Creating a food forest in your backyard offers multiple benefits, including significant cost savings on groceries. For a family of four in Albuquerque, where the average monthly grocery cost is around $440.66, a productive food forest could reduce this expenditure by providing fruits, vegetables, and herbs at little ongoing cost, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually on produce alone. In my own home, with our mature food forest we typically do not purchase any produce throughout the spring/summer/fall, and even through most of winter (excluding fruits that will not grow here).

Beyond financial savings, food forests promote health by encouraging increased physical activity during planting and maintenance, and more time spent outdoors boosts mental well-being. Additionally, long-term access to fresh, organic produce may contribute to lower healthcare costs by improving nutrition and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Food forests can also increase property value, particularly as the landscape matures. As trees, bushes, and other plants become established, the aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and self-sufficiency of the landscape can make the property more attractive to potential buyers. Altogether, a backyard food forest is an investment in financial, physical, environmental, and even real estate health.

The maintenance of a food forest is remarkably low. On average, a well-designed food forest requires no work most weeks, and a up to half-day of work a few times throughout the year. This is because food forests primarily rely on perennial plants, which return each year and require minimal intervention once established. Perennials like fruit trees, berry bushes, and herbs typically need seasonal pruning, occasional weeding, mulching to maintain soil health, and harvesting of course!

However, the level of maintenance can vary depending on the balance of perennial and annual plants in the design. If you incorporate a higher percentage of annual crops like vegetables, the upkeep will increase due to the need for planting, harvesting, and re-seeding each season. That said, even food forests with a mix of annuals and perennials often require significantly less maintenance than traditional gardening, making them a sustainable and time-efficient option for producing food at home.

The cost of a food forest project varies widely depending on factors such as the size of your yard, the specific design features you want, and the materials and plants required. For an average backyard in Albuquerque, the cost can range from $5,000 to $20,000. All projects include an installed irrigation system, as proper irrigation is essential for the long-term survival and success of the landscapes we create. Only in unique cases would a project proceed without an irrigation system, given its importance to maintaining a thriving food forest.

This price range reflects not only the installation of plants and hardscape features but also the expertise and customization involved in designing a sustainable, functional space tailored to your family’s needs. While the upfront cost may seem significant, a food forest can save money in the long run by reducing grocery bills and requiring less maintenance compared to traditional ornamental landscaping. Additionally, the value it adds to your property and your quality of life makes it a worthwhile investment. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a detailed estimate based on your goals and property potential.

There are many ways to reduce costs without compromising the quality of your food forest project. During the planning phase, we will engage in detailed discussions to identify features and options tailored to your family’s needs and budget. Every project begins with a list of potential elements—such as the types of plants, irrigation systems, and hardscape features—that can be added or omitted based on your preferences. Each decision impacts the overall cost, and we’ll work together to prioritize what is essential for your property while ensuring the design remains functional and beautiful.

While we can adjust the scope of the project to meet your budget, we never compromise on quality. Everything we install is top-tier and designed to last for years, from the plants to the materials used in construction. Throughout the process, we will provide honest guidance about what we believe is or is not necessary for your family and property. This collaborative approach ensures that you receive the best value while creating a sustainable, lasting landscape that meets your needs.

The timeline for completing a food forest project depends on several factors, including the size of your yard, the complexity of the design, and the season in which we begin. Some smaller projects can realistically be completed in a single day, especially if the design is straightforward and preparation work is minimal. However, larger or more intricate landscapes may take several weeks or even months to complete, particularly if they involve extensive hardscaping, irrigation system installation, or the planting of diverse crops.

For a standard Albuquerque backyard during the peak building season, we typically ask clients to allow for approximately two weeks, starting when we break ground. This timeframe includes everything from preparation and construction to planting and final touches. Once the physical installation is complete, we dedicate time to teaching you about your new yard. This includes guidance on maintenance routines, tips for plant care, and advice on maximizing the productivity of your food forest. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and equipped to nurture and enjoy your new landscape for years to come.

The best time to install a food forest in Albuquerque is during late winter, spring, or fall, when temperatures are milder and less stressful for new plants. In these seasons, plants can establish strong roots before facing the extremes of summer heat or winter frost. Fall is particularly advantageous in Albuquerque, as it allows plants to focus on root growth in cooler weather, setting the stage for vigorous growth in the following spring.

