- Removing turf grass is easier after it has been moistened. Consider waiting to remove your sod grass until after a rain event. Always follow current drought restrictions.
- While native plants can be planted in spring or fall, fall is considered the better time to plant (and sow seeds). New plants require extra water to get established, so planting in summer is not advised. Always follow current drought restrictions.
- Install hardscapes (gravel, pavers, edges) before planting.
Residential WaterSaver Landscapes Rebate Program
Purpose:
The City of Kyle wants to encourage residents to reduce outdoor water use by replacing traditional turf grass with water-saving alternatives and increasing the efficiency of their irrigation systems through targeted upgrades. City of Kyle residential Water Utility customers are encouraged to apply for the following rebate.
Instructions:
Kyle Water Utility customers are eligible for up to $500 total through any combination of the rebate options below to reduce their outdoor water use.
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Turf grass replacement ($1 per sq. ft.): Turf grass must be removed and replaced with eligible pervious groundcover (including natural-colored gravel, decomposed granite, river rock, mulch, or artificial turf grass) and/or native plants. Associated irrigation in the landscaped area (sprinkler heads) must be removed or capped. Before and after photos are required. Landscaping changes must be reviewed with an HOA, if applicable.
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Rain, freeze, or soil moisture sensor (up to $50): Original receipt(s) of purchase and photos showing proof of installation are required.
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Smart controller (50% of cost): Must be WaterSense. Original receipt(s) of purchase and photos showing proof of installation are required.
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Zone valve removal ($200 per zone): Zone valve must be physically removed. Before and after photos are required.
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Drip conversion ($50 per zone): Convert an entire spray irrigation zone to drip irrigation. Before and after photos are required.
Eligibility:
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Only current City of Kyle Water Utility customers are eligible to participate in the program.
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Customer account must be current with no outstanding balance on their utility bill.
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Only complete applications will be considered.
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Only new products purchased after October 15, 2024 are eligible for the rebate.
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Limited to 1 maximum payout per household.
Additional terms:
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Sales tax, shipping, and delivery fees are not eligible for reimbursement.
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Limited to one maximum payout per household.
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Landscaping changes must be reviewed with an HOA, if applicable.
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Before and after photos are required for turf grass replacement, zone valve removal, and drip conversion.
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Original receipt(s) of purchase and photos showing proof of installation are required for sensor(s) and smart controllers.
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Only new products purchased after October 15, 2024 are eligible for the rebate.
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The homeowner or a licensed irrigator must do the irrigation work (Texas Administrative Code Chapter 344).
For questions regarding the Residential Water Conservation Rebate Program, email wcrp@cityofkyle.com.
Get Started
Related Questions
- There are many resources and local organizations available to help you create your native landscape. Do your research with Kyle in mind! Kyle sits between two Texas ecoregions, the Edwards Plateau to the West of I-35, characterized by its limestone bedrock which generally has shallow soil, and the Blackland Prairie to the East of I-35, characterized by dark, clay soil. There are many native plants that are adapted to both ecoregions!
- Choose plants based on where you live and how much sun your area receives, and check out our Conservation Division's Climate-Ready Native-Only Plant List for the best resource on planting native in Kyle!
- Central Texas Gardener, Native Plant Society of Texas, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center also have plenty of relevant resources on native plants. Here are just a few:
- There are numerous native plant sales in our area! Here are just a few:
- Local nurseries often have a bigger selection of native plants than big box stores.
- Don’t forget to keep your receipts! Your application can’t be considered complete without them.
- Additional Resources:
- Pervious ground cover eligible for this rebate includes: natural-colored gravel, decomposed granite, river rock, mulch, artificial turf grass (if confirmed pervious)*, and other pervious ground cover to facilitate rainwater absorption.
- When using mulch, consider using wood mulch over rubber mulch.
- ChipDrop is a free mulch delivery service if you are considering a large amount of mulch; but please consider watching this video to learn more.
- Don’t forget to keep your receipts. Your application can’t be considered complete without them.
*Approved for the pilot period. Subject to change.
- To remove irrigation, you can hire a pro or Do-It-Yourself.
- Remember this rebate allows for $1 reimbursement per sqft of turf grass removed, up to $250. You are only eligible if you ALSO remove irrigation in that same area.
- If you HAVE in-ground irrigation, you MUST remove it as specified below to be eligible.
- If you DO NOT HAVE in-ground irrigation, you CAN still participate in this rebate by following all other steps.
- If you hire a pro, be sure you hire a Licensed Plumber or a Licensed Irrigator.
- If you HAVE in-ground irrigation, to be eligible for this rebate, you (or a professional) MUST either cut and cap sprinkler heads in the area (easier to DIY), or remove and cap one or more zone valves (recommended hiring a professional).
- Don’t forget to keep your receipts and take photos! Your application can’t be considered complete without them.
- To remove turf grass, you can hire a pro or Do-It-Yourself.
- Remember this rebate allows for $1 reimbursement per sqft of turf grass removed, up to $250. You are only eligible if you ALSO remove irrigation in that same area IF YOU HAVE IT.
- Consider watching YouTube tutorials and using tools like a square blade shovel or even renting a sod cutter.
- Don’t forget to take photos! Your application can’t be considered complete without them.
Native Plant Resources
There are many resources and local organizations available to help you create your native landscape. Do your research with Kyle in mind! Kyle sits between two Texas ecoregions, the Edwards Plateau to the West of I-35, characterized by its limestone bedrock which generally has shallow soil, and the Blackland Prairie to the East of I-35, characterized by dark, clay soil. There are many native plants that are adapted to both ecoregions!
Choose plants based on where you live and how much sun your area receives, and check out our Conservation Division's Climate-Ready Native-Only Plant List for the best resource on planting native in Kyle!
Central Texas Gardener, Native Plant Society of Texas, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center also have plenty of relevant resources on native plants. Here are just a few:
There are numerous native plant sales in our area! Here are just a few:
Local nurseries often have a bigger selection of native plants than big box stores.
Additional Resources:
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