Albuquerque strongly encourages xeriscape and native plant landscaping through Water Authority rebates and IDO landscape standards requiring low-water plants for new construction.
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority offers xeriscape rebates of $2 per square foot for converted turf (up to 3,000 sq ft per household, max $6,000) when replaced with approved xeric plant palettes. The IDO requires new residential, multifamily, and commercial landscaping to use plants from the city's Regional Plant List, which emphasizes natives like chamisa, apache plume, New Mexico olive, pinon, juniper, and penstemons. Traditional high-desert plants including yucca, cholla, and prickly pear are encouraged. Turf grass is capped at 20% of landscaped area in new construction and is prohibited in narrow strips (under 8 feet wide) or on slopes over 25%. Established trees receive specific protection under tree preservation rules. Drip irrigation is required on most new installations.
New construction failing xeriscape compliance cannot receive final occupancy. Existing residential conversions require maintenance to keep rebate eligibility; dead-plant replacement is recommended within 60 days.
Albuquerque, NM
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See how Albuquerque's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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