Picacho Hills’ Trusted Landscaper Since 2005Landscaping Services in Picacho Hills, NM
Estate-lot landscape design, retaining walls, erosion control, and xeriscaping built for the slopes, rocky soils, and panoramic views of the Picacho Hills foothills.
Landscape Work Shaped by the Foothills
Picacho Hills is not a flat subdivision. Lots here sit on the west side of Las Cruces, nestled into the Picacho Peak foothills. Most properties are half an acre to two acres or more. The terrain is steep, the soil is rocky, and the views stretch across the Mesilla Valley to the Organ Mountains. That means every landscape project starts with slope, drainage, and erosion, not just plants and color.
Brainard's Greenscapes has worked in this community for years. We know the HOA guidelines, the arroyo setbacks, and which retaining wall materials hold up on these slopes. Our crew is based in Las Cruces, so we are on site fast and familiar with the local permitting process. From custom homes built in the 1980s to brand-new construction, we design outdoor spaces that fit the land instead of fighting it.
Services Available in Picacho Hills
Landscape Design
Site plans for sloped lots, terraced yards, and view corridors on Picacho Hills estate properties.
Learn MoreLandscaping & Install
Grading, planting, and full-property builds on large foothill lots with rocky terrain.
Learn MoreHardscaping & Patios
Retaining walls, flagstone patios, and terraced outdoor living areas built for hillside stability.
Learn MoreXeriscaping
Low-water designs with native plants that anchor slopes and reduce erosion on large lots.
Learn MoreIrrigation & Sprinkler
Multi-zone drip systems sized for half-acre to two-acre properties with varied sun exposure.
Learn MoreLandscape Maintenance
Seasonal pruning, retaining wall checks, and monsoon drainage upkeep for estate properties.
Learn More
Neighborhoods & Landmarks We Serve
We serve the full Picacho Hills community and surrounding areas in zip code 88007. From the gated sections near the country club to the custom builds along Upper Picacho, we know the terrain, the HOA rules, and the soil on every street.
Picacho Hills (Main) 88007
The core community with estate lots on sloped terrain. Terraced yards, view decks, and native plantings are standard here.
Picacho Hills Estates 88007
Larger custom-home lots with two or more acres. These properties often need multi-level retaining walls and extended drip irrigation zones.
Picacho Peak Area 88007
Properties near the base of Picacho Peak with rocky outcrops, steep grades, and natural arroyo crossings that shape every design.
Shalem Colony Area 88007
Rural-feel lots on the western edge. Older homes and small farms that benefit from updated irrigation and low-water plantings.
Upper Picacho 88007
Higher-elevation lots with the best valley views. Wind exposure and erosion are top concerns for landscape planning.
Country Club Community 88007
Homes around Picacho Hills Country Club. Manicured front yards, outdoor entertaining spaces, and HOA-compliant designs.
What Makes Picacho Hills Landscapes Different
Picacho Hills sits at a higher elevation than the Las Cruces valley floor. The soil is rocky decomposed granite, the slopes face west into the afternoon sun, and wind funnels between Picacho Peak and the Robledo Mountains. These four facts drive every design choice we make here.
Rocky Slopes & Erosion Control
The decomposed granite soil on Picacho Hills slopes drains fast but erodes easily during monsoons. We terrace with structural retaining walls and anchor plantings to hold soil in place.
West-Facing Sun & Heat
West-facing slopes catch the full force of the afternoon sun. We pick heat-tolerant plants for these exposures and place shade structures where they protect outdoor living areas.
Arroyos & Drainage
Natural arroyos run through many Picacho Hills lots. We design around them, not over them, using setbacks, dry creek beds, and permeable hardscape to manage monsoon flow safely.
HOA Guidelines & Permits
The Picacho Hills HOA has its own landscape guidelines covering plant types, wall heights, and materials. We know these rules well and handle the architectural review paperwork on your behalf.
Let’s Talk About Your Outdoor Vision
David was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. He patiently answered all of my questions about the plants and trees around my home and provided valuable insights into the issues I was facing. His friendly demeanor and expertise made the experience enjoyable and informative. I highly recommend him
We had a great experience with David. We used him for one of our rental properties in Las Cruces and will definitely be using him again for the next one. Everything from start to finish was professional and timely. Highly recommend.
Brainard's Greenscapes recently revamped my backyard with rock landscaping. I couldn't be happier with how the project turned out. From start to finish David's team was professional, punctual, and courteous. They helped me select the the right materials and offered additional design ideas. The quality of work was EXCELLENT. I highly recommend David's team to all homeowners in Las Cruces looking for reliable landscaping company. The picture below is of my backyard 1 year later and there is still no weeds! I can't think Braindard's Greenscapes enough.
I had a sprinkler emergency and David came out immediately; found an effective solution to get me through until the major repairs could be made; and took care to make sure my house wasn't without water in the meantime. I am so grateful for his kindness and professionalism. He demonstrated considerable expertise and decisive decision making that got me through this emergencies with minimal stress. He is trustworthy and will be the first one I'll call on any future sprinkler needs.
Brainard’s Greenscapes is a top notch business. I have called on them on several occasions to fix issues with my irrigation system and for new projects. David, the owner, is a sincere, honest individual, who cares about his business and his customers. His employees are also kind and always professional. They are punctual and complete the job as promised and clean up after they are done. I am very pleased with David and his company and have recommended him to my neighbor, who is also a widow because I know he is honest and will not take advantage of her. David is a good guy and I recommend that you give him a call and see for yourself.
Picacho Hills Project Showcase
Hillside Terrace & Erosion Fix
Three tiers of stone retaining walls with native plantings to stop slope erosion and open up a valley view deck.
Estate Xeriscape Conversion
A 1.5-acre property converted from high-water turf to a low-water native landscape with multi-zone drip irrigation.
Picacho Hills Landscaping FAQ
How do you prevent erosion on a hillside lot?
We use a combination of terraced retaining walls, deep-root native plants, and graded swales. The walls break the slope into flat sections, the plants anchor the soil with their root systems, and the swales direct monsoon runoff away from foundations and into safe drainage paths.
What retaining wall materials work best in Picacho Hills?
Natural stone and segmental block are the most common choices here. Both handle freeze-thaw cycles at this elevation and match the desert surroundings. For walls over four feet, we engineer footings into the rocky substrate and pull city permits as needed.
Can you landscape around existing arroyos on my property?
Yes. We work around arroyos rather than filling or blocking them. Our approach uses setbacks, dry creek bed accents, and native plantings along the banks. This keeps the natural drainage path open while making the area look intentional and attractive.
Do you work within the Picacho Hills HOA guidelines?
We do. We keep up with the current plant lists, wall-height limits, and material rules for the Picacho Hills HOA. We also handle the architectural review paperwork for you, so the approval process does not slow down your project.
How can I reduce water use on a large Picacho Hills lot?
Start with a xeriscape plan that groups plants by water need. We install multi-zone drip irrigation with smart controllers that adjust for rain and temperature. On a 1-acre lot, this approach can cut water bills by 40 to 60 percent compared to traditional spray systems and turf grass.
Where We Work in Picacho Hills
On the map below: our Picacho Hills service area, covering every street in the community plus surrounding neighborhoods in zip code 88007.
Schedule an Estimate- 500+ Las Cruces Projects
- 19+ Years in the Valley
- 5/5 Average Rating
- 100% Lifetime Warranty
Neighboring Areas We Serve
We also handle landscape projects in nearby Mesilla Valley communities just minutes away.
