How to … get a permit to prune a tree
By Krishna Villena

If a tree on your property needs to be pruned or removed, especially if it is a large or old tree, you should get a permit from the Environment and Ecology Department.

The first step is to go to the Environment and Ecology Department to fill out a form requesting permission to trim or remove the tree. The form includes basic information (name, address, telephone and the hours you are home), the number of trees involved and the reason you want to prune or remove the tree. 

Ernesto Berra López, Environmental Projects Coordinator, said that after the form is registered an authorized inspector will come to your property to verify the information. “The objective is to make sure the pruning or removal is justified.” The inspector notes the number of trees, their species and characteristics and any other information required. 

After the inspector’s report is filed, the Ecology Department makes a decision within about a week. “Reasons for denial of a permit can include damage to the environment or wanting to cut down a very old tree with no valid reason,” said Berra.

If your request is approved, before work begins you must do two things: pay a fee of 136 pesos for each tree involved and donate 26 young trees to the Ecology Department. The fee is payable at the Treasury Department, located in the Administration Building at Blvd. de la Conspiración 130. The trees donated to the Ecology Department—located in the same building—may be bought at nurseries around town. The trees should either be native species or those well-adapted to growing here, such as the sweeping bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis), and should have a minimum height of 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) and a trunk diameter of 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inch) or more.

Trees should be pruned by professional tree trimmers. Authorized personnel of the Ecology Department only cover public and rural areas. For work on private property, you have to hire a professional recommended by Ecology. As the regular trash collector trucks don’t pick up wood, the pruned wood goes to the Ecology Department nursery in order to convert it into chips or sawdust to be used for mulch. 

Failure to follow these guidelines can result in fines. Berra said that they have had to fine people more than 20,000 pesos in the past.

Berra said that if a tree on public property poses a danger, residents can report it by calling the emergency number, 066, or come directly to the Ecology offices. When the branches of a tree on a public road are too high and brushing against power lines, “it is the responsibility of the CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad) to prune them,” he said. “But we have a lot of complaints from people, because these guys don’t have any idea how to treat a tree—they want to do it fast and they leave the branches on the ground.”

The Ecology Department has a nursery where the donated trees are cared for before planting. Berra said that requests from individuals for donated trees are endless, but they give priority to rural communities, schools, parks and other public areas.

Antonio Martínez, a condominium manager, commented that he received a permit to prune 13 trees. “They were very high; the shortest was seven meters tall and the condominium owners had to pay Ecology 1,586 pesos, plus 8,000 pesos for the professional tree trimmer, in addition to the tree donation.

Nevertheless, I think the expense is worth it because the trees are very healthy and we’re contributing to the preservation of green areas within the city.”

1. Fill out a request form at the Ecology Department

2. An authorized person verifies the information on the form as well as the location of the tree.

3. Wait time for response: approximately a week at the Ecology Department 

4. Once approved, donate 26 trees to the Ecology Department

5. Pay fee of 136 pesos per tree at the Administration Building (Treasury Department)

6. Hire specialized personnel to perform the pruning correctly

7. After the pruning, 50% of the remaining wood goes to Ecology’s recycling facility


Environment and Ecology Department
Administration Building 
Blvd. de la Conspiración 130 
Tel. 120-4339, 152-29600 ext. 181
www.sanmiguelallende.gob.mx 

Callistemon viminalis Common name: weeping bottlebrush Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle family)

According to www.floridata.com,  this is an attractive tree even when not in bloom. The bottlebrush grows to a height of about 20 feet (6 meters), forming a wide, rounded crown if the lower branches are pruned off. Brilliant red stamens form 6-inch (15 cm) cylinders that resemble the brushes used to clean bottles. These hang from the tips of pendulous branches and wave seductively in the breeze. Weeping bottlebrush flowers mature into woody capsules, which are distinguishing characteristics of this genus.

Without pruning, weeping bottlebrush becomes shrubby, making it an ideal candidate for creating high hedges or screens to hide unsightly views. But to best enjoy its distinctive weeping form, trim the lower branches to maintain it as a tree. The bottlebrush does not create a mess, so it is good for use next to pools and patios.