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Join the Natural Grass Revolution: Showcase Your Sustainable Lawn Design!

Compete for prizes, inspire your community, and make a lasting impact on Utah’s environment.

Do you have what it takes to design the most stunning, sustainable natural grass landscape? Join Utah’s first-ever Natural Grass Landscaping Contest and demonstrate how your lawn can make a difference. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or part of a community group, this is your opportunity to lead the way in promoting greener, healthier landscapes.

Registration Opens: March 1, 2026

Submission Deadline: September 30 2026

Prizes: Grand prize of "To Be Determined" and more!

REGISTER NOW

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Competition Details

The contest is open to residents, businesses, and community groups in Utah. All entries must feature natural grass as a significant component. Here are some specifics:

Design Requirements

  1. Designs must include:

    1. Turfgrass as a prominent feature.

    2. Efficient irrigation systems and practices.

    3. Native plants to support local biodiversity.

    4. Sustainable landscaping practices.

    5. A variety of other natural materials.

  2. The use of artificial turf is prohibited..

  3. Designs must be original and not copied from existing projects.

  4. Designs must be started March 1 and completed by Sept 30.

Awards & Prizes

  1. Winners will be announced in these categories:

    1. Grand Prize ($10,000)

    2. Most Innovative Design

    3. Best Use of Native Plants

    4. Community Choice Award

    5. Best Hydrological Impact

  2. Prizes will include cash rewards, gift certificates, and other contributions from sponsors.

  3. All decisions by the judging panel are final.

Who Can Enter

The Grass is Greener Challenge is open to residents, businesses, and community groups in Utah. It has four categories:

1. Residential Landscaping

2. Commercial Landscaping

3. Public/Community Spaces

4. Hydrological Impact Designs
 

*A Commercial Landscaper may submit more than 1 project, but the same projects cannot be submitted by a resident as well (Resident takes precedence).

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*Hydrological Impact design highlights grass's role in the water cycle.

Submission Guidelines

To choose our winners, we'll need details on your project design choices as well as photos. Be prepared to provide:

Photos:

Capture high-quality photos or videos of your project:


10+ photos before the project

10+ photos of the progress

10+ photos of the final project

 

 
Documentation:
 

 

● Participants should provide detailed descriptions, plans, and photographs illustrating their design process and final outcome.

● Maintenance Plans: Submissions should include strategies for the ongoing upkeep and sustainability of the landscape.
● Community Testimonials: For community-focused projects, letters of support or testimonials from local residents or organizations can strengthen the entry.

Contest Timeline

Registration Is Open:
March 1 - July 31

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Contestants Get Growing!
March 1 - Sept 30

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Final Photos & Docs Due :
Sept 30, 2025

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Judging Takes Place:
Oct 1 – Oct 15

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WINNERS ANNOUNCED:
OCT 20, 2025

Judging Criteria

The judging panel will include experts in landscaping, environmental science, and sustainable design, as well as community leaders and local influencers.

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Community members can participate in the voting process for the Community Choice Award! Public voting will be initiated through social media.

Aesthetic Appeal (25 points)

  • Visual Beauty: Assessment of the overall attractiveness, harmony, and visual impact of the design.

  • Creativity: Evaluation of innovative design elements, unique layouts, and artistic expression.

Innovation (20 points)

  • Unique Approaches: Incorporation of original ideas, cutting-edge techniques, or unconventional materials.

  • Problem-Solving: Creative solutions addressing site-specific challenges or environmental concerns.

Comprehensive Benefits (15 points)

  • Environmental Contributions: Emphasis on grass's role in air purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision.

  • Economic and Health Benefits: Consideration of cost-effectiveness, maintenance efficiency, and promotion of physical and mental well-being.

Community Impact (15 points)

  • Social Benefits: Enhancement of community spaces, promotion of social interaction, or educational value.

  • Local Engagement: Involvement of community members in the planning, implementation, or enjoyment of the space.

Sustainability (25 points)

  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Use of sustainable materials, water conservation techniques, and native plant selections including natural grass as a prominent feature.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Implementation of practices that promote biodiversity and ecological balance.

Additional Considerations

For certain categories, additional considerations may apply:


Hydrological Impact Designs:

  • Water Cycle Integration: Demonstration of grass's role in water absorption, filtration, and contribution to the local hydrology.

  • Evapotranspiration Features: Designs that highlight the process of evapotranspiration and its environmental significance.

Things to Note

Important Contest Terms to Understand:

 

1. Participants grant the contest organizers the right to use submitted materials for promotional purposes.

 

2. The contest organizers reserve the right to modify prizes, rules or timelines as needed.

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3. Any disputes or issues not covered in these rules will be resolved by the contest organizers at their discretion.

You can be disqualified if:


1. Entries that do not meet the design requirements or submission guidelines will be disqualified.


2. Plagiarism or misrepresentation of the project will result in immediate disqualification. Projects must be submitted by either the property owners or can be done by the landscaper (if property owner does not wish to submit) in the appropriate category.

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