It Starts With You

Albuquerque volunteers plant trees in the Bosque.

 

Try planting me!

The Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis), shown here in Autumn, is a great choice for creating shade in Albuquerque.

Space: Typically 30' x 30'

Water: Medium water use
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Pollen: None

 

Get a Free Tree

• Watch the news for tree giveaways all around the city.
• Join the ArborDay Foundation and get 10 free trees.

Promoting Tree Planting

Mayor Chavez has set a goal to give away 160,000 trees by 2015 to promote a healthy environment and clean air. Learn more about the benefits of planting trees.

• By providing 2 major Tree Giveaway events and 2 priortized neighborhood events, trees will be provided and placed appropriately for the green infrastructure benefits.
• Through partnerships and sponsorships with Tree New Mexico, and other community groups the City has organized weekend tree giveaways to increase the urban forest in residential areas. 

Picking the Right Tree

Albuquerque's high desert climate is tough on trees, but some trees are specially adapted to thrive in our city.

Here are some recommendations from the City Forester:

Best Shade Trees for Albuquerque

• Bur Oak
• Chinese Pistache
• Kentucky Coffeetree
• Lacebark Elm

Best Flowering Trees & Shrubs for Albuquerque

• Crape Myrtle
• Crabapple
• Desert Willow
• New Mexico Olive
• Gambel Oak
• Chaste Tree

Best Low-Pollen Trees for Albuquerque

• Netleaf Hackberry
• Chaste Tree
• Pinon Pine
• Honey Locust

There's more! Get a full list of xeric plants for Albuquerque.

How to Plant a Tree

It's not enough to pick the perfect tree - you have to plant it correctly to make sure that it grows strong and healthy.

Take a couple of minutes to learn how to select the optimal site for your tree and dig the right kind of hole for its new home.

• Picking the right spot for your new tree
• Planting your tree properly

Beware of Concrete! Don't Starve Your Tree.

Some people pour concrete around a tree and expect it to live. Trees need water just like people!

Trees absorb water through their roots, which extend many feet beyond the base of the tree. If you must plant your tree near a driveway or walkway, consider using porous paving materials like rock, stone, or one of these alternatives:

• Permeable pavers
• Pervious concrete
• Grass pavers
• Industry research on permeable paving materials

Maintaining & Pruning Trees

Most trees need tender loving care to get them started. Even if you plant drought-tolerant trees, they still need care from time to time.

Learn more about caring for your trees >>

Questions?

Contact the City Forester