Tree Replacement Requirements: Albuquerque vs Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
How do tree replacement requirements 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 requires tree replacement when trees are removed as part of development projects subject to IDO landscape requirements. The Urban Forestry Division also manages replacement planting for public street trees that are removed due to disease, damage, or infrastructure projects. Desert-adapted and drought-tolerant species are strongly preferred for replacement plantings.
View full Albuquerque rules →Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque requires replacement of street trees removed with permit, typically at 1:1 with a minimum 2-inch caliper xeric-adapted species from the approved list. Bernalillo County has no general private-property replacement requirement. Development projects trigger landscape code replacement.
View full Los Ranchos de Albuquerque rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Los Ranchos de Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement Required | For IDO landscape plan trees and public trees | - |
| Preferred Species | Desert-adapted, drought-tolerant | - |
| Average Rainfall | Less than 9 inches annually | - |
| Native Species Encouraged | Desert willow, NM olive, pinon pine | - |
| Public Tree Management | Urban Forestry Division | - |
| Street Tree Ratio | - | 1:1 replacement |
| Minimum Size | - | 2-inch caliper, 10 ft |
| Species List | - | Xeric-adapted required |
| Code | - | ROA §6-6-5 / IDO §14-16-5 |
| Private Yard | - | No replacement required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
If I remove a tree, do I have to plant a replacement?
If the tree was part of an approved IDO landscape plan or is a public street tree, replacement is required. Private trees not covered by landscape plans generally do not require replacement.
What types of replacement trees are recommended?
The city strongly encourages desert-adapted, drought-tolerant species from the approved plant list, including native species like desert willow, New Mexico olive, and pinon pine.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque FAQ
Do I have to replace a tree I removed from my yard?
No, not for private-property removals. Only permitted street tree removals and development projects trigger replacement obligations.
Can I plant any species I want as a replacement street tree?
No. The City Forester maintains an Approved Street Tree List emphasizing drought-tolerant and native species suited to Albuquerque's high desert climate.
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