Tree Trimming: Albuquerque vs Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
How do tree trimming rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM?
Albuquerque and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
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.
View full Albuquerque rules →Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Los Ranchos has landscaping regulations in the zoning code (§9.2.19). The village's extensive cottonwood bosque and agricultural trees are part of its character. Property owners responsible for maintaining trees that affect public rights-of-way.
View full Los Ranchos de Albuquerque rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | ROA 1994 Sec. 6-6-2-5 (Street Tree Policies) | - |
| Sidewalk clearance | 7 feet minimum to lowest branch | - |
| Street clearance | 14 feet minimum to lowest branch | - |
| Permit | City Forester permit required to plant or remove (Sec. 6-6-1-4) | - |
| Administered by | City Forester / Parks & Recreation | - |
| Zoning Section | - | §9.2.19 Landscaping Regulations |
| Bosque | - | Cottonwood bosque protected |
| Right-of-Way | - | Owner maintains trees affecting roads |
| Rural Character | - | Tree preservation emphasized |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
How high must tree branches be over a sidewalk in Albuquerque?
At least 7 feet. The Street Tree Ordinance sets the minimum height to the lowest permanent branch overhanging a sidewalk at seven feet, and over a street at fourteen feet.
Do I need a permit to remove a street tree?
Yes. A permit from the City Forester is required to plant or remove trees in the public right-of-way under Sec. 6-6-1-4.
Who maintains street trees in Albuquerque?
The City Forester, established under the Street Tree Ordinance (Sec. 6-6-1-1), administers planting, trimming, and removal of trees in the public right-of-way.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in los Ranchos?
Los Ranchos has landscaping regulations in the zoning code (§9.2.19). The village's extensive cottonwood bosque and agricultural trees are part of its character. Property owners responsible for maintaining trees that affect public rights-of-way.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in los Ranchos?
Zoning Section: §9.2.19 Landscaping Regulations. Bosque: Cottonwood bosque protected. Right-of-Way: Owner maintains trees affecting roads. Rural Character: Tree preservation emphasized.
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