Do-It-Yourself: Take the Lead
Our Hearts & Inboxes Are So Full
Wow, thank you for an incredible start to the spring season! We’ve had a record-breaking number of applications, and our Do-It-Yourself option is full for spring. We love your enthusiasm for water conservation and appreciate your patience as we review Do-It-Yourself applications on a rolling basis.
- Apply for Removal Services to have our crew take care of your lawn removal, or
- Order a Garden In A Box waterwise kit, while supplies last
With our Do-It-Yourself Lawn Replacement program, you take the lead. Choose your preferred removal method and complete the project on your own schedule.
By doing the removal yourself, you can utilize your city or water provider discount for complimentary Garden In A Box kits. It is a practical way to turn your lawn into a beautiful, waterwise space while staying in control of the process.
If you’d prefer someone to remove and haul away your grass for you, check out our Lawn Removal Service.
Why Choose Do-It-Yourself
The Do-It-Yourself program is a great fit if you are comfortable taking on a hands-on project and the physical work involved in lawn removal. This option allows you to choose the removal method that works best for you, whether that is renting a sod cutter, solarizing, sheet mulching, or hand digging.
Why homeowners choose DIY:
- Pick the removal method that fits your comfort level and budget
- Work at your own pace based on your schedule
- Gain hands-on experience while creating a waterwise landscape
- Receive Complementary Garden In A Box kits
If you choose the Do-It-Yourself option, take your project timeline into account when selecting the lawn removal method that works best for you.
What Am I Responsible For?
Participants are responsible for all tools, labor, disposal, and materials related to lawn removal. While the program itself is free, any costs tied to your chosen removal method, such as tool rentals or materials, are your responsibility.
The program discount applies only to Garden In A Box kits, not to the removal process itself. Participants may receive up to four Garden In A Box kits. Each kit is designed to grow and fill approximately 100 square feet of garden space at maturity.
To participate in the Do-It-Yourself program, lawn removal cannot begin until your project is approved by our team. If removal has already started or been completed, the project is not eligible.
Project Size Requirements
The minimum project size is 200 square feet.
Your garden eligibility is based on the amount of lawn you remove:
- Remove 200 square feet and qualify for up to 200 square feet of garden kits
- Remove 300 square feet and qualify for up to 300 square feet of garden kits
- Remove 400 square feet or more and qualify for up to 400 square feet of garden kits
Do-It-Yourself Project Checklist
1. Apply Online & Check for Discounts
Submit your application through our website and select your participating water provider or municipality to check if you’re eligible for a discount.
Participants that selected “Other” for their above Water Provider are not eligible for the Do-It-Yourself program.
2. Receive Project Review and Approval
Our team will review your lawn photos and project details to confirm eligibility. Once approved, you are ready to begin removal.
Lawn removal cannot begin until your project is approved by our team to participate in Do-It-Yourself. If removal has already started or been completed, the project is not eligible.
We’re seeing a record number of applications this season and gardens are in high demand. This may lead to longer response times on application status. We truly appreciate your patience and your role in helping build a more waterwise and resilient Colorado. Our team will follow up via email as soon as your application is reviewed.
3. After Approval, Remove Your Lawn
Complete the removal using your preferred method, whether that is sod cutting, solarizing, sheet mulching, or hand digging.
In general, timelines vary depending on the approach and size of your space. Sod cutting or hand digging may take several days to a few weeks. Solarizing and sheet mulching typically take one to two months when done properly.
Learn more about removal methods from our Waterwise Seminar.
4. Submit Photo Proof of Removal
Once you have completed your project site removal, you are required to submit photo proof showing that at least 75% of the lawn has been removed. This helps us confirm that your space is ready for planting.
Photos must be submitted at least two weeks before your selected Garden In A Box pickup date.
5. Photo Approval and Garden Pick Up
After your removal photos are approved by our team, you will be cleared to pick up your Garden In A Box kits at the pickup event of your choosing.
Garden In A Box Kits Available for the DIY Program:
If the Garden In A Box kit you want is not available through the DIY program, other kits can still be purchased separately.
6. Plant And Enjoy Your Waterwise Garden
Follow your included planting maps and tips to bring your new garden to life. Then enjoy watching your yard grow into a thriving, pollinator-friendly space.
Want to offer a Lawn Replacement program to your residents or customers? Learn about water conservation partnerships here.
Sign up for the 2026 Interest List & Lawn Replacement Newsletter:
Get access to 2026 program updates, application deadlines, expert tips, and inspiration to replace your lawn with a beautiful, waterwise landscape that supports pollinators and uses less water.
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Resource Central, 6400 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO, 80303, http://www.resourcecentral.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
