Xeriscape Installation in Albuquerque

What xeriscape installation can include

• Lawn removal, grass removal, sod removal, and turf haul-off
• Soil amendment, grading, and compaction as needed
• Spray-sprinkler cap-off and sprinkler-to-drip conversion
• Native and drought-tolerant planting from the ABCWUA Guide plant list (rebate projects)
• Decomposed granite, decorative gravel, crusher fines, and mulch placement
• Boulder placement, dry creek beds, flagstone, and edging
• ABCWUA rebate application prep and post-conversion documentation (rebate projects)

Lawn-to-xeriscape conversion

Lawn-to-xeriscape conversion is a common Albuquerque installation request, but the correct scope depends on the specific property and provider. A conversion may replace an existing grass or sod lawn with drought-tolerant plants, drip irrigation, gravel or mulch, and boulders or flagstone. For ABCWUA rebate projects, the application, initial inspection, and ABCWUA approval must happen before any turf is removed. Removing turf before approval can disqualify the project from the rebate.

Homeowners use overlapping terms such as lawn replacement, grass removal, sod removal, and lawn-to-xeriscape. The actual scope may range from removal only to a complete design-and-installation project, so the written proposal should define what is included.

Sprinkler-to-drip conversion

Sprinkler-to-drip conversion is often included when spray-irrigated turf is replaced with planted xeriscape. For ABCWUA rebate projects, spray irrigation in the conversion area must be converted to an allowed method under current program rules. Drip lines are installed with pressure regulators, filters, and pressure-compensating emitters matched to the plant palette and zone size.

Rock, gravel, mulch, boulders, and dry creek beds

Gravel and rock are part of a balanced xeriscape, not the whole design. Decomposed granite, crusher fines, decorative gravel, boulders, flagstone, and dry creek beds are placed to manage drainage, reduce heat reflection, and complement the plant palette. ABCWUA rebate projects require at least 3 inches of mulch between plants in the converted area. A bare rock yard with no plants is generally not considered good xeriscape design — NMSU notes all-rock landscapes can increase heat near the house.

Native and drought-tolerant planting

Plant palettes for Albuquerque xeriscape installations use cold-hardy New Mexico natives and adapted high-desert species: chamisa, apache plume, agave, yucca, Russian sage, salvia, desert willow, penstemon, lavender, rosemary, and more. Plant selection is matched to site conditions — sun exposure, wind, soil, slope, cold pockets, and HOA standards. For ABCWUA rebate projects, plant counts and species must come from the current ABCWUA Xeriscaping Guide plant list.

ABCWUA rebate projects require approval before turf removal

What to have ready before requesting installation

• Property address, ZIP code, and water provider (ABCWUA, Rio Rancho, well, or not sure)
• Approximate square footage of turf or lawn to convert
• Whether the turf or grass is still in place
• Current irrigation type (spray sprinklers, drip, none)
• HOA approval situation, if any
• Project goals: rebate eligibility, water savings, curb appeal, low maintenance
• Desired timeline and budget range, if known