Scratching the Earth Landscaping

Outdoor Living Spaces Built for Real Life in Farmington, NM
Outdoor spaces should feel like more than “the area behind the house.” They should feel like an extension of your life. A place where you can sip coffee in the morning, host friends on warm Four Corners evenings, and watch your kids burn off energy without you worrying about mud, weeds, or uneven ground.

At Scratching the Earth Landscaping, we’ve been “scratching the earth” since 2002, and we’re proud to bring creative, experience-focused landscaping services to homeowners and businesses who want something better than basic yard work. We’re a hands-on landscaping company that believes your outdoor space should have purpose, personality, and a plan behind it. Whether you want low-maintenance xeric landscaping, a lush backyard retreat, or a full outdoor living makeover, we’re ready to help you build something you’ll actually use.

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Landscaping Services

Quality landscape design & installation tailored to your property and lifestyle. From initial concept and irrigation systems to plant placement and outdoor spaces, we build cohesive outdoor environments that enhance curb appeal and everyday enjoyment.

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Hardscaping Services

Expert hardscape construction using natural stone, pavers, and engineered materials to create patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living structures that add function, durability, and visual impact to your landscape.

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Fire & Water Services

Custom fire and water features — including fire pits, fireplaces, ponds, and water elements — that elevate your outdoor living experience with ambiance, entertainment value, and serene focal points.

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What Our Customers Are Saying


Rating Stars

Denise G.

If you are seeking an outstanding landscaping company, I would highly recommend Scratching The Earth. Jeff and his team consistently exceed expectations, ensuring your project is completed to your utmost satisfaction. They have done exceptional work for us, including a lighted retaining wall, water feature, steps, pavers, and trees.

We are thoroughly pleased with their work and offer our highest recommendation. They are punctual and professional, and they leave the work area clean and tidy at the end of each day, which is greatly appreciated by homeowners. Thank you once again! Your crew is truly appreciated.

Rating Stars

Kenny R.

Jeff at Scratching the Earth Landscaping, and his crew, did a fantastic job on our backyard patio and retaining wall. His crew was always on time and worked hard every day, as well as being respectful of my family while on the job.

I think my son said it best when he told me “You pay for the man’s expertise, not just the materials.” The patio and retaining wall turned out better than I ever expected. When the time comes to complete my project, Jeff will be the only call I will make. Thanks again, Jeff.

Rating Stars

Gloria P.

It was a wonderful experience, working with such a great landscaper. He was everything that I hoped for as a professional landscaper. He listened to everything that I wanted my yard to look like, and he made it happen. The crew he had working on my property, respected everything that was mine, and worked wonders when it came to clean up.

My yard was not very big, but it was a big mess and in five days they transformed into a beautiful, beautiful backyard. Although the yard is completed, he still is checking back to make sure everything stays intact. I would recommend him or should I say scratching the Earth landscaping to anyone they’re welcome to come and look at my yard. They too, would want to hire him.

Our Mission


Mission statement is the core foundation of all of it and the branches. Focus on creating beautiful, functional spaces that feel like an extension of your home to enjoy with friends and family. Over 23 years of experience with Scratching The Earth, designs are tailored to specific family wants and needs after meeting with them. Mission statement may be revised for wording, but theme remains the same.

Landscaping in Farmington & the Four Corners Region Requires a Different Approach

Landscaping in Farmington is never one size fits all, and that becomes even more true when you look across the broader Four Corners region. Summers are often hot, dry, and intense, making efficient irrigation and sun-tolerant plant choices essential. The soil can vary dramatically from one area to the next, and if it is not handled properly, it can work against even the best intentions.

Seasonal changes also play a big role. That is why successful landscaping in the Farmington area and throughout the Four Corners starts with understanding the land itself, not forcing it to behave like somewhere else.

Our process begins with listening. We take the time to learn how you use your outdoor space, how hands-on you want to be with maintenance, and what kind of environment you want to enjoy day after day. Whether you are near Berg Park, along the Animas River, closer to Main Street, or on a larger property outside town, we design landscapes that fit both your lifestyle and the unique conditions of the region. The result is an outdoor space that feels natural, functional, and built to thrive in the Four Corners climate for years to come.

Our Landscaping Services

More Than Maintenance

We Build Outdoor Spaces with Meaning
A lot of people can mow a lawn. That’s not what we’re here for. We focus on creating outdoor environments that feel like outdoor rooms. Spaces built for connection, relaxation, and everyday enjoyment. We love helping clients turn unused yards into places where families gather, where friends stay a little longer, and where evenings feel calmer.

Our work blends practical structure with creative details, so your yard is not only functional, but it also feels like it belongs to you.

Curb Appeal for Every Property – Contact Us

Landscaping Design & Installation That Keeps You Involved

We’ve learned something over the years: the best outdoor projects happen when the homeowner or property owner is part of the process. That’s why we work closely with you during design and estimating, making sure you understand what you’re paying for and exactly what you’re getting.

Our landscaping design and installation process is built to give you clarity and confidence. We can provide a basic scaled hand-drafted design, and we also offer custom quotes depending on the scope of your project. If Scratching the Earth is awarded the landscape project, the cost of the design is deducted from the estimated cost, which makes it easier to move forward with a real plan.

