Want to lower your water bill and boost curb appeal in the Near North Valley? You can get paid to replace thirsty lawn with desert-friendly landscaping and to plant or care for shade trees. These local rebates are straightforward if you know the rules and timing. In this guide, you’ll see what you can earn, who qualifies, and the exact steps to get approved and pass inspection. Let’s dive in.
Key rebates at a glance
- Xeriscape Conversion: Up to $3.00 per square foot to replace high-water turf with approved xeriscape through the Water Authority. See program details.
- Tree-Bate: 25% back on eligible tree purchases or professional tree care, capped at $100 per residential account per year. Check Tree-Bate rules.
Important: Do not start work until you apply and receive approval from the Water Authority. Projects started early are ineligible. Apply in the rebate portal.
Confirm eligibility in Near North Valley
Most Near North Valley homes are served by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority. To qualify, your property’s irrigation water must come from the Water Authority. If you use an acequia, irrigation ditch, or a private well, you may not be eligible. Review local context in the Near North Valley planning overview and confirm your service with Water Authority customer service.
If you rent or are not the account holder, check whether the ABCWUA account is in your name and whether you can schedule inspections.
Xeriscape conversion rebate
What it pays
- Up to $3.00 per square foot of high-water-use turf converted to approved xeriscape.
- Example: convert 500 square feet and you could receive a $1,500 credit, subject to rules and available funds.
Design rules to pass inspection
- At least 50% plant coverage at maturity using approved low or medium water plants. Use the Water Authority’s plant list and calculate plant points. See the Xeriscape resources and plant guide.
- No spray irrigation in the rebate area. Convert to drip or bubblers.
- Apply at least 3 inches of mulch between plants. Gravel, crusher fines, or wood chips qualify.
- Keep receipts and contractor zero-balance invoices for final approval.
Step-by-step application
- Confirm eligibility. Verify your property is an ABCWUA account and your turf qualifies. Contact customer service with questions.
- Create a simple plan. Sketch the area, select plants from the Xeriscape Guide, and calculate plant points. See the How-to Guide and plant lists.
- Apply online. Use the Conservation Rebate Portal. Do not remove turf before receiving a Notice to Proceed.
- Initial inspection. Schedule through the portal. Allow one to two weeks or longer in peak seasons.
- Complete the project. Finish within the allowed window, typically six months, unless an extension is granted. Keep all receipts.
- Final inspection and credit. After approval, your rebate appears as a bill credit, usually within one to two billing cycles.
Note: The program also offers 25% reimbursement for related costs like sod cutter rental and bulk organic mulch, up to $100 for residential accounts. See outdoor rebates.
Tree-Bate basics
- Get 25% back on eligible new trees or professional tree care, capped at $100 per residential account per year. Tree removals do not qualify. See the Tree-Bate page.
- Choose species from the Water Authority’s recommended lists that fit Albuquerque’s climate and water goals. Approved trees are highlighted in the plant guide and on the Tree-Bate page.
- Save documentation. Receipts and tree tags or photos are required for reimbursement.
Pair with other outdoor rebates
Combine xeriscape or trees with other Water Authority incentives when eligible. Options include WaterSense smart controllers, rain barrels or cisterns, and efficient irrigation equipment. Review amounts and tiers on the outdoor rebates page.
Avoid common mistakes
- Starting turf removal before approval. Wait for your Notice to Proceed.
- Leaving any spray heads in the rebate area. Convert to drip or bubblers.
- Missing the 50% plant coverage at maturity. Use approved plants and plant points.
- Skipping mulch or using less than 3 inches.
- Losing receipts or not getting zero-balance invoices. Keep a single folder for all documents.
What to have for final inspection
- Receipts for plants, materials, and equipment.
- Contractor zero-balance invoices and itemized work.
- Photos or tags for all new trees.
- Proof of irrigation conversion to drip or bubblers.
- Photos of the finished area that show plant coverage and mulch depth.
Local resources to stretch your budget
Free or low-cost trees and community planting help can complement Tree-Bate:
- Citywide canopy campaign: Let’s Plant ABQ
- Neighborhood planting events: Tree New Mexico ABQ NeighborWoods
- Volunteer-driven planting and training: Dakota Tree Project
- Seasonal giveaways: City of Albuquerque Arbor Day events
- Local planting guidance: Albuquerque Area Master Gardeners “Down to Earth”
Make upgrades that buyers value
Water-smart landscaping and healthy shade trees can be a practical selling point in the Near North Valley. They reduce outdoor water use, add low-maintenance curb appeal, and create comfortable outdoor spaces. If you plan to sell, align your xeriscape plan with the lot’s best features so the design feels intentional and market-ready.
Water Authority funding is limited and requirements can change, so review current details on the xeriscape rebate page and apply early in your project timeline.
Ready to connect your project to your home goals? For local guidance that blends neighborhood insight with a clear process, reach out to Andrea A Romero.
FAQs
What rebates are available in Near North Valley?
- ABCWUA offers up to $3.00 per square foot for xeriscape turf conversions and a Tree-Bate that reimburses 25% of eligible tree costs, capped at $100 per residential account per year.
Who qualifies for ABCWUA rebates in the North Valley?
- You must have irrigation water service from the Water Authority. Properties that use acequias, irrigation ditches, or private wells for irrigation may not be eligible.
When should I apply for the xeriscape rebate?
- Apply before any turf removal. Wait for the Water Authority’s Notice to Proceed, then schedule the initial inspection and start work.
How long does the rebate process take?
- Initial inspection scheduling often takes one to two weeks. After final approval, the bill credit typically appears within one to two billing cycles.
What are the top xeriscape rules to pass inspection?
- No spray irrigation in the rebate area, at least 3 inches of mulch, and 50% plant coverage at maturity using approved low or medium water plants.
What documentation do I need for Tree-Bate?
- Keep purchase receipts and the tree tag or a photo. For professional services, submit itemized receipts or invoices that show a zero balance.
