This last winter was tough, with record low snowfall, and the spring months have done little to replenish our dwindling water supply. As cities across Utah County begin making adjustments to their watering recommendations, you may find yourself considering investing in a more drought-tolerant landscape. But, the cost of this yard renovation may have you reconsidering. 

Thankfully, with the help of Utah’s Flip Your Strip rebates, achieving a less water-reliant, more drought-tolerant yard is easier than ever. But, it is important to understand exactly what needs to be done to ensure you receive these rebates. Nothing would be more frustrating than striving toward these rebates only to find out you didn’t do it according to the state’s recommendations. 

In this blog, we’ll help you determine what needs to be done to ensure your American Fork or Spanish Fork home meets the Flip Your Strip rebate requirements. 

What are Requirements for Flip Your Strip Rebates in Utah County?

To qualify for Flip Your Strip rebates in Utah County, homeowners must remove eligible turf areas, follow approved landscaping guidelines, and complete the application process through their local water provider. Most programs also require pre-approval and post-project inspections to confirm your yard is in compliance. 

Snowpack levels in recent years have become more and more inconsistent. While year-round snowcapped mountains were once a normal occurrence, this is no longer the case. The Flip Your Strip rebate program is designed to encourage water-wise landscaping in Utah County by rewarding residents for replacing high-water grass with drought-tolerant alternatives.

Eligibility typically includes: 

• Removing living, irrigated turf, especially in park strips or non-functional lawn areas
• Applying before starting your project to secure funding
• Installing approved low-water plants, mulch, or hardscape features
• Maintaining efficient irrigation, such as drip systems instead of sprinklers

Cities like Orem and nearby communities often follow regional guidelines, but details can vary depending on your provider. Some programs offer between $2.00 and $3.00 per square foot, making turf removal in Orem an environmentally responsible and financially appealing option. 

How Does the Flip Your Strip Rebate Program Pay You for Turf Removal?

The payout structure of the Flip Your Strip rebate program is based on the square footage of your converted area, offering up to $3.00 per square foot to replace it with more water-efficient landscaping. You can be paid to renovate park strips, side yards, or your entire yard, making it easier than ever for homeowners from Spanish Fork to Orem to achieve a more drought-tolerant yard. 

However, before you can be paid for your yard renovation, it is important to understand what is expected of you. To ensure you qualify for Flip Your Strip rebates, make sure to follow these steps: 

• Application: Before doing anything, create an account on the Utah Water Savers website and submit your application. 
• Initial Inspection: Once your application is processed, you’ll have a pre-project inspection to ensure the space qualifies for a rebate. 
• Turf Removal: After the inspection, you can begin your turf removal project and replace it with more drought-tolerant materials like gravel, mulch, and water-wise plants. 
• Verification: You may need to schedule a post-project inspection or submit before and after photos to receive the rebate. 

If you’re feeling unsure, it is always best to reach out to a Utah County landscaping team for support. They will have a more comprehensive understanding of what local governments are requiring of homeowners and can ensure your yard meets the Flip Your Strip rebate requirements. 

What Steps Should You Follow to Qualify for Water-Wise Landscaping? 

If you want to qualify for water-wise landscaping, your post-completion yard must reduce turf, use more water-friendly irrigation systems (like drip irrigation), and incorporate more native or low-water-use plants. Some of the most water-wise landscaping features to include on your Utah County property may include:

• Utah-Native Plants: Consider investing in native plants, like saliva, juniper, Russian sage, and blue fescue, that thrive in low-water environments.
• Improved Irrigation Systems: Remove old irrigation systems and replace them with a drip irrigation system to use less water throughout the hottest months of the year.
• Mulch: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch, including wood chips, bark, or gravel, to limit or eliminate weed growth and boost moisture retention. 
• Turf Limitations: While you can still have some turf on your Utah County property, it can be no more than 8 feet in width to qualify as a water-wise landscape. 

Which Utah Cities Offer the Best Turf Removal Rebates? 

Several Utah County cities offer incredibly competitive Flip Your Strip rebates, with some providing higher payouts than others based on local water conservation goals. Some Utah County cities, including Lehi, Spanish Fork, Lindon, Alpine, Vineyard, Salem, Cedar Hills, and Elk Ridge offer $3.00 per square foot for qualifying conversions. 

The maximum rebate homeowners across Utah County will receive is $50,000. These incentives make water-wise landscaping more accessible while encouraging residents to reduce their outdoor water use. The high rebates reflect the county’s commitment to conservation, especially for visible areas like park strips. 

When comparing programs, it’s important to check city-specific requirements, funding limits, and deadlines. Choosing the right location and timing your project can significantly increase your total rebate while maximizing long-term water savings. If you’re unsure where to begin, it’s best to reach out to a trusted Utah County landscaper for support. 

What Are the Best Plants to Use After Completing Your Project?

The best plants for a Flip Your Strip project are drought-tolerant, climate-ready varieties that will thrive in Utah’s zone 5-7 conditions while using minimal water. Choosing the right mix ensures your new landscape stays beautiful, low-maintenance, and rebate-compliant. When planning water-wise landscaping in Utah County, focus on plants that can handle hot summers, cold winters, and limited irrigation. Popular options include: 

• Garden roses, especially hardy shrub varieties suited for dry climates
• Drought-tolerant shrubs like sage, juniper, and rabbitbrush
• Ornamental grasses such as blue fescue or feather reed grass
• Native perennials like penstemon and yarrow for seasonal color
• Groundcovers like creeping thyme that reduce exposed soil

These choices not only support successful Flip Your Strip rebates but also enhance curb appeal after turf removal in Orem and surrounding areas.

Helping You Achieve a More Water-Wise Landscape in Utah County

At Total Yard Pro, our team is dedicated to helping homeowners across Utah County achieve the water-wise landscape they’ve been striving toward. Whether you’re removing grass in place of a more drought-tolerant yard or starting from scratch, we can help you design a yard that meets your aesthetic and functional needs. From drought-tolerant landscaping installation to hardscaping design, drainage solutions, and more, we’re the ideal partner for your upcoming yard remodeling project.

If you would like to learn more about our water-wise landscaping services and how we can help you qualify for Utah’s Flip Your Strip rebate, fill out our online contact form or call us at 801-515-0002.