Las Cruces Yard Guide
Free and Low-Cost Landscaping Resources in Las Cruces
A lot of good yard help in Las Cruces costs nothing. The City hauls yard waste every month, gives mulch back to residents, runs free water-wise landscaping classes, and NMSU volunteers answer plant questions by phone. Here’s what’s available, how to use it, and where a little money goes the furthest.
Updated September 2026 from City of Las Cruces and NMSU Extension information. Programs can change, so confirm before you go.
Quick answer
What free landscaping help is available in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces residents can use the monthly Green Grappler for yard waste at no extra charge, pick up free composted mulch at Foothills Landfill when available, attend free City water-wise landscaping workshops, visit the demonstration garden, and call the Doña Ana Master Gardener hotline for plant advice.
NMSU Extension can also help diagnose sick plants, and New Mexico 811 marks buried utility lines for free before you dig.
Free resources at a glance
|
Resource |
What you get |
|---|---|
|
Green Grappler |
Monthly yard waste pickup |
|
Foothills Landfill |
Free composted mulch |
|
City workshops |
Water-wise landscaping classes |
|
Demonstration garden |
See desert plants grown locally |
|
Master Gardener hotline |
Free plant and yard advice |
|
New Mexico 811 |
Free utility line marking |
Yard waste
How does the Green Grappler work in Las Cruces?
The Green Grappler picks up yard waste once a month on your normal trash day at no extra charge. It takes grass, leaves, weeds and branches up to about 4 cubic yards. Branches must be under 5 feet long and 5 inches thick, and clippings go in clear bags.
What does it take?
Grass clippings, leaves, weeds and tree branches. Construction materials and hazardous waste aren’t accepted.
How much?
About 4 cubic yards, or two level half-ton pickup loads. Extra pickups may cost more.
Where do I put it?
At the curb, stacked neatly, at least 5 feet from cars, mailboxes and other items.
Free mulch
Where can I get free mulch in Las Cruces?
Yard waste collected by the Green Grappler is composted and given back to residents as free mulch at the Foothills Landfill, 555 S. Sonoma Ranch Blvd. Supply varies, so check with Las Cruces Utilities before you go, and bring your own truck, trailer or containers and a shovel.
1
Check availability
Call Las Cruces Utilities or check City news before driving out.
2
Bring your own gear
Truck, trailer or bins, a shovel, gloves and a tarp.
4
Keep it off trunks
Leave a few inches of space around stems and trunks.
Learn free
Does Las Cruces offer free landscaping classes?
Yes. The City of Las Cruces Water Conservation Program hosts free workshops each spring and fall on water-wise landscaping, irrigation and gardening. The demonstration garden at 618 N. Motel Blvd. is free to visit daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you can see desert plants before buying.
Demonstration garden
See how low-water plants look at full size in Las Cruces conditions.
Watering rules
Learn your watering days by address and summer hour limits.
Report water waste
The City’s water waste hotline is 575-528-4444.
Expert help
Where can I get free plant advice in Las Cruces?
Call the Doña Ana County Master Gardener hotline at 575-525-6649, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon, or email DACMGHotline@gmail.com. For a sick plant, NMSU’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic accepts samples through the county Extension office at no charge.
Master Gardener hotline
Trained volunteers answer plant, pest and yard questions by phone and email.
Plant diagnosis
Bring a sample to the Doña Ana County Extension office. Staff help you submit it to the NMSU clinic.
Common local problems
Yellow leaves, grubs and brown lawns have local causes and fixes.
Before you dig
Is it free to have utility lines marked before digging?
Yes. Call 811 or submit a request online with New Mexico 811 at least two working days before you dig for trees, posts, walls or irrigation. Utility companies mark buried lines for free. Hitting a gas or electric line is dangerous and expensive to repair.
Doing it yourself? Our backyard ideas on a budget and xeriscape mistakes to avoid help.
Where money goes furthest
Free landscaping resource FAQs
Need more than free help?
When a job is bigger than a weekend, we give you a written, itemized price, and we’ll tell you honestly if it’s something you can do yourself. Free estimate.
Las Cruces Landscaping Group
1921 Santa Ines Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88011
(575) 270-0676. Mon to Sat, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Request a Free Estimate
Takes under a minute. We’ll call you back today.
