Turf Conversion
Turf Conversion
Transform Your Landscape
A growing number of Montanans are choosing to convert their lawns from turf to a landscape that’s better suited for our region.
Traditional lawns consist of turf, a non-native species of grass that demands a lot of water to thrive. There are more water-wise, fire-safe, ecosystem resilient, and beautiful ways to steward your landscape that take into account our sensitive water supply and alpine ecosystem.
Converting your lawn through turf removal is a great first step, and the Gallatin River Task Force is here to help make the process simple and affordable using a process called sheet mulching.
Read our recent article in Explore Big Sky about converting your turf.
For inspiration, visit Grow Wild’s Crail Gardens project — a beautiful example of turf conversion in action. Photo courtesy of Alpenscapes.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Remove
We remove your turf.
Your Role: Decide what part of your landscape you want to redo.
Task Force’s Role: We manage a team from Montana Conservation Corps to remove your turf. During the removal service, a Task Force staff member will meet with you to offer any support you need. This can be landscaper recommendations, helping to plan your new landscape, answering any and all questions – it’s your time!
Replace
The fun part! Get planting.
Your role: Applicants are responsible for all planting and landscaping. You can DIY or hire professional.
Task Force’s role: We’re here to offer support, including site visits, online and paper resources – you name it, we’ll find a way to help!
Maintain
Keep it thriving!
Your role: Understand the maintenance your new landscape will need. The good thing about planting native is they often need little upkeep. But keep an eye out for noxious weeds, watering schedules, and any changes you might want in the future.
Task Force’s role: We conduct free irrigation audits, recommended once every five years.
How to Get Started
Submit an application
The Task Force will schedule a site visit and free consultation to go over next steps
Applicant pays $150 and schedules their turf removal date in mid-October.
The following summer, applicants will have access to resources and support from the Task Force for installing a water-wise landscape, potentially qualifying you for an outdoor rebate.
Requirements
Minimum area: 250 sq feet; Maximum area: 1,000 square feet
Area must be made water-wise by fall of 2026
All plants must be from approved plant list.
$150 down payment required, but new water-wise landscape is eligible for a $5 sq foot rebate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What even is turf? How is it different from sod?
Turf is probably what you think of when you think of ‘lawn.’ Bright green grass – often Kentucky bluegrass – well manicured, often used for soccer/baseball fields, etc.
Turf and sod are more or less the same thing, just different terms. You’ve probably heard of ‘artificial turf’ – this is similar, that same green grass look but made out of synthetic material and doesn’t actually grow.
What locations qualify?
Our services are offered to all residents in the Big Sky Resort Area District. If your property is not located within the district, but you’re still in Southwest Montana, please take advantage of all the free education and resources from Alpenscapes—including plant lists, recommendations for water-wise landscaping professionals, and landscaping guides. If you live within the City of Bozeman, they offer many similar services and rebates. If you are not in southwest Montana, we suggest starting with your local university extension offices, weed districts, water utilities, and conservation districts to learn about your area’s specific landscaping recommendations.
What services does the Task Force provide and how much does it cost?
Turf removal! The first step to making your dream water-wise landscape, is getting rid of that turf. For $150 fee, we’ll come in and get your landscape ready for you.
During this service, we are also available for help. We can assist in planning the landscape, provide recommendations and advice, and answer any questions you have. It’s your project – but we’re here to make it as seamless as possible.
In addition to this service, we can also conduct irrigation audits and provide a range of rebates to help offset the cost of your transformation.
What are the benefits of turf conversion with the Task Force?
The Task Force’s service is significantly cheaper than other services, thanks to a great partnership with the Montana Conservation Corps. It is a great way to jump start your landscape transformation.
The market rate for turf conversion is generally $1-5 a square foot depending on the area. You will also be eligible for up to $5,000 in rebates if you complete the whole program.
In addition, by participating in this service you’ll have completely free access to resources, workshops, and 1:1 help from the Task Force!
Another benefit, you can feel good about doing the right thing! By replacing your turf with native, water and fire-wise landscaping you are helping to protect the environment, conserve water, support local wildlife, and mitigate wildfire risks.
What’s wrong with turf?
While turf grass has typically been the go-to landscaping, it is incredibly water intensive and does not foster our environment.
We live in a very arid, drought-prone climate. One of the best ways to cut down on our water use is to limit it in our landscapes. We’ll always have to do laundry, dishes, etc., but we don’t have to water our landscapes.
How can turf conversion save water?
On average, a typical turfgrass lawn uses between 35,000 to 74,000 gallons of water a year. By removing the turf and replacing it with drought tolerant plants, you can save between 33 and 62 gallons of water per square foot of turf removed annually. This is a huge win considering our region is drought-prone and has a limited water supply.
How does turf conversion make my landscape fire-safe?
While the turf itself is not necessarily the culprit to wildfire, we want to make sure any work you’re doing after the removal is sticking to firewise principles. Being tightly situated in the mountains surrounded by National Forest – we are very fortunate to live in this place – but we have a very high risk of wildfire – higher than 96% of communities in the United States. By following these guidelines, you can make your landscape eco friendly, and keep your home safe at the same time.
Partners & Funders
