Safe, Accessible Backyard Retreat in Los Lunas

Rocky is a retired veteran who wanted to spend more time outside—without worrying about tripping or falling. His yard had potential, but it wasn’t safe or comfortable.

Location: Los Lunas, NM

Focus: Safety, accessibility, low-maintenance comfort

The Challenge

The original backyard had:

• Cracked, uneven flagstone walkways that were crumbling and sticking up

• Old, rotting railroad ties edging the paths

• Overgrown cactus, trees, and shrubs that made the space feel cluttered & overwhelming

• No clearly defined, level area for sitting, entertaining, or simply enjoying the yard

Rocky’s goals were straightforward:

• Remove tripping hazards

• Create a stable, easy-to-walk surface

• Add cool, green lawn for comfort

• Clean up the overgrowth

• Have a place to sit with his wife, drink coffee, and host friends without safety concerns

Our Design & Build Approach to Landscaping in Los Lunas

We started with a full walkthrough to understand how Rocky and his wife wanted to use the space. From there, we focused on safety first, then on comfort and aesthetics.

1. Remove Hazards and Clean Up

• Removed all crumbling flagstone and mortar

• Pulled out the rotted railroad ties

• Completed a major clean-up of overgrown cactus, trees, and shrubbery

2. Install Stable, Functional Hardscapes

To replace the unsafe materials, we:

• Installed dimension 6 Bella-colored pavers to create:

  • Even, level walking paths

  • A durable, low-maintenance surface

  • A cohesive, modern look throughout the yard

• Built retaining block walls where the railroad ties had been

  • Topped them with a smooth cap so they double as:

    • Casual seating

    • A place to rest a drink or a foot

    • A clean, finished border

3. Add Contrast, Texture, and Green Space

To balance hardscape with softness and color, we:

• Used two complementary colors of gravel to:

  • Clearly define different zones in the yard

  • Add visual interest and contrast

  • Keep maintenance low

• Installed a new sprinkler system

• Planted fescue grass, chosen for:

  • Its durability in Albuquerque’s climate

  • Its ability to handle heat, cold, pets, and foot traffic

  • The cooling effect it brings to the space

The Result

What started as an “Adams Family backyard” became a safe, inviting retreat:

• No more tripping hazards

• Stable, attractive walkways

• Retaining walls that provide both structure and extra seating

• A cooled-down lawn area for relaxing, walking, and gathering

Rocky and his wife now have a yard that matches how they actually want to live: comfortable, secure, and easy to enjoy every day.

"Testimonial about this experience with ArborScapes."

–Client Name