The choices you make when you water, plant trees, and fight bugs affect Albuquerque's ground water and air quality, and can even impact the health of the Rio Grande!

3 Things You Can Do:

1. Plant trees.
2. Purchase a rainwater harvesting barrel (PDF).
3. Switch to xeriscape.

Motivated to do more?

Here's a full list of actions you can take to promote a sustainable life in Albuquerque:

Action	Benefits
	Energy Supply	Air Quality	Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction	Waste Reduction	Water Supply and Quality	Land and Wildlife Protection
Plant trees to shade your home in the summer and save you money on air conditioning. The trees will store carbon, clean the air and water, and provide habitat for wildlife. Trees and other landscaping also add value to your home and improve the neighborhood. Learn more >>
Purchase a rainwater harvesting barrel to collect rainwater as it falls off of your roof and use that water in your landscape. The City offers a rebate. Read more about rainwater harvesting >>
Switch to a xeriscaped landscape with native, low water use trees and plants. This will reduce your water use and improve the appearance of your landscape. Xeriscaping is about replacing high maintenance plants with low maintenance plants. Read more >>
Compost your yard waste in a pile or container. Composting on-site reduces the amount of material that is sent to the landfill, and provides you with excellent soil amendment and mulch. Read more >>
Use a mulching lawnmower and leave the clippings on your lawn as fertilizer or add them to your compost rather than throwing them out.
Use a push mower or electric mower rather than a gasoline powered mower to reduce carbon dioxide and other pollutant emissions.
Plant evergreen trees and shrubs to the north and northwest of your home to block winter winds. You'll save money in heating costs and add value to your property. Read more >>
Use mulch around your trees and plants to keep them healthy. Mulch helps the soil hold water, adds nutrients to the soil, reduces weed growth, and moderates soil temperature.
Water your plants in the morning. You will use less water and your plants will be healthier because they will have water available throughout the day.
Don’t pour anything down storm drains. Our storm drains go directly to the Rio Grande! Read more >>
Use natural pesticides to reduce soil pollution, water pollution, and harm to your family pets. Read more >>
Use fertilizer carefully. Excessive fertilizer drains into groundwater and the Rio Grande, contaminating the water. Get a soil test to help you determine if and when to fertilize. Contact the Bernalillo County Extension Office at (50) 292-7144 for more information.
Use water-permeable paving materials for driveways and parking spaces to let water seep into the ground around your trees and landscape.
Build a green roof to decrease heating and cooling costs and lower the "heat island effect" in Albuquerque.
Reduce pollen near your home by planting low pollen plants and avoiding restricted trees and plants.
Replace your spray sprinkler system with soaker hoses or drip irrigation. Sprinklers allow some water to evaporate before it reaches your plants, but soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems deliver water where your trees and plants need it. Take advantage of the City rebate when you replace your old sprinkler system.
Adjust your watering schedule based on the season and install a rain sensor to save water, save money on wasted water, and avoid City water waste fines. Read more >>
Encourage beneficial insects in your yard. Insects like ladybugs and praying mantis can be used to control aphids, beetles, grubs, and more. Attract them with plants like cosmos, maximilian sunflower, and yarrow.
Break up compacted soil before you plant new trees and plants in your yard. Compacted soil does not drain properly and prevents root growth.
Don't plant trees too close to your home or sidewalk. Trees need space for the roots and branches to grow. Choose trees that fit the available space, and use amendments to improve the soil around growing trees. Read more >>
Protect your trees during construction or digging anywhere near the trunk or roots. Human-related causes kill more trees than all diseases, insects, and drought combined!
Hire experts in tree care. Don't rely on advice from non-tree experts about tree care. Look for International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists with insurance, training, and experience in the specific work you need done. An untrained maintenance person can accidentally harm and even kill your trees.
There is such a thing as "too much of a good thing." Too much mulch, water, pruning, fertilizer, and even too many plants can stress or even kill your trees and plants. All things in moderation make for healthy and happy trees, plants, and environment.

Learn more

• Visit the Landscaping section of the U.S. Department of Energy Consumer Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
• Take the City of Albuquerque water conservation quiz.
• Learn more about composting at home.
• Visit the Albuquerque Master Gardener website to learn about caring for your garden in Albuquerque.