Subsoil Improvement & Plant Replacement Rebate

(Implementation in 2010 and each year thereafter depends on funding availability.) 

Sub-soil Improvement and Plant Replacement Rebate 

Metro is offering a rebate of 50 percent of the cost of sub-soil improvement and plant replacement up to $5,000.  For example, if labor and material costs are $7,000, then Metro would rebate $3500.  This program provides residents with a rebate to offset soil improvement costs critical to healthy plant root growth.  This rebate is offered one per household per season.  Since this program is limited, funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first serve basis.  Expect rebates within 4 to 6 weeks of Metro receiving the required documents.

Local landscape contractors may charge in the range of $7,000 to $10,000 per 5,000 square feet of landscaped area for three phases: 1) complete removal of turfgrass (or “kill and till” method of preparing the soil for new sod, seed or ornamentals), 2) sub-soil improvement by incorporating 5 yds/1,000 sq feet compost into existing soils to a six-inch depth, and 3) replacement with more appropriate turfgrass species or other plant material.  Landscape contractors may charge an average of $10,000 to $15,000 per 10,000 to 15,000 square feet for sub-soil improvement.  Therefore, the rebate is equal to 50% of sub-soil improvement for the average lawn size per single family residence.   

Healthy plant growth is essential to mitigate pest and disease damage.  More importantly in regard to water conservation in the landscape, healthy plants express increased drought tolerance.  Healthy plants also require less maintenance in the form of mowing, fertilizing, pest control applications, and minimized labor costs. 

Healthy plant growth which includes root growth begins with the soil.  Soils in CPV are largely composed of bentonite clays and rock.  This soil texture is not ideal for the turfgrass varieties chosen by residents of CPV to cover sometimes large areas of the landscape.  Hence, sub-soil tilling and amending is required to grow healthy turfgrass and promote drought tolerance. 

According to CSU Extension Specialists and Green Industry professionals, sub-soil improvements via tillage and amendment incorporation, will confer up to 50% water savings.  CSU Extension in the Tri-River area saw a 30% water use reduction after client’s amended soils under turfgrass and ornamental landscape areas. 

This type of service is offered by most landscape companies.  To protect residents of CPV from landscape contractors who are not familiar with proper sub-soil improvement techniques, the Water Conservation Coordinator developed a list of landscape contractors who are certified by professional societies focused on proper landscaping practices.   

Customers must choose a landscape contractor from the Certified Landscape Contractor List provided by the Water Conservation Coordinator or work to be rebated must be to standards provided by the Water Conservation Coordinator in order to be qualified for the Sub-soil Improvement and Plant Replacement Rebate. 

Rebate Eligibility Requirements:

• Rebate application form must be filled out in its entirety and returned to the Water Conservation Coordinator when project is complete.
• Sub-soil improvements must be made after January 1, 2010.  Rebates will not be issued retroactively for sub-soil improvements and plant replacements made before January 1, 2010.
• Sub-soil improvements must be made at a residence served by Metro.
• The Water Conservation Coordinator must conduct an on-site inspection with the Certified Landscape Contractor or homeowner near project completion.
• Rebate recipient must sign the Affidavit of Lawful Presence and show an acceptable form of identification. 
• Residents and sub-associations are limited to one rebate per household per year.
• Offer is good through December 31, 2010 or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first.
• Original invoices for work completed must be provided to Metro before Metro will consider applicant for receipt of rebate credit.
• Rebate credit will be issued to resident’s water bill or made payable by check.  Allow 4 to 6 weeks from the date of inspection, invoice, and rebate application form to receive a rebate credit. 

Order of Action:

1.      Resident or Landscape Contractor contacts the Water Conservation Coordinator.

2.      Water Conservation Coordinator receives and reviews the landscape AND irrigation plans.

• Even if no irrigation system changes are made, one must provided.
• GreenCo’s Best Management Practices must be implemented in order for the project to be approved and funded.

3.      Resident or Landscape Contractor makes required changes to the landscape and/or irrigation plan.

4.      Water Conservation Coordinator approves landscape and irrigation plan.

5.      Water Conservation Coordinator adds resident to the Potential Rebate Recipient List.

6.      Work commences.

7.      Resident or Landscape Contractor schedules on-site visit with Water Conservation Coordinator near project completion.

8.      Water Conservation Coordinator “audits” project.

• Landscape and irrigation plans were followed, or adjustments made to plan are acceptable.
• GreenCo’s BMP’s were implemented,
• Quality work has been performed,
• Acceptable plant material, soil amendment, and irrigation system parts were used.

9.      Metro receives rebate application form filled out entirely.

10.   Water Conservation Coordinator reviews application to ensure all Rebate Eligibility Requirements are met.

11.    Water Conservation Coordinator sorts the Potential Rebate Recipient List to reflect date of completion.

12.    Rebate funded if money is available. 

Removal, selection and installation of plant material are the sole responsibility of the applicant, as is determination of the adequacy and compatibility to their landscape and irrigation system.  Metro assumes no responsibility for any damage that may occur to an applicant’s property as a result of participation in this rebate program.  Due to circumstances beyond its control, Metro cannot guarantee that the installation of the rotators will result in lower utility costs.  Metro, its consultants and their sub-consultants do not assume any liability for services performed and are not responsible for any agreements made between customers and landscape contractors.  Metro does not warrant the performance of any product listed above.  Actual water savings may vary.