landscaping · 27 min read

10 Best Landscaping Companies in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Find the top 10 landscaping companies in Albuquerque for design, installation, and maintenance

August 24, 2026

By Valeria Navarro

landscapinglocalalbuquerquenew mexicohiring a landscaper
Landscaping crew working in the front yard of a contemporary stucco home

If you own a home in Albuquerque and want a yard that can handle the sun, wind, and drought, these ten landscaping companies are your best bet. Hiring one means getting help with everything from xeriscaping to irrigation repairs. Expect a mix of design, installation, and regular maintenance, all tailored for the high desert.

Albuquerque is a city where the sun is fierce, the wind is real, and the soil is more dust than dirt. Lawns crack by July, and the rain comes all at once or not at all. If you want your yard to thrive here, you need more than luck, you need a landscaper who knows how to work with the desert, not against it.

From the Sandia foothills to the valley, yards here have to stand up to drought, alkaline soils, and temperature swings that can fry a plant one week and freeze it the next. A good local landscaper will know which native plants can handle it, how to build hardscape that won’t buckle, and how to make every drop of water count.

Who are the best landscaping companies in Albuquerque?

Ordered by Google rating weighted against the number of ratings, so a long record of good work outranks a handful of perfect scores. This is a ranking of public feedback, not an endorsement.

1. Red Shovel Landscape

4.8 stars from 1,790 Google reviews.

Red Shovel Landscape is a top provider of landscaping, groundskeeping, and landscape design in Albuquerque. They handle a range of outdoor projects, focusing on both the look and function of your yard.

What customers say:

Red Shovel is Excellent! Had the beast experience dealing with Gilbert when he came to my property to quote work I needed done. He offered additional services (yard clean up) and cleaned my entire property as promised! He was fully involved with my project, showed up while work was being done, and made sure the work was done as promised. The crew (led by David Martin and Joseph Sanchez) were extremely professional and completed the work as promised with an excellent attention to detail! They made quick work of my entire yard! Dealing with and booking appointments with Sasha has been an absolute pleasure! Thank you Red Shovel and everyone involved for creating a new satisfied customer! Red shovel may be on the higher side for pricing, but they show up on time, do great work and leave the place looking so good and well manicured! Also love to support local businesses and this one hits the mark!

Taylor Higgins, 3 weeks ago

This is my second time using Red Shovel and they have done such a terrific job both times! I highly recommend their services and though I am a d.i.y kind of person, these are the people to call when you just need a break. They don't break the bank and they leave your yard better than they found it. Thank you, again, David M., Leo and Joseph. You all did a phenomenal job! I look forward to working with you again in the future.

Destiny Jaramillo, 2 months ago

Receptionists ( S) was very professional and explained everything on the phone to me to make sure I was scheduled the service that I needed. Got me on the schedule fairly quickly , which I appreciated. I liked the reminders of the appointment on text and email and the ease of contacting Ref Shovel. Hakeem gave me a call this morning that him and the crew were on their way. Hakeem, Carson, Jasper, Keegan, Nick, and Miguel were all very professional and respectful. I have 1.35 acres out in the mountains and with the rains there is overwhelming overgrowth that I couldn’t keep up with. These gentlemen are all very hard working, respectful, and are worth every cent due to them doing an exceptional, very thorough job. They also cleaned up after themselves throughout the entire process. I look forward to continuing to work with this company. Thank you!

Nic, a year ago

2. Whelchel Landscaping & Construction

4.9 stars from 101 Google reviews.

Whelchel Landscaping & Construction uses 2D and 3D design tools to help clients visualize their landscaping projects before work begins. Their process lets you see and adjust every detail, from plant placement to outdoor living spaces, to match your needs and style.

What customers say:

We hired Whelchel to install a bubbling boulder and place some additional boulders in courtyard. We were very impressed by the transparent pricing and attention to our vision for the project. We were even able to select our own boulders! What impressed me most, however was the crew that installed the boulder and placed the other boulders! They were so polite and attentive to detail. They made sure to consult be on placement and made excellent suggestions for stability and appearance. They installed the boulder reservoir in some very hard ground in record high temperatures but I never heard a cross word and they worked tirelessly! Thanks guys! I love my new bubbling rock!!!

