Fire & Water Services in Farmington, NM


Welcome to Scratching the Earth Landscaping LLC. Since 2002, we have dedicated ourselves to transforming outdoor spaces across the Four Corners into custom retreats that balance function, beauty, and craftsmanship. Located in one of the most scenic corners of New Mexico, our business is rooted in creating outdoor living experiences that reflect the natural character of the land and meet the unique needs of our clients. Our specialty? Fire and water. These elemental features add warmth, ambiance, and serenity to any space, and in a place like Farmington, where nature and culture intersect so deeply, they take on an even greater meaning.

Farmington, NM is known for its rugged desert beauty, vast skies, and proximity to wonders like the San Juan River, the Bisti Badlands, and the Four Corners Monument. With its mix of historic heritage and outdoor adventure, this region calls for landscapes that do more than just look good. They need to perform, endure, and welcome life into them. Whether you’re in the heart of Farmington or nestled in a neighboring area like Bloomfield or Cedar Hill, we bring you fire and water designs that elevate your outdoor space and connect you more deeply to the land.

Custom Fire Pits & Outdoor Fireplaces

Few things bring people together like an outdoor fire. At Scratching the Earth Landscaping LLC, we design and install fire features that are safe, durable, and tailored to your vision. We offer design options that include:

  • Gas-fed fire pits for convenience and clean operation
  • Traditional wood-burning fire features for that classic, rustic charm
  • Custom seating walls made of stone or Pavestone to create a built-in social space
  • Integration with existing patios or new hardscape construction

Our materials reflect the landscape of the region, including natural boulders, weathered stone, and earth-toned pavers that complement the high desert surroundings.

Contact Us for Custom Fire Pits & Fireplaces

Pond

Ecosystem Ponds & Waterfalls

Water has a calming presence that brings life and balance to any outdoor space. In Farmington, with its dry climate and wide-open skies, a water feature provides contrast and sensory relief. Our ecosystem ponds and waterfalls are more than decorative. They are designed to function like natural streams, using biological filtration and thoughtful rock placement to keep water clean and ecosystems thriving.

Our certified Aquascape installation techniques include:
  • Natural rock placement that mimics mountain streambeds
  • Integrated biological filtration systems that avoid harsh chemicals
  • Auto-fill valves and water-level management systems
  • Energy-efficient pumps that reduce operating costs

Farmington’s natural wildlife, including birds, frogs, and pollinators, are often drawn to these water features. You are not just building a landscape; you are creating habitat and tranquility.

Fountain

Fountains & Architectural Water Features

For properties where space is limited or a more refined aesthetic is preferred, we offer smaller-scale architectural water features. These elements add movement, reflection, and a sculptural quality to your yard without requiring major renovations or large areas of land.

Options include:
  • Bubbling rock fountains that integrate natural stone with subtle sound
  • Basalt column water features that provide vertical interest
  • Hand-carved stone urns with flowing water for entryways or patios

These pieces are ideal for front yards, patios, or garden nooks. The sound of water provides a gentle background ambiance, while the visual element becomes a focal point. These water features work especially well in Farmington neighborhoods where compact lots or architectural styles call for a more polished approach.

Technical Reliability & Safety

We understand that fire and water features come with technical challenges. That’s why our systems are designed for long-term reliability, safety, and ease of maintenance. We consider Farmington’s climate, elevation, and seasonal variations when selecting materials and building systems. Key safety and performance elements include:

  • Professional gas line installation for all fire features
  • Winterization protocols to protect systems during freeze-thaw cycles
  • Auto-fill valves to maintain consistent water levels
  • Overflow management systems to avoid flooding during rain
  • Energy-efficient, low-maintenance pumps and valves

You should not have to worry about how your outdoor feature works. It should just work. Our goal is to create seamless systems that you can enjoy without constant oversight or troubleshooting.

