Albuquerque, NM Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Albuquerque, NM, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required in
- Streets, alleys, sidewalks, public places
- Issued by
- City Forester
- Trimming exception
- Owners may trim without a permit
- Penalty basis
- General penalty, § 1-1-99
- Private lots
- Not covered by this permit rule
Summary
Cutting, trimming, spraying, removing, or planting any tree, shrub, or hedge within Albuquerque's streets, alleys, sidewalks, or other public places requires a written permit from the City Forester first.
It shall be unlawful to cut, trim, spray, remove or plant any tree, vine, shrub, hedge, or other plant within the limits of any streets, alley, sidewalk, or other public place within the city without first having obtained a permit so to do from the City Forester, and/or without complying in all respects with the condition set forth in such written permit, save and except, nevertheless, that trees and shrubbery may be trimmed by any person without securing such permit in compliance with § 6-6-1-5.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Albuquerque's City Forester runs permitting for tree work in the public right-of-way. Under § 6-6-1-4 of the Revised Ordinances, it's unlawful to cut, trim, spray, remove, or plant any tree, vine, shrub, or hedge within any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public place without first getting a written permit and following its conditions. The one carve-out: routine trimming of trees and shrubbery in the parking strip is allowed without a permit under § 6-6-1-5. The rule reaches only public rights-of-way, it does not create a city permit requirement for removing trees purely on private residential property.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 6-6-1-4 is punished under the general penalty at § 1-1-99, ROA 1994, and the City Forester can require repair or replacement of damaged public trees at the responsible party's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to remove a tree on my own private lot in Albuquerque?
Can I trim a tree near my property without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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