Rachel Dostal, a month ago

An excellent experience with Whelchel Landscaping & Construction. The crew was on time, friendly, respectful and hardworking. Couldn’t ask for a better result. Bill helped me plan the job and the wall came out beautifully. The flagstone work was exactly what I wanted. After the work was complete, the cleanup was thorough. The entire project was completed on time. I highly recommend this locally owned company.

Dan Richey, 4 months ago

They installed a gazebo in my back yard and we love it! The staff was extremely friendly, gave me regular updates, and made sure I was happy each step of the way. I’m previous jobs they also installed an irrigation system that has helped our gardens flourish.

Stephen Felty, a month ago

3. Shelly Landscaping

4.6 stars from 123 Google reviews.

What customers say:

Update 5-1-2026 Steve Shelly, the original owner, stood by his company. The new owner is refusing to replace a tree that died 2 months after it was planted. This was last summer. He said they would replace it in the fall because the roots will still grow during winter. Fall and winter has passed with no contact or schedule to do the work. Here we are heading into summer and he is ignoring emails, texts, and messages left with his staff. All we ask is to replace the tree you said you would. *Pending final outcome but now they get a single star! We choose Steve Shelly Landscapes for knowledge, extensive design history and an experienced crew. They are dependable and I can say they are a company with integrity and stand by their work.

Ben R, 3 months ago

Great team! Installers were great! Design was beautiful. They created an oasis that enhanced our great view and gave us a great place to relax.

A Baca, 10 months ago

I used Shelly to repair some tiered-rock retained with railroad ties landscaping along the side of my house. A car had jumped the sidewalk and wrecked it all and my rocks was starting to pour into the street and my railroad ties were damaged. Shelly Landscaping worked for an entire day restoring everything and making it look new again, which was back-breaking work that took about 6 hours with 2 people. They did an amazing job and I would use them again! Highly recommend!

Greg Reed, 5 months ago

4. Arborscapes Ground Maintenance and Landscaping, LLC

4.9 stars from 85 Google reviews.

Arborscapes Ground Maintenance and Landscaping, LLC starts every project by learning about your lifestyle, how you use your outdoor spaces, and your preferences for maintenance. They pay attention to the needs of families, pets, and your desired level of care for the landscape.

What customers say:

Arborscapes transformed our backyard! They cleaned up lots of pesky weeds, replaced our weed barrier & gravel, and added woodchips for a play structure. They were speedy and great at communicating. Jesse was super friendly and helpful through the quick process. We highly recommend them.

Sarah Harada, 5 months ago

Clay and Jesse with Arborscapes Ground Maintenance and Landscaping were awesome. Very professional from the day we received our quote to the day they completed our landscape work in the backyard. Their team worked really hard to knock this project out in one day! They showed up on time, completed the work in a timely fashion, and cleaned up their worksite like they weren’t even here. If I could give them 10 stars I would. Thank you Arborscapes for transforming our old tired backyard into a backyard my family will enjoy for years to come! Joe and Melissa M.

Joe M, a year ago

We hired Arborscapes to redo our backyard last year, and I can honestly say it turned out even better than I imagined. Everything they planted is thriving and growing beautifully, which really speaks to the quality of their work and attention to detail. They collaborated seamlessly with our landscape architect and truly brought her vision to life. The entire space feels thoughtfully designed and incredibly inviting. What really stood out to me was their commitment to getting everything just right. There was one element I wasn’t completely happy with, and they addressed it without hesitation and improved it beyond my expectations. Professional, responsive, and clearly passionate about what they do. I would absolutely recommend Arborscapes to anyone looking to transform their outdoor space.

Rene Kessel, 3 months ago

5. SMART Landscape

4.8 stars from 90 Google reviews.

SMART Landscape is committed to delivering exceptional landscaping services, with customer feedback playing a big role in how they improve. They encourage clients to share their experiences to help others make informed choices.

What customers say:

I've always considered the the folks at Smart to be among the top landscape architects in ABQ. I didn't hesitate in my decision to have them do my front yard. I was not disappointed. They came up with a fantastic design. The install went really well and my new yard look amazing and the integration with my existing irrigation was nicely done. Thanks!