Schedule a Consultation

Complementary Landscaping Services

Fire and water are often just the beginning. To create a cohesive and functional outdoor environment, we also offer a full range of landscaping services that complete the picture. These services can be bundled with fire and water installations or offered separately. Our additional services include:

  • Patios: Certified Pavestone and flagstone installation for custom outdoor flooring
  • Irrigation: Drip and sprinkler systems, including timers, pumps, and well integration
  • Outdoor Lighting: Energy-saving LED systems to illuminate pathways and highlight features
  • Retaining Walls: Boulder, timber, and flagstone walls built to structural specs
  • Play Areas: Custom play zones with swings, climbing rocks, and zip lines
  • Rustic Furniture: Custom-built outdoor furniture that matches your landscape style

We work with you from concept to completion, ensuring that each element is designed to complement the others.

Our Landscaping Services Our Hardscaping Services

Frequently Asked Questions



Yes, we offer both gas and wood-burning fire features, and each option has its own advantages depending on your lifestyle, location, and preferences. Gas fire pits are easy to start, clean, and control. They are ideal for clients who want a modern aesthetic with minimal maintenance. Wood-burning fire pits provide a more rustic and traditional experience, complete with the sound and scent of a real fire. They are especially popular in open spaces or rural areas where there are fewer burn restrictions. During the design phase, we can walk you through the pros and cons of each system and help you decide which is the best fit for your space.


A pondless waterfall is a type of water feature where water circulates through a stream or falls and disappears into a hidden underground reservoir instead of a visible pond. This design is perfect for people who want the sound and motion of water without the upkeep of a full pond. It is also a safer option for households with small children or pets. In Farmington, where space and water conservation can be considerations, pondless waterfalls are a popular choice. They are visually stunning, use less water than traditional ponds, and can be tailored to fit spaces of any size.


Our water features use a combination of mechanical and biological filtration systems to maintain clarity and health. We place rocks and gravel in a way that supports beneficial bacteria, which naturally break down organic debris and prevent algae buildup. Skimmers remove surface debris like leaves, and biofalls provide oxygenation to support the ecosystem. For clients who want extra convenience, we can install automatic dosing systems that release natural enzymes and treatments as needed. Because we build features based on natural models, they tend to require much less intervention than chemical-heavy setups.


Yes, all our systems are designed to withstand Farmington’s variable climate, including freezing temperatures during the winter. For fire features, we use materials that resist cracking and weathering, and we install proper drainage to prevent ice damage. For water features, we offer winterization services that include draining pumps, insulating components, and covering vulnerable parts. If you choose to keep your water feature running in winter, we can design it with heating elements and overflow controls to ensure it operates safely. We will guide you through all seasonal maintenance options to protect your investment.


Our design process is collaborative and customized. We start with an initial consultation to understand your goals, budget, and style. From there, we create a basic scaled hand-drafted design that outlines the layout, materials, and features of the proposed project. If you proceed with the installation through our team, the cost of the design is deducted from your project total. We welcome client input throughout the process, from material choices to layout tweaks. Our goal is to ensure you understand exactly what you are getting and that the final result reflects your vision and lifestyle.


We proudly serve Farmington, NM and all surrounding communities within a 100 mile radius. This includes towns like Kirtland, Bloomfield, Cedar Hill, and into parts of southern Colorado. If your project falls outside this range, feel free to contact us. We review out-of-area requests on a case-by-case basis and are happy to discuss how we can help.

Need Fire & Water Services in Farmington, NM?


Your outdoor space should be a place of peace, connection, and beauty. Whether you are looking to host friends by the fire, find a moment of calm beside a bubbling fountain, or create a welcoming environment that reflects the land you call home, we are here to help.

At Scratching the Earth Landscaping LLC, we bring years of experience, deep regional knowledge, and a commitment to craftsmanship. We do not build cookie-cutter landscapes. We build environments that are personal, functional, and made to last. If you are ready to explore the possibilities for your property in Farmington or the surrounding areas, reach out to us today. Let’s design something that brings the elemental magic of fire and water into your everyday life.

Built for Every Property – Call Today!