Albuquerque Street Tree Bylaws & Planting Rules

Albuquerque, New Mexico treats street trees as public assets with rules for planting, pruning, and permitting on city rights-of-way. This guide explains who may plant street trees, where they can go, required clearances, typical permit steps, and how enforcement works so homeowners and contractors can comply with local law and avoid fines or removal orders. It summarizes official city resources and practical action steps for applying, reporting issues, and appealing enforcement decisions.

Who controls street trees

The City of Albuquerque retains ownership and regulatory control of trees in the public right-of-way; private property owners must obtain authorization before planting within the right-of-way. For plantings and maintenance standards see the city Urban Forestry pages Urban Forestry^[1] and consult the municipal code for controlling ordinances Albuquerque Municipal Code^[2].

Basic planting standards

• Maintain required clearances from sidewalks, travel lanes, and utility lines; specific setback distances depend on species and site.
• Use approved species lists or obtain species approval from Urban Forestry before planting in the right-of-way.
• Follow planting methods that protect sidewalks and underground infrastructure; larger trees must be sited to avoid future conflict with pavements.

Permits, easements, and private property interfaces

Planting within the public right-of-way generally requires authorization or a permit; planting entirely on private property typically does not. Check with the Urban Forestry Division before any planting that is near or within the right-of-way.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is administered by the City through the Parks and Recreation Department's Urban Forestry Division and municipal code enforcement officers. The municipal code and Urban Forestry pages set standards and enforcement pathways; specific fine amounts and escalations are not uniformly listed on the cited pages and are often set in the municipal code or related administrative rules. Where exact fine amounts or tiers are not shown on the cited pages, the text below states that fact and points to the controlling offices for confirmation.

• Monetary fines: specific dollar amounts for street tree violations are not specified on the cited Urban Forestry overview pages and must be confirmed in the Albuquerque Municipal Code or administrative orders; see the municipal code reference for details.
• Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence schedules is not specified on the cited overview pages and may be in the municipal code or an enforcement policy.
• Non-monetary sanctions: typical measures include orders to prune or remove trees, stop-work orders for unauthorized plantings or removals, replacement requirements, and referral to municipal court for compliance.
• Enforcer and complaint pathway: the Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Division handles inspections and initial notices; to report hazardous or damaged street trees use the city's tree report/contact page Report a Tree Problem^[3] or file a code complaint as directed by the city.
• Appeals and review: appeal procedures and time limits are governed by the municipal code or administrative appeal rules; if a deadline is not published on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page" and must be confirmed with the City Clerk or the enforcing department.

Applications & Forms

The Urban Forestry Division typically requires an application or authorization for right-of-way plantings; the specific form name, number, fees, and submission method may be published on the Parks and Recreation site or the municipal permits portal. If a formal downloadable form is not available on the cited overview pages, then no form is published there or it is available through the department on request.

Action steps for property owners and contractors

• Contact Urban Forestry to confirm whether your planned planting is within the right-of-way and learn required setbacks and approved species.
• Apply for any required authorization or permit before planting; retain written approval on site during work.
• Follow approved planting standards and utility clearance procedures to avoid later removal orders or liability.
• If you receive a notice, follow the compliance instructions promptly and use the appeal route stated in the notice to preserve rights.

FAQ

Who owns street trees?

Street trees located in the public right-of-way are city property and regulated by the City of Albuquerque.

Do I need a permit to plant a tree on my boulevard?

Yes, planting in the public right-of-way generally requires authorization from Urban Forestry; check with the division before planting.

What happens if I remove a street tree without permission?

Unauthorized removal can result in orders to replace the tree, fines, and possible municipal court action.

How-To

1. Identify the planting location and confirm whether it lies in the public right-of-way.
2. Contact the Urban Forestry Division for species approval and required clearances.
3. Complete any required authorization or permit and retain proof of approval.
4. Plant to the approved standards, using correct root and soil practices to avoid future infrastructure damage.
5. Follow up with inspections if required and respond promptly to any enforcement notices.

Key Takeaways

• Street trees in Albuquerque are regulated by the city and often require prior authorization.
• Check Urban Forestry and the municipal code before planting to avoid fines and removal orders.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Albuquerque Urban Forestry - Trees
• Albuquerque Municipal Code (Code of Ordinances)
• City of Albuquerque Planning Department