University Hills

Landscaping in University Hills, NM

Established neighborhood near NMSU with mid-century homes, mature trees and a lot of original irrigation still in the ground.

Do you serve University Hills?

Yes. University Hills (ZIP 88005) is one of the older established areas near the university, and most yards here were designed in an era of cheap water and full lawns. The dominant job is modernising that: cutting water use substantially while keeping the mature, settled character that makes the neighborhood attractive.

What makes University Hills different

This is a neighborhood with existing landscape identity. Mature street trees and consistent front-yard character mean a stripped gravel yard tends to look out of place next door to everything else.

Original irrigation

Systems here can be many decades old, with galvanised or early PVC lines, obsolete valves and heads no longer matched to the planting they serve. Leaks are often invisible and expensive.

Mature canopy

Substantial trees change everything about a design. Shade lowers water demand, alters plant selection and protects the house from afternoon heat, which is worth preserving rather than clearing.

Neighborhood character

Front yards here read as a group. We aim for conversions that cut water use without breaking visual continuity with the street.

What University Hills yards usually need

The realistic goal here is a hybrid, not a full desert conversion. Keeping shade trees and a modest green area, replacing the rest with layered planting and rock, and rebuilding the irrigation so each zone is watered correctly typically delivers the largest saving per dollar spent.

Lawn ConversionIrrigation RebuildShade PlantingLandscape DesignDrip Retrofit

A surprising share of high water bills in University Hills trace back to an irrigation fault rather than the planting. We test the system before recommending anyone tear out a lawn.

Common questions

My water bill jumped but nothing changed. Why?

On older University Hills systems this usually means an underground leak or a stuck valve. It is worth a zone-by-zone test before assuming the landscape is at fault.

Will a desert yard look wrong on my street?

It can, if it is done as bare gravel. Layered planting with rock as a background reads as designed and sits comfortably beside more traditional neighbours.

Should I remove my mature trees to save water?

Almost never. Established trees shade the house and soil, reducing cooling costs and the water demand of everything planted beneath them.

Nearby areas we serve

Get a free University Hills landscaping estimate

Tell us about your property and what you want it to do. We will walk the site and put together a plan built for University Hills conditions.

Request Your Free Estimate