Landscaping Rules in Las Cruces, NM (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Las Cruces, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Las Cruces requires property owners to trim trees over any street or sidewalk to at least eight feet of clearance. Residents may not cut, trim, or remove city trees in public grounds.
Las Cruces Tree Trimming and Clearance Rules
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Code of Ordinances ch. 26 (Streets and Sidewalks)
It shall be the duty of the owner of any property which abuts or is adjacent to any public way to trim all trees located on such property or on the parkway adjacent to such property to a minimum height of eight feet above any street, sidewalk, or other public way. It shall also be the duty of the owner to maintain a clear sight triangle, as specified in chapter 38, on any corner property free o...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
When the city removes a street tree over sidewalk root damage, it offers the abutting owner replacement trees, minimum 24-inch box and 2.25-inch caliper. New commercial development must plant one tree per 1,000 square feet of required landscaping.
Las Cruces Tree Replacement Requirements
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code Sec. 32-267 (Definitions); ch. 26 (Streets and Sidewalks)
Trees means deciduous or conifer trees having a two-inch to 2 1/4-inch caliper at the time of planting located throughout the required landscaped area... A minimum of one live tree shall be provided for every 1,000 square feet of required landscaped area.
Weed Ordinances
Las Cruces treats weeds and rank vegetation as a public nuisance on any public or private property, naming eight specific plants including Russian thistle, ragweed and puncture vine. The city manager's office can summon an owner to municipal court within five working days, or give seven days' written notice to abate before the city removes the growth itself and liens the cost.
Las Cruces Weeds & Rank Vegetation Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Code of Ordinances §§ 18-1, 18-4(a), (b)
Weeds and rank vegetation will be defined as a plant or grass that is unintended, unmaintained, invasive, aggressively seeding plants and/or that is a nuisance to public health. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following named plants: (1)Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus).(2)Russian thistle (Salsola pestifer).(3)Ragweeds (Ambrosia spp.).(4)Puncture vine (Tribulus Terrestris).(5)Wild ...
Water Restrictions
Las Cruces limits outdoor watering by address: even addresses water Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; odd addresses Wednesday, Friday, Sunday; never Monday. From April 1 to September 30, no watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Las Cruces Outdoor Watering Days and Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Code of Ordinances ch. 28 (Water Conservation Ordinance, Ord. No. 2722); Water Conservation Regulations
All outdoor vegetation on residential and commercial properties located (i) at an even numbered street address shall be watered only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and (ii) at an odd numbered address shall be watered only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Native Plants
Las Cruces landscaping rules don't dictate a style: Sec. 32-266(b) recommends indigenous or drought-tolerant plants, and owners can count undisturbed native vegetation toward the mandatory landscaped area instead of installing new irrigation. Sec. 32-277 lists dozens of approved desert species, from mesquite and desert willow to sotol and agave.
Las Cruces Native & Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code § 32-266(b), (e)(4); § 32-277(a); § 32-274
(b)The style of landscape is not described; however, indigenous or drought tolerant plants are recommended. [Sec. 32-266(e)(4)] For the protection and enhancement of our native environment, in calculating the required area to be landscaped the owner may include naturalized vegetation on the site which is undisturbed by clearing of the site, provided that tumbleweed, snakeweed, and bursage will ...
Artificial Turf
Within the Downtown and Main Street zoning districts, Las Cruces bans artificial turf and artificial plants outright: every required landscaped yard must use live plant material or mulch instead. The rule sits inside the Downtown Development Code's landscaping standards and applies whether the ground cover fronts a residence, shop, or office lot.
Las Cruces Downtown Artificial Turf Ban
Heavy RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code § 38-43(Q)(5)-(6) (Downtown Development Code)
Q.Landscaping.1.The spacing and placement of plants shall be adequate and appropriate for the typical size, shape and habit of the plant species at maturity.2.Landscape quantities shall be determined by Article IV, Development Standards for Landscaping of Chapter 32, Design Standards. ... 5.Bare and exposed ground shall be covered with live plant materials and/or mulch, including gravel mulch.6...
Looking for Doña Ana County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Las Cruces city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Doña Ana County →