Dead Lawn in Albuquerque: Rock Over Sod or Remove First?

Rental property, year of no water, dead lawn. Convert to rock—do you strip sod or cover it?

Grass Recovery?

Depends on species. Bermuda? Might come back. Cool-season fescue? Likely dead. But dormant seeds will sprout if you water.

Rock Over Sod = Fine

• No need to remove sod or lay plastic
• Plastic blocks drainage when it does rain
• Any grass that returns just adds green among rocks

Better Yet: Xeriscape

Plant native desert perennials (penstemon, agave, yucca, grasses) in the rock. Zero water once established. Tenants love it. Water bills drop.