Frequently Asked Questions — Xeriscaping & Landscaping Utah

Xeriscaping (sometimes spelled zeroscaping) is a landscaping method that replaces traditional grass lawns with drought-tolerant plants, decorative rock, gravel, and mulch. The goal is to create a beautiful yard that requires little to no supplemental irrigation once established. In Utah, where water restrictions are tightening and outdoor water use accounts for up to 60% of household consumption, xeriscaping is one of the most practical yard upgrades a homeowner can make.

Most residential xeriscaping projects in Salt Lake County range from $5 to $15 per square foot installed, depending on materials, the complexity of your existing yard, and whether grading or irrigation work is required. A typical 500–800 sq ft front yard conversion runs $4,000–$10,000 before rebates. The Utah Water Savers program pays up to $3/sq ft back — meaning a $6,000 project on 1,000 sq ft could net $3,000 in rebates. We provide a detailed, itemized quote for every project before any work begins.

Most residential xeriscaping projects take 1–3 days from start to finish. A simple front yard with grass removal and rock install is often complete in a single day. Larger projects involving grading, plant placement, drip irrigation, and back yard work may take 2–3 days. We give you a realistic timeline in your quote so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes — removing qualifying grass and replacing it with water-wise landscaping (rock, gravel, or approved plants) qualifies for the Utah Water Savers rebate program, which pays up to $3 per square foot. Lundberg Landscape's work is rebate-approved. We walk you through the pre-approval and post-installation steps at no extra charge. See our full rebate guide →

Technically, "xeriscaping" (from the Greek "xeros" meaning dry) is the original term for drought-tolerant landscaping, coined in Colorado in the 1980s. "Zeroscaping" is a popular variation that emphasizes replacing lawn with zero-water materials like rock and gravel. In practice, most landscapers — including us — use the terms interchangeably. Both refer to replacing thirsty grass with water-wise alternatives.

Utah Water Savers (managed by the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District) pays qualifying homeowners up to $3 per square foot to remove qualifying grass and install water-wise landscaping. The process involves: (1) pre-approval before removal begins, (2) installation by a qualified contractor, (3) post-installation inspection, (4) rebate payment. Lundberg Landscape guides you through every step.

Up to $3 per square foot of qualifying grass removed, with maximums that vary by water district. A typical 1,000 sq ft front yard conversion could return $3,000. Some projects qualify for additional rebates through municipal programs layered on top of the Water Savers program. We'll help you identify all available rebates when you request a quote.

In many cases yes — the rebate is tied to the square footage of grass removed and the qualifying material installed, not necessarily who does the removal. However, the installation portion typically needs to meet specific standards to pass inspection. We recommend having a qualified contractor handle at minimum the install phase to ensure rebate approval.

First, shut off your irrigation controller (the timer box, usually in your garage). If the zone continues running, locate your main sprinkler shutoff valve — typically near the backflow preventer outside your home — and close it manually. Then call us immediately at 801.450.0198. A stuck-open valve is a common emergency we handle frequently.

We service all major residential brands including Rain Bird, Hunter, Toro, Rainbird, K-Rain, and Orbit, as well as most commercial brands. We also install smart controllers that connect to weather data to automatically adjust watering schedules — reducing water use and preventing overwatering.

Fill out our online quote form or call 801.450.0198. Russ will typically reach out within a few hours to schedule a site visit (for larger projects) or provide a phone estimate (for simpler work like sprinkler repairs). Most quotes are delivered within 24 hours.

Yes. Lundberg Landscape / Zeroscape LLC is fully licensed in Utah and carries complete general liability insurance on every project. We can provide proof of insurance on request.

Yes. We offer flexible payment options for larger projects. Ask about financing when you request your quote — we can often structure payment around the rebate timeline so your out-of-pocket is minimized.