The “Look” of Santa Fe
The hillsides of piñon-juniper we have known have changed and will continue to change for the foreseeable future. In the short-term, shrubs, plants and grasses will dominate areas affected by the bark beetle. Already a re-emergence of native grasses and other plant species is occurring. Piñon will still exist where the impact of the beetles is less severe and new piñon seedlings that have sprouted will continue to grow. As these changes take place, an increase in open areas is expected (i.e., the trees will be spaced more widely).

Natural processes such as seed dispersal will dominate the change, but landowners have a critical role to play as well. If people plant inappropriate vegetation, it may affect the aesthetics and ecosystem health of the city and county as well as their own land.
Planting exotic plants and introducing nonnative species can further stress the natural woodlands around Santa Fe because they crowd out native plants trying to establish themselves. For example, salt cedar, an introduced species, is a water glutton that has severely stressed the bosque ecosystems in New Mexico and proven extremely costly to control.

Re-vegetating Your Land

If you have been affected by the bark beetle epidemic, before replanting your land it’s a good idea to get advice from county extension service agents or qualified nursery personnel on what, when, and how to plant.

Getting advice and then preparing a landscape plan can help avoid erosion, reduce fire risk, and plant the most suitable vegetation for your soil type, slope and aspect (the direction that your land faces).

Reducing Fire Risk
Consider wildfire risk when planning your re-vegetation efforts. Evaluate your existing vegetation including the type and the density. Do not over-plant on slopes below your home because fire travels upward. Using a few well-placed trees for landscaping near your home creates a sense of a wooded environment and other favorable aesthetics without creating a fire hazard.

Plant selection, spacing, land forming features that capture water from snow and rain fall, and maintenance are critical to creating defensible space landscaping, a technique of planting that helps protect your home and property in the event of wildfire. Native species that are drought tolerant are often the most fire resistant.

New Mexico State Forestry has publications about creating defensible space and choosing firewise plants in the Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI) available on web site here»


Native Landscaping
Trees: Plant trees in areas where the soil is deeper and less rocky for increased survival rates and more rapid restoration of the area. Do not plant large piñons or other pines during the beetle infestation—they are particularly susceptible to insect attack.

Seedlings: If you choose to plant new piñon seedlings, plant them in the shade of existing vegetation to increase moisture and protect them from the wind. Or, you can set up blocks of wood, mounds of soil, wood chips or branches to the west and southwest side of the seedlings. This technique also protects existing piñon seedlings.

Seeds: If you plant seeds, consider mulching or shading the ground with some branches (otherwise it may get too hot for the seeds to germinate).

Watch very closely for invasive plants (such as knapweed or toadflax) that might move in to areas where the ground has been disturbed. Control them quickly, or they may become the only plants you have!

Plants well suited for Santa Fe County
If you need advice on which plants are best adapted to your land, contact the Santa Fe County Extension Service, local nurseries, professional horticulturists or landscape designers.

Click on links to see comprehensive lists for Santa Fe County (all in PDF format):

Landscape Plants (All)»
Trees»
Shrubs»
Ornamentals, Grasses & Perennials»
Vines»

These lists are designed for the transition zone, which typically extends out as much as 200 feet from the house, and usually consists of more drought tolerant plants, including native plants. Be aware of the wide range of variables affecting growing conditions in Santa Fe County (including altitude, temperatures, soil types, exposures, etc.).


New Mexico State Forestry Tree Seedling Program
From late November to mid-April, The New Mexico State Forestry Division sells trees through its Seedling Distribution Program. The program is designed for restoration of multi-acre properties, and is only available to people who own at least one acre. The Forestry Division web site has a list of available plant species. Click here for more info»

Top of Page