SNWA Water Smart Landscape Conversions in Las Vegas
Chicago Landscape of Las Vegas helps homeowners, HOAs, multifamily communities and commercial properties replace high-water grass with attractive desert landscaping designed for Southern Nevada. Our team can coordinate the landscape design, grass removal, irrigation changes, plants, trees, decorative rock and installation needed for a complete Water Smart conversion.
A successful conversion is more than removing turf and spreading rock. The finished landscape must work with the property, protect existing trees, provide appropriate plant coverage and use efficient irrigation while improving curb appeal and reducing long-term water use.
Important: SNWA requires a pre-conversion site visit and approval before grass is removed. Starting work before approval can make the project ineligible for the rebate.
Current Water Smart Landscape Rebate Highlights
Under the current SNWA Water Smart Landscapes program, qualifying grass can be replaced with desert landscaping for significant incentives:
- Single-family residential: $5 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet converted and $2.50 per square foot thereafter per property, per fiscal year.
- Businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties: $5 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet and $1.50 per square foot thereafter.
- Tree Enhancement Program: qualifying new trees can earn an additional $100 per tree. Henderson customers may qualify for an additional tree incentive.
- Additional local incentives: some Las Vegas Valley Water District and City of Henderson customers may qualify for additional rebates.
Program amounts and conditions can change. We recommend confirming current terms directly with the Southern Nevada Water Authority Water Smart Landscapes program before beginning a project.
What a Rebate-Ready Desert Landscape Conversion Requires
SNWA’s program is designed around complete water-efficient landscapes rather than simple turf removal. For qualifying projects, plants must provide at least 50% coverage of the converted area at maturity, and irrigation should be appropriate for the new landscape.
Our Water Smart Conversion Process
- Property consultation: We review the grass area, irrigation, existing trees, access, drainage and the property’s goals.
- SNWA application and pre-conversion visit: The property owner applies and waits for SNWA approval before turf is disturbed.
- Landscape planning: We develop a desert landscape using drought-tolerant plants, trees, decorative rock, boulders, pavers or other permeable materials where appropriate.
- Irrigation redesign: Grass irrigation is removed or converted and efficient drip irrigation is installed or adjusted for the new plants and existing trees.
- Grass removal and installation: Our crew removes the approved turf area, prepares the site and installs the new landscape.
- Final inspection: The completed project must satisfy applicable program conditions before the rebate is finalized.
For projects involving substantial irrigation changes, see our Las Vegas irrigation installation and repair services. For decorative rock options, visit our Landscape Rock Las Vegas page.
Residential Water Smart Conversions
For Las Vegas and Henderson homeowners, a Water Smart conversion can replace a high-maintenance lawn with a lower-water front or backyard that still feels designed and inviting. Options can include desert-adapted trees and shrubs, flowering plants, landscape rock, boulders, pavers, pathways and efficient drip irrigation.
Customers of some local water providers may qualify for incentives in addition to the base SNWA rebate. We can help homeowners plan a project around the property, budget and desired appearance while keeping the rebate requirements in mind.
Read our guide on converting grass to desert landscaping without losing curb appeal.
Commercial, HOA & Multifamily Conversions
Businesses, HOAs and multifamily properties face an additional reason to act: Nevada law prohibits the use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional grass at covered properties beginning in 2027. Water Smart conversion planning can help properties reduce water use, modernize aging landscapes and take advantage of available incentives while they remain available.
Large conversion projects require careful phasing, irrigation planning, tree protection, access coordination and budgeting. For business and community properties, we can integrate conversion work with broader commercial landscaping improvements.
For additional program details, read our 2026 SNWA rebate requirements guide.
Common Water Smart Conversion Questions
Can I remove my grass before applying?
No. SNWA requires a pre-conversion site visit and approval before turf removal.
Does the new landscape need plants?
Yes. Current program conditions require at least 50% plant coverage at maturity in the converted area.
Can artificial turf be part of a rebate project?
Permeable artificial turf may be used as a mulch substitute when the other program conditions, including plant coverage and irrigation requirements, are met.
Can existing trees be kept?
Yes, and protecting mature trees during turf removal and irrigation conversion should be part of the project plan.
Schedule A Free Water Smart Conversion Consultation
Planning to remove grass or convert an outdated landscape? Chicago Landscape can evaluate your property, discuss design options and help you plan the conversion around current SNWA requirements.
Do not remove qualifying grass before SNWA completes the required pre-conversion site visit.
