How Tempe Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Tempe maintains 149 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Tempe falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Parkway Planting

Anyone planting or landscaping in a Tempe public right-of-way or park must follow the City's standard planting specifications adopted by Council resolution, and trees planted in the right-of-way (parkways) must come from the Arizona Department of Water Resources' Low Water Using Plant List. A Public Works Director permit is required before planting, moving, or removing any tree or shrub there.

Key details: Governing sections: City Code §§ 29-39, 29-41, 29-44. Planting standard: City Council-adopted planting specifications. ROW tree list: AZ Dept. of Water Resources Low Water list. Permit needed: Public Works Director permission required. Maintenance duty: Abutting owner irrigates and maintains.

Section 29-48 requires the Public Works Director to give written notice by certified mail before taking action on a planting violation. If the violator does not correct the problem within thirty days of receiving that notice, the Director can perform the remedial work and bill the abutting property owner for the cost. Under Section 29-49, an unpaid remedial-work bill becomes a recorded lien against the property, collected the same way as a City improvement district assessment.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Tempe protects significant trees through its landscape standards in the Zoning and Development Code. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects native desert trees statewide. During development review, Tempe requires tree preservation plans for significant existing trees. Mature shade trees are increasingly valued for urban heat island mitigation.

Key details: State Law: ARS 3-901 (Protected Native Plant Law). Development Review: Tree preservation plans may be required. Native Species: State permit required for removal. Street Trees: City managed, no unauthorized removal. Heat Island: Trees valued for cooling urban areas.

Removing protected native plants without a state permit carries fines up to $100,000. Unauthorized removal of city street trees may result in replacement costs.

The Bottom Line

Tempe's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Tempe is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Tempe's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.