How Tijeras Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Tijeras maintains 41 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Tijeras falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Grass Height Limits

Tijeras has no specific grass height ordinance. The village's rural mountain character means natural vegetation is common. General nuisance and fire hazard provisions apply to overgrown vegetation that creates safety risks.

Key details: Specific Ordinance: None — general nuisance rules. Character: Rural mountain — natural vegetation common. Fire Hazard: Overgrowth creating fire risk citable. Contact: (505) 281-1220.

Notice to abate. City mowing at owner’s expense ($150 to $500+). Administrative fees. Property lien.

Tijeras is more permissive than most cities when it comes to grass height limits. That said, there are still limits.

Water Restrictions

Tijeras water service is regulated under Chapter 24 (Utilities) of the village code. Water conservation is important in the arid East Mountains. The village relies on groundwater. ABCWUA does not serve Tijeras; the village has its own water/sewer system.

Key details: Village Code: Chapter 24 — Utilities (Water & Sewer). Water Source: Groundwater (own system). Conservation: Important in arid East Mountains. ABCWUA: Does NOT serve Tijeras.

Water waste: warning, then fines $50 to $500. Drought stage violations: escalating fines. Water surcharges possible.

Tree Trimming

Tijeras does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance. The village is in a forested East Mountains setting. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property. Fire safety vegetation management may be recommended or required in WUI areas.

Key details: Specific Ordinance: None. Setting: Forested East Mountains. Fire Safety: Vegetation management recommended in WUI. Owner Responsibility: Maintain trees on own property.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees: $250 to $5,000+ per tree. Replacement planting may be required.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Tijeras gives residents more flexibility on tree trimming.

Weed Ordinances

Tijeras enforces weed abatement. NM Noxious Weed Law applies statewide. Fire prevention concerns drive enforcement in arid areas.

Key details: Authority: City + county weed board. State Law: NMSA §3-53-1. Vacant Lots: Annual notices. Tumbleweeds: Common NM concern.

Notice to abate. City clears at owner’s expense ($150 to $500+). Administrative fee + property lien.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tijeras does not have a specific tree removal permit requirement. The rural mountain setting includes pinon, juniper, and ponderosa pine. Building projects must submit site plans showing existing vegetation. Defensible space clearing for fire safety is encouraged.

Key details: Permit: No specific tree removal permit. Building Projects: Site plan must show vegetation. Vegetation: Pinon, juniper, ponderosa pine. Fire Safety: Defensible space clearing encouraged.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

The rules around tree removal & heritage trees in Tijeras lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Tijeras gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Tijeras's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.