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Residential Landscaping that Matches Your Lifestyle

No two households live the same way, so residential landscaping should never feel cookie-cutter. Some of our clients want low-maintenance outdoor living because life is busy. Others want a yard that’s lush and green because they truly enjoy working with plants and being outside. Our residential landscaping services can include:

  • Xeric, low-water landscaping for simpler upkeep
  • Planting layouts designed for sun exposure and long-term health
  • Outdoor lighting for nighttime atmosphere and visibility
  • Patios and gathering spaces for entertaining
  • Fire and water features that create comfort and calm

If you’ve been searching for landscapers who will actually listen, guide you with real expertise, and build something that fits your home, that’s exactly what we do.

Contact Us for Residential Landscaping Services

Commercial Landscaping that Supports Your Property’s First Impression

For businesses and commercial properties, landscaping isn’t just about curb appeal. It’s about how customers feel before they even walk in the door. Clean, intentional landscaping communicates pride, professionalism, and attention to detail.

We offer commercial landscaping solutions that help create attractive, durable spaces that stay functional through heat, wind, and the day-to-day wear that commercial properties deal with. Whether your property is in Farmington proper or all of Northwest New Mexico as well as Southwest Colorado we help your outdoor areas look well-kept and welcoming year-round.

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Hardscaping & Paver Patios Built to Last

A great landscape needs structure. That’s where hardscaping comes in. We are certified Pavestone installers under the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), and we follow engineering specifications for installing pavers correctly. That matters because patios should stay level, drain properly, and hold up for the long haul, especially when Farmington heat, dry conditions, and shifting ground can wear down poorly built work. Our hardscaping & paver patios can include:

  • Paver patios for outdoor seating and entertaining
  • Flagstone patios for a natural, textured look
  • Walkways and transitions that tie your space together
  • Outdoor living layouts that feel intentional and usable

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Custom Fire & Water Features that Make Your Yard Feel Like a Retreat

Some outdoor upgrades just change the entire vibe, and fire and water features are at the top of that list. With this in mind, we’re also an Aquascape Certified Contractor, and we can build beautiful specialty projects. These include:

  • Boulder and pot water features
  • Ponds and pondless streams
  • Waterfalls that create peaceful movement and sound
  • Custom fire pits and fireplaces (wood or gas)

Custom fire and water features bring comfort, atmosphere, and a sense of escape, even if you’re still right at home in Farmington. When the evenings cool down, a fire feature becomes the natural gathering point. And when the summer heat hits hard, the sound of water brings a calming balance that makes the space feel refreshing.

Our Custom Fire & Water Features – Learn More

Smart Watering Systems for Farmington Landscaping

In Farmington, irrigation is not optional. It’s essential. The key is doing it right, so your plants thrive without wasting water. This is why we install residential and commercial sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. These include:

  • Pumps, relay switches, and timers
  • Electric valves for water well applications
  • Systems designed for efficient coverage and control

Whether you want to keep things lush or stay water-conscious, we design watering systems that support your goals while keeping maintenance manageable.

Contact Us for Sprinkler & Irrigation Systems

Outdoor Lighting that Adds Comfort & Security

Outdoor lighting is one of those upgrades you don’t fully appreciate until you have it. Suddenly the yard feels bigger, safer, and more inviting after dark.

Whenever we install outdoor lighting, we choose LED lighting to improve efficiency and lower electrical costs. It’s a practical upgrade that also helps highlight landscaping, patios, and walkways in a way that feels warm and intentional.

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Play Areas Built for Adventure (and Real-Life Energy)

If you’ve got kids, you know they do not want a “pretty yard.” They want a fun yard. We can conceptualize and build healthful outdoor designs for children, including:

  • Play areas with swing sets and sandboxes
  • Zip lines and trampolines
  • Climbing boulders and play caves

We truly love designing spaces where kids can explore and play, while parents feel good knowing it was thoughtfully planned and built.

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Frequently Asked Questions



We offer a full range of landscaping services, including design, irrigation, patios, water features, outdoor lighting, fire features, retaining walls, and more.


Yes. Xeric and low-maintenance landscapes are great options in the Farmington area, especially for homeowners who want less upkeep and smarter watering.


No. We offer both residential landscaping and commercial landscaping solutions, depending on your property’s needs.


We offer basic scaled hand-drafted designs and custom quotes. We work with you during estimating so you understand exactly what’s included.


Yes. We are certified installers for paver patios and segmented retaining walls, and we build them to manufacturer specifications for long-term durability.


We serve Farmington, NM and surrounding communities within approximately a 100 mile radius. This includes much of the Four Corners region, such as Aztec, Bloomfield, Shiprock, Durango, Cortez, and nearby areas. If you are unsure whether your property falls within our service area, we are happy to talk through your location and project details.

Proudly Serving


Durango, CO / Bayfield, CO / Hesperus, CO / Pagosa Springs, CO / Kirtland, NM / Farmington, NM / Cedar Hill, NM / Bloomfield, NM / Mancos, CO / Cortez, CO

Let’s Build an Outdoor Space You’ll Actually Use


At Scratching the Earth Landscaping, we don’t believe in creating landscapes that look nice but never get lived in. We believe your yard should feel like a real extension of your home, designed for connection, comfort, and everyday enjoyment. Whether you want residential landscaping services that stay low-maintenance through hot Farmington summers, a full landscaping design and installation plan, or hardscaping and paver patios that give your space structure and style, we’re ready to help. From custom fire and water features to smart irrigation and outdoor lighting, we build outdoor living spaces that bring people together. So when you’re ready, feel free to reach out to us; we’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up!

Built for Every Property – Call Today!