Placitas occupies the north end of the Sandia foothills, on rocky ground scattered with juniper and big view lots that look out across the Rio Grande valley. It is semi-rural, exposed, and shared with a lot of wildlife. ABQ Landscape Co builds foothill landscapes designed for all three.
Designing for the view
A Placitas lot sells on its outlook, so we keep planting low along the sightlines and move any height to the property edges. Structure comes from boulder placement and grade rather than from tall shrubs planted where the view should be.
The high-desert landscaping palette here is native and restrained: juniper, chamisa, Apache plume, penstemon, and bunch grasses set into crusher fines and native rock.
Planting that deer will leave alone
Foothill properties share ground with deer and rabbits, and a plant list that ignores that is an expensive lesson. We lean on species browsing animals generally avoid, and protect the few specimens that need it while they establish.
Slope irrigation on rocky ground
Rock makes trenching slow and slopes make runoff fast. We route drip irrigation along contours under mulch, zone by elevation band, and use pressure-regulated emitters so the top of a run gets the same delivery as the bottom.
Frequently asked questions
What plants do deer tend to leave alone up here?
Juniper, chamisa, Russian sage, lavender, and many native bunch grasses are usually passed over. No plant is completely deer-proof, so we protect vulnerable specimens while they establish.
Can you landscape a lot that is mostly rock?
Yes. We build planting pockets with proper backfill and drainage and use the on-site stone as a design element rather than hauling it off.
How do you keep a foothill yard from washing during monsoon?
Contour planting, basins that capture runoff, and rock edging that holds crusher fines in place instead of letting them run downhill.
Nearby communities we serve
Our foothill routes include Sandia Heights and Bernalillo, and we serve the Albuquerque metro generally.
Get a free quote
Call (505) 630-1309 or request a free quote online, and a member of our Albuquerque crew will follow up to schedule a walkthrough and put together a clear, itemized estimate.
By the ABQ Landscape Co Editorial Team. Reviewed for high-desert landscaping accuracy.