While summer is technically an option, it poses significant challenges due to Albuquerque's high temperatures and intense sun, which can stress both plants and the installation team. If a summer installation is necessary, additional measures such as enhanced irrigation and temporary shading may be required to protect the young plants. Depending on your project and its goals, we may recommend timing your installation for the most favorable season to ensure the best long-term results. However, we will work closely with your family to adjust timelines and strategies as needed.

At Backyard Burque Farms, the list of extra features we can install is as expansive as your imagination. Common options include robust composting systems to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, custom seed-starting packages tailored to your family’s preferences, chicken coops, and even fully customized greenhouses to extend your growing season. Whether you’re looking for raised garden beds, water harvesting systems, or pollinator-friendly habitats, we can integrate these elements to enhance the functionality and sustainability of your food forest.

The specific features we recommend will depend on your property and goals. For example, families aiming to grow year-round may benefit from a greenhouse, while others might prefer a compost system to reduce food waste and improve soil health. Whatever your vision, we’ll work closely with you to design and install features that align with your needs and contribute to a thriving, sustainable outdoor space.

Yes, absolutely! At Backyard Burque Farms, we believe in integrating animals into the landscape where possible. Our founder has a flock of chickens, and we can design animal living situations that complement and even enhance your food forest. Chickens, for example, can help with pest control, fertilizing the soil, and providing fresh eggs, all while working in harmony with the edible plants. Depending on your needs and the size of your property, we can also explore options for other animals. Each design is tailored to ensure that animals contribute positively to your food forest without compromising the ecosystem's balance.

Water management is a crucial aspect of all projects at Backyard Burque Farms, especially considering Albuquerque’s dry, arid climate. We include irrigation systems in every food forest installation (unless in special circumstances), as proper irrigation is essential to the survival and growth of your landscape. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method and is used almost exclusively to minimize water waste while ensuring that your plants receive the hydration they need. Additionally, most properties are well suited for some measure of rainwater redirection.

Along with the irrigation system, we emphasize soil health and effective water management practices. Healthy soil retains moisture more efficiently, reducing the overall need for water. With good soil practices and proper irrigation, you can expect to keep water costs manageable. For example, in my own household, which operates as a full farm and food forest, my monthly water bill during peak growing season averages between $60-$80. Keep in mind, this is for two adults, so family size may influence your costs. Ultimately, by focusing on efficiency and sustainability, we aim to help you reduce water usage and lower your water bill over time.

Yes, we offer warranties on both the plants and hardscaping elements we install. If any plant dies before the next winter cycle—whether it fails to "wake up" after winter or succumbs during the first growing season—we will replace it at no cost to you. We are committed to ensuring that the plants we select thrive in your landscape. For hardscaping, we warranty against defects in materials and installation, with the only exception being if damage is caused by the client’s actions. We provide comprehensive education on how to care for and maintain the work we install, so please take good care of it, and we’ll stand behind our craftsmanship.

With proper care and maintenance, food forests are incredibly resilient and can last for generations, making them an ideal solution in a rapidly changing world. As climate conditions shift and traditional monoculture farming methods become less sustainable, food forests—designed with diverse, perennial plants—offer long-term ecological and economic stability. These landscapes are built to adapt and thrive, sequestering carbon, conserving water, and providing food year after year. Unlike annual crops that require replanting every season, food forests rely on deep-rooted, drought-tolerant plants that improve soil health over time and reduce dependency on external inputs.

The longevity of food forests is particularly important in the context of climate change. By integrating natural ecosystems with food production, food forests enhance biodiversity, protect against soil erosion, and help mitigate extreme weather events, all while reducing the carbon footprint of traditional agricultural methods. In an era of unpredictable weather patterns, food forests can serve as reliable, resilient sources of fresh food, supporting both human health and environmental sustainability. These landscapes are not just about survival—they're about thriving in a world that demands more adaptive, long-lasting solutions. By investing in food forests, you're contributing to a sustainable, regenerative future that will continue to provide for generations to come.

Currently, I specialize in residential properties, but I am excited to explore commercial projects in the future. My goal is to change how we interact with our environment by integrating sustainable, food-producing landscapes into everyday life. While I have not yet designed a commercial landscape, the potential for these spaces to serve as hubs of fresh, local food is exciting. I look forward to working with businesses that share this vision of healthier, more sustainable spaces. Whether it's for a corporate campus, restaurant, or community center, the principles of permaculture and food forests can transform commercial properties into thriving, functional landscapes that benefit both people and the planet.