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 ROA §9-8-1 (Weed, Litter and Snow Removal Ordinance) — weeds exceeding 4 inches in height or width on any commercial or residential property are a violation. Major allergenic plants, fire hazards, and nuisance vegetation also prohibited.
Albuquerque Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Albuquerque ROA §6-6-1-4 — permit required from City Forester to cut, trim, spray, remove, or plant any tree on public streets, alleys, or sidewalks. Private property trees with 6+ inch trunk diameter need permit for trimming. Street tree maintenance is property owner responsibility.
Albuquerque Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree 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
Albuquerque enforces weed abatement. NM Noxious Weed Law applies statewide. Fire prevention concerns drive enforcement in arid areas.
Albuquerque Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Albuquerque ROA §6-1-1-8 — water budgets and planting restrictions enforced by ABCWUA. No more than 10% of required landscape can be cool-season grass. Irrigated grass prohibited on slopes exceeding 1:4. Xeriscape rebate program available. HOAs cannot prohibit xeriscaping.
Albuquerque Water Conservation Rules
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater 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 →