Turf Trade
Trade Up. Dry Out. Stay Green.
The Turf Trade program invites homeowners to replace thirsty lawns with TWCA-qualified grass seed, reducing outdoor water use without sacrificing curb appeal. By trading up to TWCA-qualified grass seed or sod that uses up to 40% less water, participants can “dry out” high-consumption lawns and “stay green” through better irrigation practices.
How It Works
Participants remove existing high-water lawns and replace them with TWCA-qualified turfgrass seed or sod.
The process promotes lower water usage, stronger drought tolerance, and year-round green appeal while maintaining functional lawn spaces.
TWCA-qualified grasses use up to 40% less water than conventional turf, helping communities conserve millions of gallons annually.
Benefits & Impact
Reduced Water Use
TWCA-qualified turf uses roughly 18 inches of water vs. 24–35 inches for traditional turf — saving up to 3.7 million gallons in the pilot program.
Community Engagement
Builds awareness of drought-tolerant lawns and encourages community participation in water stewardship efforts.
Proven Efficiency
The Concord Lifting Station demonstration site cut water demand by over 50% — a measurable success story in landscape efficiency.
Program Availability
The Turf Trade program continues to grow. Current and previous program locations include:
- Salt Lake City (UT)
- Provo (UT)
- Minneapolis (MN)
- Okotoks (Alberta, Canada)
- Eagle Mountain City (UT)
- Granger Hunter (UT)
- Murray (UT)
- Ogden (UT)
- Sandy (UT)
- Weber County (UT)
Partners & Collaborators
- Salt Lake City Public Utilities
- Center for Water Efficient Landscaping (CWEL)
- NENA
- TWCA Member Vendors: Biograss Sod Farms, Bull Dog Sod, Chanshare Farms, Granite Seed, Twin City Seeds, Manderley Turf Products, Chinook Sod Farms
Want to start your own TWCA Turf Trade program? Email info@tgwca.org.
How to Participate
No matter who you are, there’s a way to join the TWCA Turf Trade movement and help promote water-efficient turfgrass.
Public Utilities
Launch your own TWCA Turf Trade Up Program to encourage homeowners and communities to replace high-water lawns with TWCA-qualified turfgrass.
TWCA Seed Distributors & Sod Farms
Partner with local municipalities and TWCA to create or support regional Turf Trade Up programs.
Homeowners
Trade up by purchasing TWCA-qualified grass seed or sod from participating retailers and farms to enjoy a greener lawn that uses up to 40% less water.
Resources
Step-by-step guides and videos help homeowners successfully transition to TWCA-qualified turf.
- Introduction to the Project and Trial Site (Video)
- Irrigation Talk – Efficient Nozzles, Drip, Tree Zones (Video)
- Kill Your Grass, Mow Low, and Seed Prep (Video)
- Water for Germination – A Few Minutes, Twice Daily (Video)
- Mulching Tips for Moisture Retention (Video)
- Establishment Watering and Seasonal Care (Video)
- Rebates available for water-efficient landscapes and irrigation upgrades
- Maintain proper mowing height and soil aeration for long-term savings
- Install smart irrigation controllers and adjust for seasonal conditions
- Visit slc.gov for updates and rebate forms.