R Eliot, a month ago

I had a great experience working with the owner and team at SMART Landscape Management who recently installed irrigation, sprinklers and low flow to my entire property. In addition, they did a comprehensive overhaul of my backyard landscaping. The owner, Marshall, was prompt to come out to do an assessment and bid. I had a definite design in mind and he and his company were able to bring my vision to a reality. The supervisor and the team of workers did a great job following the plan. They were prompt, polite, extremely hard working, gracious, dependable and respectful of me and my property at all times. Unexpected issues were discussed with me and readily resolved. I had complete confidence from the first meeting that Marshall and his team would do a great job. I am very happy with the final product and recommend this company to others for any size project.

Jane Keeports, a year ago

SMART Landscape Management did a great job with our backyard. Marshall communicates very well and helped us bring our ideas from paper to backyard. His team always showed up on time and worked with us to make small adjustments on the fly. Highly recommend this team!

Jana Huang, a year ago

6. Magni Landscapes

5.0 stars from 67 Google reviews.

Magni Landscapes is a licensed, bonded, and insured company offering residential and commercial landscaping. Their services include artificial turf, irrigation systems, sprinkler repair, paver installation, gravel and rock work, desert landscaping, and complete outdoor transformations, all with a focus on quality and reliability.

What customers say:

We had quite a bit of work done in our back and front yard.We had a great experience with Magni Landscape. From start to finish, Ivan was professional and completely true to his word. Everything was done exactly as promised and on schedule. The worksite was kept clean throughout the project, which we really appreciated. His team was friendly, respectful, and easy to work with. Communication was also excellent — he was always accessible by text or phone and quick to respond to any questions. We’re very happy with the results and would highly recommend Magni Landscape to anyone looking for reliable, high-quality work.

Marianne Billy, 5 months ago

Thanks Ivan and team for the great job getting our new home ready for move-in! This was a last-minute request, and they got us on the schedule quickly, which we really appreciated. The team handled spring cleanup, tree trimming, and bush removal, and everything turned out amazing. They showed up on time, were very respectful to our neighbors (we were not around), and the pricing was very reasonable. Highly recommend!

sendy cummins, 3 months ago

I had a really positive experience working with Magni, even though I ultimately chose another company for my project due to factors outside of their control. From the very beginning, the owner made me feel genuinely heard and understood. He was consistently responsive, always made himself available to answer questions, and followed through on everything he said he would do. Beyond that, his kind and friendly demeanor made the entire experience feel relaxed and even enjoyable—something that can be rare when planning a landscaping project. While I didn’t move forward with Magni this time, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them based on my experience. I will absolutely consider working with them on my future projects.

Ti Na, 3 months ago

7. Urban Earth Landscaping

4.7 stars from 83 Google reviews.

Urban Earth Landscaping is known for award-winning designs and holds an A+ BBB rating. They have received local accolades and certifications in hardscape and paver installation, and are fully licensed, bonded, and insured in New Mexico.

What customers say:

Urban Earth recently finished our backyard landscaping and did better than we could have ever dreamed. Bridgette our designer was amazing to work with, incredibly personable and took our ideas and vision and blew us away with how it all turned out. Carlos and the rest of the team that installed everything was great, they were professional, answered all our questions and everything is perfect. We now have our dream backyard oasis thanks to Bridgette, Carlos and the whole team!

Sarah Taylor, 3 months ago

We are so happy that we found Urban Earth to design and create the landscaping for our new home. Gail and Robert listened carefully to our desires and vision and exceeded expectations with the result. The transitions between the different spaces are so natural and inviting that the whole perimeter feels like a series of secret gardens to enjoy for a variety of moods and activities. The courtyard is a quiet little enclave, just around the corner from the lovely stone water feature surrounded by succulents. The backyard is a smooth transition to a sculpted rock, agave, cactus, and ground cover haven for the birds and squirrels, with a path that wanders down the hill to a future fire pit. The side of the house has a wildflower garden and even a small orchard. The crew was not only thoughtful and hard-working, they made excellent design decisions on the fly—from artfully arranged boulders to a small zen garden raked into the pea gravel. I highly recommend Urban Earth Landscaping!

