A Better Yard, Using Less Water

How homeowners in Utah are saving water, cutting maintenance, and creating more beautiful outdoor spaces

There’s a shift happening in how we think about our yards in Utah.

Water is getting more expensive. Summers are getting hotter. And a lot of homeowners are starting to realize that the traditional big lawn just doesn’t make as much sense as it used to.

But here’s the part that surprises people—when you reduce lawn and design your yard more intentionally, it almost always looks better, not worse.

Rethinking the Lawn

Most homes have areas of grass that don’t really get used—side yards, narrow strips, or patches that are hard to maintain.

Those areas still get watered constantly, mowed weekly, fertilized, edged… all for something that doesn’t really add to how you use your space.

One of the simplest changes you can make is:

·       Reduce turf → Expand garden beds → Install drip irrigation

Insight: Most homeowners can reduce lawn by 20–40% and not miss it—in many cases, they end up liking their yard more.

Why This Change Works So Well

·       Drip irrigation waters plants right at the root—no overspray, no waste

·       Garden beds hold moisture better and support healthier plants

·       Thoughtful plant selection means less watering overall

·       Less lawn means less mowing, less edging, and less weekend work

It’s not just about saving water—it’s about building a yard that actually works for you.

Utah’s Water Savers Program (Slow the Flow)

Utah is actively encouraging homeowners to make these changes—and they’re willing to help pay for it.

Through the Water Savers Program, you can receive rebates for removing grass and replacing it with water-wise landscaping.

Insight: This isn’t a small discount—these rebates can meaningfully offset the cost of improving your yard.

What You Can Get Rebates For

·       Removing grass and replacing it with low-water landscaping

·       Expanding garden beds

·       Converting sprinklers to drip irrigation

·       Updating parking strips and unused lawn areas

What That Looks Like in Real Life

·       Up to $3 per square foot for removing grass

·       Additional incentives for drip irrigation

Insight: It’s not uncommon for homeowners to receive several thousand to tens of thousands dollars back on a project.

More Than Just Water Savings

The real benefit shows up after the project is done.

Your yard feels more intentional. Cleaner. Easier to take care of.

You’re not constantly chasing weeds or dealing with dry patches. You’re not spending your weekends mowing areas you don’t use.

And over time, you’re spending less—on water, on maintenance, and on fixes.

Do It Right the First Time

Not all “low-water” landscapes are created equal.

When done right, it should look clean, intentional, and consistent—not patchy or thrown together.

·       Proper grading and drainage

·       Commercial-grade weed barrier

·       Clean, even rock or mulch installation

·       Plants that are spaced and selected correctly

·       A drip system that’s designed—not just installed

Insight: The difference between a great yard and a frustrating one usually comes down to how well it was built—not the idea itself.

Final Thought

This isn’t about ripping out your whole yard or making it look desert-like.

It’s about being more thoughtful with your space—keeping what you actually use, and improving everything else.

You end up with a yard that looks better, costs less to maintain, and uses far less water. And right now, the state is helping homeowners make that shift.