Grass to Xeriscape program: What is it?

The third in a series of segments compiled as a collaboration between Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) and Arizona PBS, this segment centered around the environment, specifically water.

CFA surveyed Arizonans about what kind of Arizona they would like to see. The survey results unearthed seven shared values amongst Arizonans. CFA then did a deeper dive and looked at ways to take action and make Arizona more fair and equitable for all.

Do we have enough water for the state, and what are ways we can conserve it? We took a look at the City of Mesa’s Grass to Xeriscape program. If a homeowner rips out grass currently in their yard and replaces it with xeriscaping, the City of Mesa will pay them.

There are two levels to the program: 500 to 999 square feet of grass conversion is eligible for $750, and 1,000 square feet or more is eligible for $1,000. The Trees are Cool Incentive can add an additional $50 for planting one tree and $100 for two trees.

Xeriscaping is not just rocks and cactus; it is low-water bushes and shrubs. Sarah Porter, from the Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU’s Morrison Institute, explained where Arizonans get their water from, the biggest challenges we face and if we have enough water.