Tree work rules in New Mexico
What the state says about tree work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Checked September 23, 2026
Licensing
New Mexico doesn't license tree care. The Construction Industries Division's contractor classifications include no tree or landscaping class.1
Tree removal permits
Ask your city or county government whether removing a tree needs a permit where you live.
Trees near power lines
If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.
In New Mexico the federal OSHA rule is the one that applies: workers who aren't trained for line work keep 10 feet from lines up to 50,000 volts.2
811 and stump work
Spraying and treating trees
In New Mexico anyone applying any pesticide for hire, general-use included, must hold a commercial applicator license from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. The category is 3A, Ornamental and Turf Pests, and 3B covers weeds.4-5
Get quotes from companies in your county
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Sources
What tree work costs in New Mexico
Published national ranges for removal, trimming, stump grinding and arborist visits, and a planning estimate for your own job.
Companies in New Mexico
New Mexico has 133 tree service companies listed, and 35 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to companies near you.
Cite this page
“Tree work rules in New Mexico.” InspecTree, updated September 26, 2026. https://inspectree.com/nm/rules/