Albuquerque, NM · Bernalillo County
Tree removal in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, the most common removal is the Siberian elm: brittle, weedy, allergenic and illegal to plant since the city's 1996 pollen ordinance. Big cottonwoods along the Rio Grande drop heavy limbs, spring winds break weak trees, and drought has left piñons and pines vulnerable to bark beetles in the foothills and East Mountains.
Siberian elms were planted widely in Albuquerque in the 20th century to green the high desert, and they've been regretted since. They spread by seed, grow fast and brittle, and produce heavy pollen. The city's 1996 pollen ordinance made planting new ones illegal; existing ones are common removals, especially when they overhang houses, walls and lines.
Along the Rio Grande, cottonwoods grow enormous and drop large limbs. In the foothills and East Mountains, drought-stressed piñons and pines are being killed by bark beetles, and dead trees there are both fall hazards and fire fuel.
Reviewed and updated
Elms, wind, drought and cottonwoods
Siberian elms
Brittle, weedy, allergenic; planting banned since 1996.
Spring wind
Windy season breaks brittle limbs and topples shallow-rooted trees.
Drought and beetles
Piñon ips beetles kill drought-stressed piñons in the foothills.
Cottonwoods
Huge bosque trees with heavy limb drop.
Walled yards, the valley and the foothills
Most Albuquerque yards are walled, with xeriscape and a few large shade trees. Valley lots near the Rio Grande have big cottonwoods; foothills and East Mountains homes sit among piñon and juniper with wildfire exposure.
Elms, cottonwoods, piñons and ash
- Siberian elm
- Common, brittle, banned from new planting
- Rio Grande cottonwood
- Huge; heavy limbs
- Piñon pine
- State tree; beetle die-off in drought
- Arizona ash and honeylocust
- Common shade trees
- Juniper
- Common; fire fuel near homes
Siberian elm: remove or keep?
Over the house, wall or lines
- Usual choice
- Remove
Large dead limbs or splits
- Usual choice
- Remove
Seedlings in beds and cracks
- Usual choice
- Pull young; they grow fast
Healthy, away from structures
- Usual choice
- Can keep with deadwood pruning
Albuquerque tree rules
- Albuquerque's 1996 pollen ordinance made it illegal to plant Siberian elms.
- In fire-prone areas, defensible-space guidance recommends no conifers within 30 feet of a structure.
Sources (checked 2026-10-03)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Albuquerque services
For Siberian elms near houses.
For big cottonwoods with heavy limbs.
For beetle-killed piñons and pines.
Deadwood and limb reduction before windy season.
Elm stumps resprout.
Albuquerque tree questions
Can I plant a Siberian elm in Albuquerque?
No. The 1996 pollen ordinance made planting them illegal.
Should I remove the Siberian elm over my house?
Often. They're brittle and drop limbs, especially in spring wind, and spread weedy seedlings.
Are Albuquerque cottonwoods dangerous?
Big ones drop heavy limbs; have those over houses checked and reduced.
Why are piñons dying in the Albuquerque foothills?
Drought leaves them unable to defend against piñon ips beetles.
Who handles trees on power lines in Albuquerque?
PNM, and 911 for sparks or fire.
What should I plant instead of a Siberian elm?
A drought-adapted, sturdier species suited to Albuquerque's climate; ask a local nursery or extension office.
Before Albuquerque's windy season
- Remove dead limbs from elms and cottonwoods over the house.
- Remove beetle-killed piñons near structures.
- Keep conifers at least 30 feet from the house in fire-prone areas.
- Water deeply and infrequently so roots go down.
Calls are routed to independent local tree-service providers. How calling works
More local guides
Need tree help in Albuquerque?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.