John Jarocki, 7 months ago

We admired one of our neighbor's landscaped front yard and driveway rework. We asked who had helped them. They enthusiastically and without hesitation said "Mary Johnston at Urban Earth Landscaping". We called and asked Mary for her recommendations on removing the grass from our front and back yards and providing us a plan for the space that would require less water and less maintenance. Mary visited, got our ideas, took measurements and photographs and offered to return with a preliminary design, with her fee refundable, as part of the final project. Mary also informed us of the ABCWUA Xeriscape rebate program the would help offset some of our ongoing water bill expenses, if we followed the necessary steps. After a couple of changes on plant types, Mary had provided us with her designs, the rebate-qualifying plant types and quantities, along with the cost. She was within our budget and we were added to the schedule about four weeks out. While we waited, Mary kept us appraised of the crew's anticipated start schedule, and the availability of certain plants we had selected. Her diagrams and "plant spreadsheet" made submitting for the rebate easy and the inspector was able to visit and give us approval to proceed. The Urban Earth work crew arrived on-time, as expected on the start day. Led by crew foreman Dulces, along with Kevin and Concepcion, we had three dedicated men focused on completing our projects. Several other Urban Earth members came at various times to also assist in the deliveries and placements. Mary provided excellent project management keeping the crew busy by scheduling the various deliveries at the right time. She usually came by in the morning to help map out the work that day and in the afternoon to confirm completion and share any updates with us. The crew worked 4 ten-hour days per week, and man, do they work! Urban Earth's professional approach is evident. Their crew showed up in one truck and trailer in the morning, with everything they needed. A Port-a-Potty was delivered on site since the men worked all day long. Various additional crew members showed up when the work demanded it. At the end of the workday the crew cleaned up and put their wheelbarrows and other tools out of the way. At the completion of the job the street was swept and hosed down. Unexpected roots, hard ground, old plumbing, etc were never "problems", just a challenge the team overcame without complaint. We are very pleased with our interactions with all levels of Urban Earth's crew. We are excited to watch our new landscape emerge this Spring. We are glad we selected Urban Earth to tackle our projects and look forward to enjoying our yards even more.

Guy Kent, 7 months ago

8. Milligan Scapes Landscaping and lawn care

4.3 stars from 72 Google reviews.

What customers say:

I was very impressed with this company. Harold kept me informed throughout the entire process and answered all my questions. They went above and beyond all of my expectations. They were always on schedule and each and every person I visited with were very friendly. Very organized. I would recommend this company any day to anyone. I am so appreciative of their work ethic, honesty and integrity…..🥰

Jill Clark, 2 years ago

This experience was fantastic. Jerome and his were very professional and friendly. They explained every step of the process. We had our front and back yard totally redone and it looks beautiful. We get compliments from people walking by. Fantastic job, reasonable price, and even finished ahead of schedule!!

Ken Neiberger, 10 months ago

I recently moved in to a new home. I wanted to turn the back yard into something special. A friend had recommended this company, and I'm so glad that he did. They did a wonderful job making my backyard look awesome. They were very responsive with any questions or concerns that I had. They do an amazing, professional job. Everyone I came into contact with was courteous and professional and took great care of me. I highly recommend Milligan Scapes!

Kristi Gallagher, 6 years ago

9. La Barge Landscape

4.4 stars from 63 Google reviews.

La Barge Landscape stands out for attentive customer service and a knowledgeable, courteous crew. They offer free on-site consultations and estimates, showing real care for both clients and their grounds.

What customers say:

We used this company for a huge landscaping project and are very happy with their work. We are grateful that we found them through a recommendation from a colleague. Their workers were always on time and worked really hard to do a great job. They used high-quality materials. Their project manager, Ashley, was coming on site several times a week and making sure everything was proceeding as planned and to our liking. I really appreciate their professionalism and dedication and would highly recommend them. Before and after photos are included.

