Landscaping Services in Farmington, NM


Welcome to Scratching the Earth Landscaping LLC, where we have been proudly serving Farmington, NM and the Four Corners since 2002. Over the years, we have helped homeowners and property managers create custom outdoor environments that are both functional and beautiful. Our landscape design services are crafted to complement the unique terrain, climate, and lifestyle of Farmington, with a strong focus on sustainability, water management, and timeless aesthetics.

Farmington’s high-desert setting provides an exceptional foundation for creative and sustainable landscape design, but it also presents unique challenges. Throughout the greater Four Corners region, from riverside properties to hillside lots, we work with a wide range of conditions including steep terrain, intense sun exposure, and seasonal snowmelt. Our team brings practical knowledge and hands-on experience to every job, understanding how to select plants, manage water, and structure outdoor spaces that thrive across varied elevations and microclimates. Whether you’re building a new home or updating your outdoor living area, we provide thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship tailored to your location.

Irrigation & Water Management

A well-designed irrigation system is the foundation of a healthy, low-maintenance landscape. We specialize in the design, installation, and repair of irrigation systems suited to the diverse climates and terrain found throughout the area. Whether you’re located in a high-desert environment, a river valley, or a sloped hillside, we tailor each system to match the local conditions and the specific needs of your plants. Our irrigation services include:

  • Drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the base of native and xeric plants, reducing evaporation and runoff
  • High-efficiency sprinkler heads that provide uniform coverage while minimizing waste
  • Pump systems for properties near the river or on wells, offering dependable water delivery
  • Smart timers and electric valves that adapt watering schedules based on seasonal needs

Built for Every Property – Call Today!

Xeriscaping & Sustainable Design

Xeriscaping is more than a trend; it’s a smart and sustainable approach to landscaping in the arid Southwest. We specialize in designing low-water, low-maintenance landscapes that are both beautiful and resilient. For Farmington residents, this means you can enjoy a vibrant yard without high water bills or frequent upkeep. Our xeriscaping services feature:

  • Soil preparation that supports drought-tolerant plants in rocky or clay-heavy terrain
  • Native and adaptive plant selection, including desert grasses, flowering perennials, and evergreen shrubs
  • Mulching and gravel groundcover to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth
  • Minimal irrigation zones designed for seasonal or part-time residents

The goal is to create a landscape that looks stunning, survives tough weather, and fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a full xeric yard or want to blend sustainable elements with traditional lawn areas, we can help you strike the perfect balance.

Schedule a Consultation for Sustainable Design

Softscaping & Planting

While hardscaping gives your yard structure, softscaping brings it to life. This includes all the living elements of your design: trees, shrubs, flowers, turf, and more. We carefully plan and install plantings that thrive across the diverse conditions of the Four Corners region, enhancing the natural beauty and character of your outdoor space while ensuring long-term health and resilience. Our softscaping work includes:

  • Privacy screening with evergreen hedges or tall grasses
  • Pollinator-friendly garden beds filled with native perennials and seasonal blooms
  • Tree planting for shade, ornamental beauty, or windbreaks
  • Sod and seeding installation for lush lawns or erosion control

We believe in thoughtful plant placement and responsible choices that support long-term growth. Whether you want a colorful garden in front of your home, a peaceful backyard retreat, or a play-friendly lawn for kids and pets, we can bring your vision to life with healthy, region-appropriate plants.

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Landscape Drainage & Erosion Control

Water can be both a friend and a foe in landscape design. While irrigation supports growth, unmanaged water from storms, snowmelt, or irrigation runoff can lead to damage. That’s why drainage and erosion control are essential components of our services, especially for properties in river-adjacent neighborhoods or on slopes. We provide drainage solutions such as:

  • French drains to collect and redirect subsurface water
  • Swales and dry creek beds that move water away from structures
  • Erosion control measures like slope stabilization and retaining structures
  • Grading and soil amendments to improve water absorption and reduce runoff

Proper drainage protects your landscape, prevents foundation issues, and keeps your yard functional year-round. If you have pooling water, shifting soil, or visible damage, our team can assess the situation and recommend lasting solutions.

Call Us for Drainage & Erosion Solutions

Landscape Lighting Installation


Once the sun goes down, the right lighting can bring your landscape to life in a whole new way. Outdoor lighting adds ambiance, security, and practicality to your home, all while showcasing the natural and architectural features you’ve invested in. We specialize in low-voltage, high-efficiency lighting systems designed to endure Farmington’s diverse climate.

