Lawn & Turf Removal in Albuquerque for Xeriscape Conversion

Why pre-approval matters

ABCWUA requires application, initial inspection, and approval (Notice to Proceed) of the conversion plan before any turf is removed for the Water Conservation Rebate. Removing turf first can disqualify the project. The initial inspection confirms the existing turf condition and that the property is inside the ABCWUA service area. Confirm current rules at abcwua.org before any removal work.

Grass removal, lawn replacement, and turf conversion

Homeowners describe this service many ways: grass removal, lawn removal, sod removal, lawn replacement, turf removal, or lawn-to-xeriscape conversion. All of these refer to the same core project — removing existing high-water grass or sod from the conversion area before installing a xeriscape. For ABCWUA rebate projects, qualifying turf must remain in place until the Water Authority application, initial inspection, and approval are complete. The rebate requires ABCWUA to confirm existing turf conditions before any removal begins.

Common turf-removal requests

• Front-yard lawn removal and xeriscape conversion
• Back-yard turf reduction with drip irrigation conversion
• Sloped or hard-to-water turf areas
• Parking strips and curb-strip conversions
• HOA common-area turf reduction
• Commercial property turf removal

Typical scope of work

1. For ABCWUA rebate projects: application, initial inspection, and approval (Notice to Proceed) before any turf removal
2. Sod cutting, removal, and haul-off
3. Soil amendment, grading, and weed-barrier where appropriate
4. Spray-irrigation cap-off and conversion to drip, bubblers, or hand-watering
5. Plant installation from the ABCWUA Xeriscape Guide plant list (rebate projects)
6. Hardscape: decomposed granite, gravel, boulders, or dry creek bed
7. At least 3 inches of mulch between plants in the conversion area
8. For ABCWUA rebate projects: itemized zero-balance receipts and final inspection

What happens after the request is submitted

1. Request reviewed during business hours.
2. If a local provider is available and the project fits, the matched provider follows up to schedule an on-site assessment.
3. You receive a written design proposal and itemized pricing after the on-site assessment.
4. For rebate projects, the property owner submits the ABCWUA application and ABCWUA conducts the initial inspection. No turf is removed before approval.
5. Once approved, installation is scheduled. Most residential turf removals complete within 1–3 weeks depending on scope and weather.
6. For rebate projects, the provider helps prepare itemized zero-balance receipts and you request the ABCWUA final inspection.

What to have ready when you request a consultation

• Property address and water provider
• Approximate square footage of turf to remove
• Whether the turf is still in place
• Current irrigation type
• Project timeline and HOA approval status
• Goals: rebate eligibility, water savings, low-maintenance, curb appeal, all of the above