Albuquerque regulates tree removal on public property and within rights-of-way through the Parks and Recreation Department. The city's Urban Forest Management program oversees street trees and park trees. Private property tree removal is generally not restricted unless trees are in designated overlay zones or subject to landscape requirements under the IDO.
Trees on public property (streets, parks, rights-of-way) may not be removed without city authorization. The Urban Forestry Division manages street tree planting, maintenance, and removal. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees in the right-of-way adjacent to their property but may not remove them without approval. The IDO requires landscape buffers in certain developments that include tree preservation and planting requirements. Trees in the Bosque or Rio Grande conservation areas are protected. Private property owners may generally remove trees on their own property without a permit, but replacement may be required if the trees were part of an approved landscape plan.
Unauthorized removal of public trees may result in fines and required replacement at the violator's expense. Removing trees required by an approved landscape plan violates the IDO and triggers replacement requirements. Damage to protected trees in conservation areas may result in enforcement action.
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See how Albuquerque's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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