Tree Protection in Las Cruces, NM (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Las Cruces, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Las Cruces requires no permit to remove a tree on your own private property. Permit-style protection applies only to public and street trees, which under Chapter 26 only the city may remove or alter.
Las Cruces Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Few RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Code of Ordinances ch. 26 (Streets and Sidewalks)
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a city employee acting within the scope of his duties or a volunteer acting under the supervision of a city employee, to plant trees or shrubbery in or upon any public grounds within the city or to remove, cut down, trim or otherwise alter the trees or shrubbery.
Heritage & Protected Trees
Las Cruces has no heritage-tree, landmark-tree, or protected-species ordinance. No tree on private property carries special legal protection, and New Mexico sets no statewide heritage-tree law.
Las Cruces Heritage and Landmark Tree Protection
Few RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
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.