Native Plants: Albuquerque vs Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
How do native plants rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM?
Albuquerque and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque strongly encourages xeriscape and native plant landscaping through Water Authority rebates and IDO landscape standards requiring low-water plants for new construction.
View full Albuquerque rules →Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque actively promotes native and xeric landscaping through the ABCWUA Xeriscape Rebate and the Water Conservation Ordinance §6-1-1-11 ROA, which caps high-water turf in new front yards. NM Prohibited Noxious Weed List (NMAC 21.17.2) requires removal of listed invasives.
View full Los Ranchos de Albuquerque rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Turf Rebate | $2/sq ft up to $6,000 | - |
| Approved List | Regional Plant List (ABCWUA/IDO) | - |
| Turf Cap | 20% of new landscape area | 20% front yard (ABQ new) |
| Irrigation | Drip required on new installations | - |
| Native Emphasis | Chamisa, penstemon, pinon, yucca | - |
| Code | - | ROA §6-1-1-11 |
| Rebate | - | Up to $2/sq ft |
| Noxious Weeds | - | 21.17.2 NMAC |
| Native List | - | NMSU Extension |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
Do I have to use native plants in my Albuquerque yard?
Existing homes face no mandate to convert. New construction and substantial landscape renovations must meet IDO xeriscape standards including approved low-water plant lists and turf caps.
Can I get paid to remove my lawn in Albuquerque?
Yes. The Water Authority pays $2 per square foot for turf converted to xeric landscaping, up to $6,000 per household, when completed per rebate program requirements.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque FAQ
Can my HOA force me to install a grass lawn in Albuquerque?
Generally no. The ABCWUA Water Conservation Ordinance caps new front-yard turf at 20% of landscapable area, and HOA rules requiring higher turf coverage are preempted by the ordinance.
Does Albuquerque pay me to remove my lawn?
Yes. The ABCWUA Xeriscape Rebate offers up to $2 per square foot for converting high-water turf to qualifying xeric landscaping, capped per account.
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