Arezo Hashimi, a year ago

My wife, with her extensive online research, decided to hire La Barge Landscaping for a straightforward job: replacing a damaged cinder block wall, raising existing walls, installing a new deck, transplanting plants, and planting some new ones. In an unfinished flowerbed, planting half annual flowers and the other half a sand box to lay beach chairs in so we can bury our feet in it, and the installation of a timed drip system attaching it to our existing mainline tubing for a drip system we started but never finished. After receiving their bid, they began the work two weeks later. The crew worked tirelessly for the first 2-3 days, and my wife who was working from home was thrilled to see the progress. But as time went on, the workers slowed down, and the project dragged on. We made some add-ons and agreed to the price. Agreeing to pay in three partial payments close to $25,000.00 for the whole job. One would expect perfection, but the newly planted lavender and rosemary were dry and wilted while the hollyhocks died. La Barge replanted the hollyhocks and adjusted the timers to water twice a day. The plants continued to look dry, so I took it upon myself to check the watering tubing and drip emitter finding out the hose was either cut too short or placed 10-12 inches away not watering the base of the plant. Correcting the problem too late, the lavender and rosemary dried up and died. Their response? “Regarding the plant material, we only have a 30-day warranty. The rosemary and lavender were planted on 7/28, and when we returned on 8/11 and again on 9/8 all three of those plants were still alive. I adjusted the timers on 9/8 to give everything more water each day, but the extreme heat the last few months has caused many plants to die if they aren’t being consistently monitored and given extra water as needed. If the drip/emitter installation was the source of the problem, the plants would’ve died almost instantly.” Then there was the deck. We went with Trex composite decking and not being a carpenter, assumed we were going to get a clean consistent look, we got a staggered look with brad nails. I tried to get them to build a new deck, but to no avail. My fault because I didn’t specify at the beginning of construction. Not knowing the poor quality of the deck build, we placed our outdoor furniture on the deck so we could enjoy our view of the Sandia mountains. That’s when my son-in-law who is a carpenter, came over, he told us that the deck should have proper composite board screws and plugs to hide the holes, not brad nails. Also, boards that we improperly fastened started popping up. We told La Barge our concerns and they came back and properly fastened the boards and filled the brad nail holes with putty, not replacing with screws and matching plugs. We expressed our concerns again and this is what they said,” We are not willing to replace the main deck, as the installation was done correctly and with precision, the deck is structurally sound, and it looks beautiful. When I initially addressed your concerns during our final walk-through on 8/11, the staggered look of the deck was never mentioned. Your only concern was with some of the boards being loose/popping up, not the aesthetics of the main deck boards, as you had already placed your patio furniture on it and had started to use it without any issue. As I mentioned yesterday, we used nails/incorrect screws when installing the frame and facia boards, which we would like to correct.” So at least they are willing to fix some of their mistakes. So, if you still choose La Barge after this review, do your research and be as detailed as possible about what you want. You wouldn’t want to spend your hard-earned money on something that doesn’t meet your expectations. Good luck!

Damian Sandoval, 10 months ago

We hired La Barge Landscaping to upgrade a small portion of our backyard. We are very pleased with the project from beginning to end. Jack met with us to coordinate the design for the area, making suggestions and accommodating our desires/vision for the area. The project included removing old landscape material, pouring concrete for a small area, creating a walkway with new pavers, and putting down new gravel. We also wanted them to replace the old drip system and install new tubing and sprayers in the backyard. Additionally we asked them to remove gravel from, and add garden soil to, two planters in the backyard. The project also included replacing a 12'x12' patch of lawn in the front yard with new sod. Jack's team was pleasant and easy to work with. The were attentive to detail and made sure everything was in place at the end of the project. We would definitely recommend La Barge and their team for landscape projects.

Amy Budge, a year ago

10. R & S Landscaping

4.3 stars from 69 Google reviews.

R & S Landscaping is a small, family-oriented company in Albuquerque, founded by Robert Kapinski. With over 20 years in business and an A rating with the BBB, they focus on providing reliable landscaping services to local homeowners.

