Two kinds of homeowners need this page. Some have turf that went in years ago, often on a thin base, and now ripples, puddles or has faded to a blue-green nobody likes. Others have a living lawn and are deciding whether to replace it with turf, with water-wise planting, or with a mix of both.
In both cases the price is mostly labor and haul-off, and the outcome depends on what is underneath. The installer we refer looks at the base before quoting and tells you whether it can be reused or has to be rebuilt.
What Removal Costs
Lawn Love's December 2025 guide puts removing existing grass at about $1.75 per square foot, with most homeowners paying $0.88 to $1.84. Old synthetic turf is heavier to cut, roll and dispose of because of the infill, so expect removal of turf to price at or above the top of that range. That last point is our reasoning, not a published figure.
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Remove living grass | $0.88 – $1.84 per sq ft | Lawn Love, Dec 2025 |
| New turf, installed (national) | $5.45 – $20 per sq ft | Lawn Love, Dec 2025 |
| New turf, material + labor | $2 – $8 + $4 – $9 per sq ft | HomeAdvisor, June 2026 |
Replacing A Living Lawn? Read This First
Utah water districts pay homeowners to remove grass, but the main statewide program does not pay for artificial turf. Utah Water Savers' Landscape Incentive pays up to $3 per square foot for removed lawn that is replaced with at least 50% perennial plant cover on drip irrigation, and its FAQ says artificial turf is not eligible (utahwatersavers.com).
So the honest choice is a plan, not a product. Turf where you need a usable surface, a planted water-wise area where you do not, and a conversation with your water district about which parts of the project, if any, qualify. The Utah turf rebate guide has the district-by-district detail.
Why Old Turf Fails
Almost every failed install we hear about has the same cause: a base that was too thin, not compacted, or not graded to drain. Ripples, seams opening and puddles are base problems. Fading and matted blades are age and product problems. Replacement fixes both only if the base is dealt with, so ask to see it opened up.
Turf Removal and Replacement — Questions Salt Lake City Homeowners Ask
Can new turf go on top of old turf?
It should not. The old turf and infill have to come out so the base can be checked, repaired and re-compacted. Turf over turf traps water and fails early.
Will the water district pay me to remove my lawn for turf?
Generally no. Utah Water Savers and Weber Basin do not pay for artificial turf, and Central Utah Water's program requires plants. Washington County is the exception for permeable turf in limited cases. Ask your district before you plan around a rebate.
How long does removal and replacement take?
Most residential jobs are a few days on site once scheduled, longer if the base has to be rebuilt or the area is large. The installer gives you a schedule with the written price.
Ready to get started in Salt Lake City?
Free estimates, no obligation. Call (385) 293-1385 or request a quote below.
Request My Free QuoteRelated Services
Artificial Grass Lawns
Front and back lawns replaced with turf on a proper compacted base, priced in writing.
Learn more →Backyard Putting Greens
Contoured synthetic greens with fringe and cups, sized to the yard you have.
Learn more →Pet Turf
Dog-friendly turf with flow-through backing and infill that does not hold odor.
Learn more →Playground and Commercial Turf
Padded playground turf, HOA common areas and low-water commercial frontage.
Learn more →Turf Removal and Replacement across the Salt Lake City area
We serve Salt Lake City and the surrounding Wasatch Front. Turf Removal and Replacement is available through our vetted local installer in every area below:
- Artificial Turf in West Valley City, UT
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- Artificial Turf in West Jordan, UT
- Artificial Turf in Orem, UT
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- Artificial Turf in South Jordan, UT
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- Artificial Turf in Millcreek, UT
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- Artificial Turf in Lehi, UT