Maryland May Pay You $500 to Ditch Your Lawn
No, really. And most Potomac homeowners have no idea this exists.
In 2021, Maryland became the first state to pass a Low-Impact Landscaping Law, protecting homeowners who choose native plants, rain gardens, and pollinator habitats — even in HOA communities.
But Montgomery County took it further. Their RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers residential homeowners up to $500 in rebates for:
- Rain gardens
- Conservation landscaping
- Native plant installations
- Permeable hardscaping
- And more eco-friendly projects
Potomac homeowners are sitting on thousands of dollars in unclaimed rebates.
What This Means for You
That overgrown bed you've been meaning to fix? The patch of lawn you hate mowing? The area where water always pools after rain?
You could get up to $500 back for transforming it into:
- A native pollinator garden (bees, butterflies, birds)
- A rain garden that manages stormwater naturally
- A conservation landscape that requires zero chemicals
- A low-maintenance, eco-friendly outdoor space
The catch: You have to know the program exists. And you have to navigate the application process.
How It Works
- Design a RainScapes-eligible project — I help with this
- Get pre-approved — Submit your design to Montgomery County
- Install the project — This is where my team comes in
- Document and submit — Photos, receipts, verification
- Receive your rebate — Up to ,500 back
The best part? I charge for my design and installation expertise — your rebate pays for the plants and materials. Essentially, Montgomery County is subsidizing your ecological garden transformation.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Most landscaping companies don't bother with RainScapes because:
- They don't know about it
- They don't want to deal with paperwork
- They prefer selling high-maintenance lawns that need constant chemical inputs
I built RainScapes project consultation into my services because:
- It makes ecological landscaping affordable
- It aligns with my values (soil first, wild beauty, legacy thinking)
- It positions me as the local expert who actually knows this stuff
- It gives you a massive financial incentive to do the right thing for the planet
Is Your Project Eligible?
Probably yes if:
- You're converting lawn to native plants
- You're managing stormwater on your property
- You're creating pollinator habitat
- You're removing invasives and restoring natives
- You're reducing chemical inputs
The process is easier than you think — especially with someone guiding you through it.
My RainScapes Services
RainScapes Project Consultation (50-250)
- Site assessment for RainScapes eligibility
- Design of rebate-qualifying project
- Guidance through Montgomery County application
- Documentation support for rebate submission
Available as add-on to Seasonal Partner or Rooted Lifestyle packages.
Limited Spring Availability
Montgomery County has a limited budget for these rebates. The sooner you apply, the better your chances. And spring installation season is here — the best time to plant for year-round success.
I'm taking on 5 RainScapes projects this spring.
If you've been thinking about transforming your lawn into something more meaningful — and getting paid up to $500 to do it — let's talk.
Book RainScapes Consultation →
Questions? Most Potomac homeowners don't even know this program exists. That's the advantage of working with someone who stays current on local programs and ecological practices.
Your lawn could become a meadow. Your stormwater problem could become a rain garden. And Maryland will help pay for it.
One yard at a time.
— Jen
Montgomery County RainScapes Rewards Program: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rainscapes/
