Home / Xeriscaping cost
2026 prices & rebates
How much does xeriscaping cost in Utah County?
Most full xeriscape conversions in Utah run about $5 to $15 per square foot, so roughly $5,000 to $15,000 for a 1,000 sq ft lawn. Utah County homeowners can get $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot back through the state's lawn-replacement rebate.
- 5.0 · 20 Google reviews
- Free estimates
- Same-day response
- Hablamos español
What you're paying for
What goes into a xeriscape job
Every yard is different, so we don't price by the square foot. We look at the yard, talk through what you want, and give you one clear price before any work starts.
Lawn removal
Cutting out the old sod and hauling it away, so nothing grows back through the rock.
Grading & prep
Setting the grade so water drains away from the house, then prepping the ground for rock and plants.
Sprinkler changes
Capping the spray zones under the new landscape and running drip to every plant.
Rock, plants & mulch
Decorative rock, drought-tolerant plants and trees, laid out so the yard looks planned.
Edging & curbing
Clean borders between rock, beds and any lawn you keep.
Rebate paperwork help
Measurements, photos and a plan drawing for the Utah Water Savers application.
Published 2026 cost guides put full xeriscape conversions in Utah at about $5 to $15 per sq ft. Your price depends on what your yard needs.
What moves the price
Why one yard costs more than another
How much lawn you keep
Keeping a small lawn where the kids play costs less than converting every square foot, and it can still qualify for the rebate on the part you replace.
Plants vs. rock
Rock covers ground for less than a planted bed, but the rebate needs half the new area planted, so most yards land on a mix.
Curbing, boulders & edging
Concrete curbing, boulders and steel edging make a yard look finished and add to the cost.
Dirt work & access
Steep grades, poor drainage or a tight side gate mean more excavation time. We do this work ourselves, so there's no second contractor to pay.
Your sprinkler system
Every job caps spray zones and runs drip to the new plants. A system already in good shape keeps that part of the cost down.
Size
Bigger areas cost more in total but usually less per square foot, since setup and equipment are spread over more ground.
Rebate calculator
Estimate your water-wise rebate
Pick your town and enter roughly how much lawn you'd replace. It uses Central Utah Water's residential rates. The program confirms the real amount when it visits.
Estimated rebate
$0
Enter your lawn size to see the rebate and a typical price range.
The program has to approve the project before any grass comes out, and half the new area has to be planted. The rebate is paid to the homeowner after the finished yard passes inspection.
Example
A 1,000 sq ft front lawn, before and after the rebate
Same yard, two towns. The rebate rate depends on where you live.
Rebate rates from the Utah Water Savers residential program pages, October 2026. Rates and rules can change.
Google reviews
Fair prices, honest work
Sergio and his crew were awesome! They did great work, communicated well throughout the whole process, were honest and trustworthy. I would recommend them to anyone and will use them again in the future. We hired them to do a whole remodel of our landscaping including installing sprinklers, cement curbing, sod and xeriscaping. It turned out great, we are very pleased with the quality and care that went into their work.
Sergio did a great job explaining what was going on with our system and explaining different options to fix it within our budget! We came up with a plan and he was diligent and honest with his work. Everything looks and works fantastic! A+
Sergio helped me with a few landscape retaining walls in my backyard, they turned out great!
Questions
Common questions
How much does xeriscaping cost per square foot in Utah?
Most full conversions run about $5 to $15 per square foot. A simple yard with rock and light planting sits at the low end. Curbing, boulders, dense planting and big grade changes push it higher.
How much does it cost to replace a 1,000 sq ft lawn?
Typically $5,000 to $15,000 before rebates. In Spanish Fork, Salem and Payson the lawn-replacement rebate is $3.00 per sq ft, or $3,000. In Springville, Mapleton, Provo and Orem it's $1.50 per sq ft, or $1,500.
Does the rebate pay for the whole project?
No. It covers part of the cost. The program also has rules: it has to approve the project before any grass comes out, half the new area has to be planted, and artificial turf, concrete and pavers don't qualify.
Does a backyard cost more than a front yard?
Mostly it comes down to access. If our equipment fits through the gate, a backyard prices about the same as a front yard of the same size. A tight gate or steep side yard means more hand work and more time.
How much does it cost to xeriscape a park strip?
Park strips are small, so setup and hauling make up a bigger share of the job, and the price per square foot usually lands toward the high end. The lawn-replacement rebate covers park strips too. See park strip landscaping.
Is rock cheaper than sod?
Up front they can cost about the same, depending on the rock and the yard. The difference is what comes after: rock and drip-watered plants don't need mowing and use far less water every summer.
Are estimates free?
Yes. Call or text and we'll come look at the yard. You get a clear price before any work starts.
When should I start planning?
Winter. In towns with secondary water, the rebate program's site visits pause from October 15 to April 15. If your plan and measurements are ready, you can apply as soon as visits start again in spring.