Tree Trimming: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do tree trimming rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Tijeras has fewer restrictions than Albuquerque.
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 →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Tijeras does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance. The village is in a forested East Mountains setting. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property. Fire safety vegetation management may be recommended or required in WUI areas.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Specific Ordinance | - | None |
| Setting | - | Forested East Mountains |
| Fire Safety | - | Vegetation management recommended in WUI |
| Owner Responsibility | - | Maintain trees on own property |
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.
Tijeras FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in Tijeras?
Tijeras does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance. The village is in a forested East Mountains setting. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property. Fire safety vegetation management may be recommended or required in WUI areas.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in Tijeras?
Specific Ordinance: None. Setting: Forested East Mountains. Fire Safety: Vegetation management recommended in WUI. Owner Responsibility: Maintain trees on own property.
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