Landscaping Rules in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Albuquerque, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Albuquerque does not cap residential lawn height, but its water-conservation landscaping rules sharply limit turf. Under the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) General Landscaping Standards, Sec. 5-6(C), no more than 10 percent of required landscape areas may be cool-season grass species.
Cool-season grass limited to 10% of landscape area
Some RestrictionsAlbuquerque Integrated Development Ordinance, Sec. 5-6(C) General Landscaping Standards
No more than 10 percent of required landscape areas shall be cool season grass species.
Tree Trimming
Albuquerque's Street Tree Ordinance (ROA 1994, Article 6-6) sets minimum clearance for trees overhanging public ways: the lowest permanent branch over a sidewalk must be at least 7 feet, and over a street at least 14 feet. The City Forester administers planting, trimming, and removal of street trees.
Street tree clearance over sidewalks and streets
Some RestrictionsCity of Albuquerque Street Tree Ordinance, ROA 1994 Sec. 6-6-2-5 (Street Tree Policies)
The minimum height to the lowest permanent branch overhanging a sidewalk shall be seven feet; the lowest height of a permanent branch overhanging a street shall be 14 feet.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Albuquerque ROA §6-6-1-4 — permit required from City Forester to remove any tree on public property. Private property tree removal may require permit. Heritage Tree Program protects historically significant trees. Dead, diseased, or dangerous trees may be removed without permit.
Albuquerque Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Under Albuquerque's Weed, Litter and Snow Removal Ordinance (Sec. 9-8-1 et seq.), it is unlawful to permit listed nuisance weeds to grow to a height or width of more than 4 inches. The owner must keep the property clear, including the area between the property line and the middle of the adjacent alley.
Nuisance weeds over 4 inches prohibited
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Albuquerque, Weed, Litter and Snow Removal Ordinance (ROA Sec. 9-8-1 et seq.; Sec. 9-8-4)
The Weed, Litter and Snow Removal Ordinance is intended to promote the general health, safety and welfare for Albuquerque by prohibiting the maintenance or accumulation of plants determined to be of major allergenic significance, those which constitute a fire hazard when wind collected, or those which otherwise present a hazard or nuisance to inhabitants of the city. Any weeds with a height or ...
Water Restrictions
Albuquerque enforces mandatory time-of-day watering restrictions. Under the Water Conservation Landscaping and Water Waste Ordinance (ROA 1994, Sec. 6-1-1-5), all spray irrigation from April 1 through October 31 must occur between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. Drip irrigation, low-precipitation bubblers, and hand watering are exempt.
Seasonal time-of-day watering restrictions (Apr-Oct)
Heavy RestrictionsRevised Ordinances of Albuquerque 1994, Sec. 6-1-1-5 (Watering Restrictions)
All spray irrigation during the period beginning on April 1 and ending on October 31 of each year shall occur between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. This restriction shall not apply to drip irrigation, low precipitation bubblers, hand watering, or the watering of containerized plants and plant stock.
Rainwater Harvesting
Albuquerque encourages rainwater harvesting under the ABQ Water Authority rebate program, allowing residents to collect roof runoff without state water rights issues in most cases.
Albuquerque Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Albuquerque strongly encourages xeriscape and native plant landscaping through Water Authority rebates and IDO landscape standards requiring low-water plants for new construction.
Albuquerque Native Plant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Albuquerque allows artificial turf in residential and commercial landscapes but limits coverage in front yards and requires permeable base installation under IDO landscape standards.
Albuquerque Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Bernalillo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albuquerque city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Bernalillo County →