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Plant fast-growing vines to block unwanted summer sun (results in months).

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Interested in an attractive, water-wise landscape?

Swap your grass for some cash. Here's how:

  1. Attend a XIP training – register today for an upcoming class
    • Oct. 2, 6-8 p.m.
    • Oct. 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
    • Nov. 16, 9:30-11:30 a.m
    • March 3, 6-8 p.m.
    • April 3, 1-3 p.m.
    • May 3, 9-11 a.m.
  2. Enroll for the program when you’re ready for a project.
    • The enrollment link will be sent once your training is complete.
    • Enroll in the session that works for your schedule (see table below for details).
    • The training requirement is good for one year from your attendance date.
  3. Sit down for one-on-one help.
  4. Get your design approved.
    • Submit your designs for approval by your session due date (see table below).
  5. Install a sharp, new landscape.
    • Install your landscape and sign up for an inspection (see table below).
    • Submit all required paperwork during your inspection.
  6. Receive your rebate!
    • Look for your bill credit 6-8 weeks after your inspection.

Get Started with a Training

Session

Designs Due

Installation/Inspection Due

Session A

  • Plan in fall
  • Plant in spring

March 15, 2020

June 30, 2020

Session B

  • Plan in spring
  • Plant in summer

July 31, 2020

Oct. 15, 2020

XIP: What to Expect

Landscaping is a home improvement project and it costs time and money!

But consider the benefits! Swapping out grass for low-water requirement landscape can save as much as 14 gallons of water per square foot per year. Converting half a typical front yard would save an estimated 14,000 gallons or 175 bathtubs of water a year!

Do-it-yourself vs. hiring it out
  • There are pros and cons to each:
    • DIY projects cost an average of $2/square foot of area converted but require several hours of labor and trips to the hardware store.
    • Professional projects cost an average of $5/square foot but are completed in a shorter timeline by a professional.
  • Mix and match:
    • Draw up your own design and hire someone to install it, or hire a landscape designer and install the project yourself.
    • You could also have a professional move the earth and install the hardscaping and then install the plants and mulch yourself.
Working with a professional?
  • We suggest chatting with a handful of landscape designers to find a professional who is compatible with your landscape vision.
  • Request quotes from three different contractors to determine the best fit for you and your budget.
  • For spring installations: contact landscape contractors in the fall.
  • For fall installations: contact landscape contractors in the previous fall or spring.
HOA approval

It's up to you to know your HOA requirements and get approval if necessary. Did you know? By state law, HOAs cannot require grass on landscapes (Colorado Revised Statute 8 §38-33.3-106.5 (1)(i)).

City approval

Some parkway strips require approval from City of Fort Collins Zoning. We will help you figure out if you need to get City approval.

Irrigation

When you change your landscape, you must change the way it’s watered. Whether watering by hand or using an automatic system, attend a XIP training session to learn how to make a water-wise decision about irrigation.

Front yard landscapes

Per XIP rules, plant material must cover 50% of the front yard. If you are planning on wall-to-wall rock, this program is not for you. That’s what we call “zero-scape.” Xeriscape is a set of guidelines to follow for a beautiful, low-water landscape. Learn more about the Seven Principles of Xeriscape.

Additional Resources

Contact Information

Fort Collins Utilities Water Conservation
Program manager: Katie Collins
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970-416-4378

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