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Xeriscaping Payback Calculator
Xeriscaping replaces turf with drought-tolerant landscape — major water + maintenance savings.
Payback years
4.7
Annual savings
$16,125
Net cost after rebate
$75,000
How the math works
Water savings = (sqft × gal/sqft)/1000 × rate. Maint savings = sqft × $/sqft.
15k × $8 − 15k × $3 = $75k net. 15k × 25 / 1000 × $11 + 15k × $0.80 = $4,125 + $12k = $16,125. 4.7 yr.
How to Use
- Enter turf sqft converted.
- Enter xeriscape cost per sqft.
- Enter annual water savings per sqft.
- Enter water rate per kgal.
- Enter rebate per sqft.
- Read payback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xeriscape benefits?
Water savings: 50-75% vs turf. Maintenance reduction: 60-80% less labor (no mowing). Chemical reduction: fewer fertilizers, pesticides. Fire resistance: drought-tolerant native plants less flammable (varies). Habitat: native pollinators, biodiversity. Aesthetic: seasonal color, unique look (some tenants prefer, some don't — mixed reviews in family-oriented communities).
Conversion cost?
Turf removal: $1-3/sqft (excavation, haul, soil prep). Plants + mulch: $3-10/sqft (varies with density, type). Irrigation modification: $0.50-2/sqft (drip, reduced zones). Design/planning: $500-5,000. Total: $5-15/sqft full xeriscape conversion. Boulder/hardscape features: premium $10-30/sqft. Minimal conversion (just remove turf, add mulch): $2-4/sqft basic.
Rebates?
SoCal: MWD Turf Replacement $2-6/sqft converted. Las Vegas Valley Water: $3-5/sqft. Austin Water: $35 per sqft of turf converted (up to $5,000). Denver Water: Garden In A Box program. New Mexico munis: $1-3/sqft. Stack with smart irrigation rebates + drought-tolerant plant rebates. Total incentive can cover 30-70% of conversion cost.
Maintenance savings?
Turf maintenance: $0.75-2/sqft/year (mowing, fertilizing, aerating, weed control). Xeriscape maintenance: $0.15-0.50/sqft/year (pruning, weeding, mulch refresh). Annual savings: $0.50-1.50/sqft in maintenance alone. On 20,000 sqft conversion: $10-30k annual maintenance savings + water savings. Combined payback accelerated 30-50% vs water savings only.
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