Artificial Turf in Highland, UT

Highland, population about 20,119 (Census ACS 2020 to 2024), sits on a bench near American Fork, Lehi and Alpine, per its 2022 water plan. The city's code violations page says at least 70% of the area within the front or side yard must be landscaped within one year of the certificate of occupancy. It does not say what counts as landscaping, and we found no published rule that names artificial turf (Highland common code violations).

The rules are in motion. A public notice says Highland City Council would consider amending its Development Code regarding landscaping at a meeting on August 4, 2026, to make the requirements clearer and to encourage and facilitate water-wise landscaping so residents can qualify for outside grant programs (Utah Public Notice). The notice does not mention artificial turf, and we did not find the outcome, so ask Community Development what is in force today.

Park Strips, Large Lots And The Water Plan

Highland's 2025 General Plan water chapter says all park strip areas must be landscaped using xeriscape or water-wise methods without lawn. It lists restrictions on "zero-scapes" and artificial turf among items a water efficiency standard might include, which is a menu of options, not an adopted rule (Highland General Plan 2025, Water Use and Preservation). Because a park strip must be water-wise rather than lawn, ask whether the city would accept turf there. Our park strip guide explains the usual answers.

The city's 2022 conservation plan says its lots average more than one-half acre, against about one-quarter acre in a typical Utah city, and puts 2021 use at about 413 gallons per person per day (67 drinking water plus 346 irrigation) (Highland Water Conservation Plan, 2022). That is why lawn area, and the cost of replacing it, runs large in Highland.

Pressurized Irrigation And Rebates

The 2025 plan says Highland built its pressurized irrigation system in 1997 and 1998, with about 4,800 connections. Meter installation began in 2023 and was scheduled for completion in 2025, followed by a rate study in 2025 and 2026 (Highland General Plan 2025). The plan also says cities in the Central Utah service area that adopt water efficiency standards can access landscape rebates, and that Highland "may choose to participate in the future."

Highland was not on the Utah Division of Water Resources list of eligible communities when we read it on October 22, 2026 (Utah Division of Water Resources). The program pays $2.00 per square foot but excludes artificial turf (program details). See our rebate guide.

Highland Homes at a Glance

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, via Census Reporter. Estimates carry margins of error, and the percentages are our arithmetic on the published counts. About three in ten homes were built in 2010 or later, so some yards are young and some are mature. HOA review is likely in newer neighborhoods, so see the HOA guide.

Measure (Census ACS 2020–2024)	Highland
Population	20,119
Housing units	5,206
Median year built	2004
Built 2010 or later	29%
Owner-occupied	92%
Single-family detached	88%

Costs

On half-acre lots, a back-yard project can be big. As arithmetic on published ranges, not a quote, 2,000 square feet of turf is about $12,000 to $34,000 at HomeAdvisor's June 2026 figures ($2 to $8 material plus $4 to $9 labor per square foot), or $10,900 to $40,000 at Lawn Love's December 2025 installed range of $5.45 to $20. Removing old sod adds about $1,760 to $3,680. See the cost guide. Neighboring Alpine, American Fork and Cedar Hills have their own rules.

Services available in Highland

Artificial Grass Lawns

Front and back lawns replaced with turf on a proper compacted base, priced in writing.

Artificial Grass Lawns →

Backyard Putting Greens

Contoured synthetic greens with fringe and cups, sized to the yard you have.

Backyard Putting Greens →

Pet Turf

Dog-friendly turf with flow-through backing and infill that does not hold odor.

Pet Turf →

Playground and Commercial Turf

Padded playground turf, HOA common areas and low-water commercial frontage.

Playground and Commercial Turf →

Turf Removal and Replacement

Worn or failed turf pulled up, the base repaired, and new turf laid properly.

Turf Removal and Replacement →

See typical artificial turf costs in Salt Lake City & Highland →

Turf Questions From Highland Homeowners

Does Highland allow artificial turf in front yards?

We found no published rule that names artificial turf. The city requires at least 70% of the front or side yard to be landscaped, and park strips must be water-wise without lawn. A landscaping code amendment was before the council on August 4, 2026, so ask Community Development what is in force.

How much does artificial turf cost in Highland, UT?

Published ranges are $2 to $8 per square foot for material plus $4 to $9 for labor (HomeAdvisor, June 2026), or $5.45 to $20 installed (Lawn Love, December 2025). A 2,000 square foot yard is roughly $12,000 to $34,000 on the HomeAdvisor basis.

Is there a rebate for synthetic grass in Highland?

We found none. Highland was not on the state's eligible list for the $2.00 per square foot Landscape Incentive Program on October 22, 2026, and that program says water efficient landscaping does not include artificial turf.

Who installs artificial turf near Highland?

We are a referral service, not the installer. Request a free estimate and we connect you with a vetted local installer who covers Utah County.