City of Greeley News

The City of Greeley now offers water customers financial assistance to replace their lawns with a more sustainable Colorado xeriscape landscape.

The program, called Life After Lawn, replaces thirsty bluegrass with low-water-use plants.  Homeowners who convert their lawn can expect lower water bills, less maintenance, enhanced curb appeal, and higher property values.

City officials will provide a $1-per-square-foot rebate for areas of 500 to 2,000 square feet for properties selected to be part of the program. Applicants must be Greeley Water customers, own the property, and plan to retain the ownership for five or more years. Only front yard transformations are eligible for this program. The conversion must comply with all City of Greeley landscape codes and participants must receive approval of their homeowner's association, if applicable.

All prospective participants must attend the Life After Lawn Landscape Lecture Feb. 19. The workshop begins at 6 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 1001 11^th Ave. RSVP’s are required. To sign up and find more information, please visit greeleygov.com/LandscapeLectures to reserve a seat and get more information. The class covers the mandatory program guidelines and best practices for xeriscape lawn transformations. Attendees can begin the application process at that meeting.

Greeley Water Conservation piloted the project in 2019 with limited participants to help develop and refine the program. In 2020, city officials want to replace 100,000 square feet of bluegrass lawn throughout the community.

“The goal of this program is to provide a financial incentive to help customers transform their flat bluegrass lawn into a beautiful, functional landscape,” said Ruth Quade, City of Greeley water conservation manager. “When the only time you walk on the lawn is to mow it, it may be time to think of an alternative that would save money and water.”