Light Bulb

High-Efficiency LED Technology


Our LED landscape lighting systems use the latest technology to save energy and last for years. LED fixtures are up to 80 percent more efficient than halogen and offer lifespans of 50,000 hours or more. With warm white color temperatures (2700K to 3000K), we can create a soft, natural look that enhances your outdoor space without being harsh or artificial.

Once installed, our systems require minimal maintenance and draw very little power, making them a smart long-term investment.

Spotlight

Architectural & Accent Techniques


Lighting is as much about artistry as it is about function. We use strategic lighting techniques to highlight your home’s best features and add visual depth to your landscape. Techniques we use include:
  • Uplighting for mature trees or architectural columns
  • Wall washing to softly illuminate stone, stucco, or wood textures
  • Silhouetting to create dramatic contrasts behind plants or sculptures

These techniques turn your property into a showpiece after dark, increasing both curb appeal and overall value.

Ceiling Lamp

Path, Step, & Safety Lighting


Safety is another major benefit of landscape lighting. We install functional lighting that makes it easy to navigate your property at night while eliminating dark zones that could pose security risks. Options include:
  • Low-profile path lights for walkways and garden borders
  • Recessed step lights built into stairs or retaining walls
  • Driveway lighting that guides vehicles and highlights edges

These additions not only improve visibility but also extend the usability of your yard well into the evening hours.

Thunderbolt

Professional Grade Infrastructure


What sets our lighting systems apart is how they’re built. We use professional-grade components, including:
  • Corrosion-resistant fixtures made from solid brass or copper
  • High-quality transformers designed for efficiency and longevity
  • Watertight, silicone-filled connectors that resist damage from snowmelt, irrigation, and weather

These systems are made to last and built for Farmington’s specific conditions. From wiring depth to voltage loads, we ensure every detail is correct for a safe and durable installation.

Frequently Asked Questions



Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach designed for water conservation. Unlike traditional landscaping that may rely on lawns and high-water-use plants, xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant native species, efficient irrigation, and mulches or gravel to reduce water usage. It also requires less maintenance, making it ideal for Farmington’s dry climate and for clients who prefer a low-effort yard. While traditional landscaping can still have a place, especially with smart irrigation, xeriscaping is more sustainable and practical for this region.


Yes, we often upgrade outdated irrigation systems. Many older systems are inefficient and waste water due to leaky fittings, outdated spray heads, or poor design. We can assess your existing setup and replace key components with modern alternatives such as smart controllers, drip lines, and high-efficiency sprinkler heads. Our upgrades help reduce water waste, lower your utility bills, and improve the health of your landscape.


The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the system, but most installations are completed within a few days. We begin with a design consultation to map out fixture placement and plan the wiring layout. Once approved, our crew installs all components, tests the system, and makes any needed adjustments for lighting angles and intensity. Since our systems use low-voltage wiring, the installation is non-invasive and safe for both plants and structures.


We recommend a combination of native and adaptive species that can handle Farmington’s dry, sunny conditions. These include Russian sage, yarrow, blue grama grass, penstemon, juniper, and Apache plume. These plants require minimal watering once established and offer color, texture, and seasonal interest. For privacy or structure, we often use evergreen shrubs or tall ornamental grasses. Each plant is chosen for its hardiness, visual appeal, and compatibility with the local environment.


Signs of poor drainage include standing water, soggy soil, basement moisture, erosion, or dead patches in your lawn or garden. If your property is on a slope, near a river, or receives significant runoff from neighboring lots, it’s especially important to have proper drainage systems in place. We can conduct an on-site evaluation and recommend solutions like French drains, swales, or grading adjustments to correct the issue and prevent long-term damage.


We proudly serve Farmington, NM and all communities within a 100 mile radius, covering much of the Four Corners region. This includes surrounding towns in New Mexico and southern Colorado. If your project is located outside this radius, we encourage you to contact us. We review projects beyond our standard service area on a case-by-case basis and are happy to discuss availability and options.

Need Landscaping Services in Farmington, NM?


A well-planned landscape does more than beautify your home; it adds value, function, and enjoyment to your everyday life. Whether you want a sustainable front yard, a functional irrigation system, a vibrant garden, or artistic lighting to extend your outdoor living into the evening, we have the skills and experience to make it happen.

At Scratching the Earth Landscaping LLC, we blend technical expertise with creative design to deliver lasting results. We believe in working closely with every client, ensuring each project reflects your personal style and meets the demands of our unique climate. Reach out today for a consultation, and let us help you create a landscape that’s built for the Four Corners and tailored to your vision.

Curb Appeal for Every Property – Get in Touch