What customers say:

I had R&S Landscaping do a great deal of work on my small yard in 2020. The project they did for me included installing an irrigation system. Initially, I was happy with the work they did. However, since then, I have had 3 different landscapers out to adjust the irrigation system, all have told me my system is not to code and doesn't have an anti-siphon valve which is mandatory to prevent my drinking water from possible contamination. Two of those Landscapers refused to even adjust my drip system because they didn't want to be implicated with work that is not to code. When I called and spoke to someone at R&S, I was told "Robert will call you when he is back in town" but he never did. Now whenever I call it goes straight to voicemail and no one ever calls me back.

Joanne C, a month ago

We’ve had the pleasure of working with R&S Landscaping on two major projects over the past year, at two different properties — and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From start to finish, Robert and his hardworking crew (including two of his sons) were hands-on, reliable, and incredibly thorough. Their work included a wide range of services: artificial turf installation, sod (real grass) installation, dead tree removal, tree and shrub trimming, power washing of patios and decks, patio upgrades, rock and gravel landscaping, flagstone and paver work, boulder placement, drip and sprinkler system repair and setup, and even reactivating an old pond. Every task was done with care, precision, and a clear pride in their craft. This is a family-run business that truly delivers. Robert was present every day, leading the team and making sure no detail was overlooked. The crew was punctual, respectful, and clearly dedicated to doing the job right. A big thank you to Robert and the rest of the R&S team for your outstanding work. Also worth noting — the office staff is responsive and attentive, which made scheduling and communication easy throughout the process. Highly recommend!

Peter Walsh, a year ago

I am very happy with R&S Landscaping and highly recommend them. I’ve used their services three times—twice for hardscaping (grass removal, replacing metal edging with bricks, and some irrigation work) and once for tree pruning. Their pricing is very competitive, and they were able to schedule the work quickly. I also appreciated that their quotes were detailed, which stood out compared to others I received. Each day, the crew kept the area clean and tidy, making the whole process stress-free. Most importantly, the quality of their work is excellent—I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Steven McNeil, 11 months ago

How do you choose a landscaper in Albuquerque?

Choosing a landscaper in Albuquerque is about more than just price. You want someone who understands xeriscaping, drip irrigation, and the quirks of local soil. Ask about their experience with native plants, and check that they’re licensed and insured for New Mexico. Good communication matters, too, make sure they listen to what you want, not just what they want to build.

Here’s a quick look at what to compare:

Feature Why It Matters in Albuquerque
Xeriscape Experience Surviving drought and saving water
Local Plant Knowledge Fewer dead plants, less maintenance
Irrigation Know-how Efficient watering in dry climate
Hardscape Skill Patios and walls that last
Licensing & Insurance Protects you and your property
Communication Fewer surprises, smoother projects

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping is best for Albuquerque’s climate?

Xeriscaping with native plants, gravel, and efficient drip irrigation works best. These choices save water and handle the city’s heat and drought.

How much does landscaping cost in Albuquerque?

Basic projects like gravel or mulch can start around a few hundred dollars, while full design and installation can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on size and complexity.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in Albuquerque?

Most basic landscaping doesn’t need a permit, but major changes like retaining walls, large patios, or irrigation systems may require one. Always check with the city or your landscaper.

How do I keep my yard green during drought?

Use drought-tolerant plants, mulch deeply, and install a drip irrigation system. Water early in the morning and avoid traditional lawns if you want to save water.

Business details, ratings and reviews are sourced from Google. Reviews are reproduced verbatim and are the opinions of their authors, not of Dream Landscaper.

Company details were last checked on 2026-08-24.

If you want your yard to thrive in Albuquerque, start with a landscaper who knows the desert. Buena suerte.

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping is best for Albuquerque’s climate?

Xeriscaping with native plants, gravel, and efficient drip irrigation works best. These choices save water and handle the city’s heat and drought.

How much does landscaping cost in Albuquerque?

Basic projects like gravel or mulch can start around a few hundred dollars, while full design and installation can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on size and complexity.

Do I need a permit for landscaping in Albuquerque?

Most basic landscaping doesn’t need a permit, but major changes like retaining walls, large patios, or irrigation systems may require one. Always check with the city or your landscaper.

How do I keep my yard green during drought?

Use drought-tolerant plants, mulch deeply, and install a drip irrigation system. Water early in the morning and avoid traditional lawns if you want to save water.

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