Las Cruces, NM Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Clearance over walk/street
- 8 feet minimum
- City trees
- Owners may not trim/remove
- Code chapter
- LCMC ch. 26 (Streets/Sidewalks)
- Owner duty
- Trim limbs over public way
Summary
Las Cruces requires property owners to trim trees over any street or sidewalk to at least eight feet of clearance. Residents may not cut, trim, or remove city trees in public grounds.
It shall be the duty of the owner of any property which abuts or is adjacent to any public way to trim all trees located on such property or on the parkway adjacent to such property to a minimum height of eight feet above any street, sidewalk, or other public way. It shall also be the duty of the owner to maintain a clear sight triangle, as specified in chapter 38, on any corner property free of any obstacles between three feet and eight feet above street level. It shall further be the duty of the owner to trim and maintain all shrubbery on the property or on the parkway adjacent to such property so that it does not encroach over or obstruct passage upon the adjacent street or sidewalk.
(Code 1988, § 27-5)
Sec. 26-5. - Awnings and canopies. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct or maintain any awning or canopy over or across any sidewalk within the city at any point lower than eight feet from the surface of the sidewalk.
(Code 1988, § 27-6)
Sec. 26-6. - Sale of goods; collection of crowd.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Land Development Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 26 (Streets and Sidewalks) of the Las Cruces Municipal Code, it is the abutting owner's duty to trim all trees on the property or the adjacent parkway to a minimum height of eight feet above any street, sidewalk, or other public way. The same chapter makes it unlawful for anyone other than a city employee, or a volunteer supervised by one, to plant, remove, cut down, trim, or otherwise alter trees or shrubbery in public grounds. So you must keep your own limbs clear of the sidewalk, but you cannot prune the city's street trees yourself.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Codes Enforcement and city forestry staff. Municipal Code violations are punishable as a petty misdemeanor, up to $500 and/or 90 days; the city may trim or abate and bill the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must I trim branches over the sidewalk?
Can I prune the tree in the parkway strip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Cruces
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