George homes, ask the city whether a revised landscape plan is needed.
The installer prices the job after measuring the area and seeing the site: how much grass or rock has to come out, how much base is needed, access for equipment, and the turf and infill you pick. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone is only a starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Can I stop watering my lawn before the district inspection?
The district says you may stop irrigating up to a month before the scheduled inspection, as long as visible grass blades remain. Don't remove the grass.
Is the incentive taxable?
The district says owner-occupied primary residences don't need to provide a W-9 and won't get a 1099. Rentals, second homes and commercial properties do. Ask a tax professional about your situation.
Related services
- Artificial grass for front and back yards
- Backyard putting greens
- Pet turf and dog runs
- Play areas and backyard sports
More background: Washington County artificial turf guide.
Tired of watering a lawn nobody walks on?
Call and a local turf installer will talk through your yard, your water-district options and what the job involves.