Yuma's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Yuma, Arizona, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Parkway Planting

Property owners next to a Yuma street may plant and maintain trees in the parkway strip between curb and sidewalk, but City Code §137-04(F) requires a free encroachment permit from the Engineering Department and free blue-staking before any digging. Street trees must be pruned for at least 12 feet of clearance over the roadway and 7 feet over the sidewalk.

Key details: Parkway defined: Area between curb and sidewalk, §137-02. Street tree defined: Matures 30+ feet tall, §137-02. Planting permit: Free encroachment permit, Engineering Dept, §137-04(F). Roadway clearance: Minimum 12 feet over roadway. Sidewalk clearance: Minimum 7 feet over sidewalk.

Planting or removing a parkway tree without the required encroachment permit, or topping a municipal tree, violates Chapter 137 and is punishable as a class 3 misdemeanor under §137-99(A), the same penalty level set for other Yuma City Code violations under §10-99. If a parkway tree becomes a sight-line hazard and the owner ignores the city's notice to prune or remove it, the city can do the work itself and bill the property owner for the cost.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Yuma does not have a heritage tree program or ordinance. Arizona state law protects certain native cacti statewide. Yuma's primary large native trees are mesquite, palo verde, and cottonwood along the Colorado River.

Key details: Heritage Program: None. State Protection: AZDA protects certain native cacti. Common Trees: Mesquite, palo verde, ironwood, citrus, date palms. River Trees: Cottonwood and willow along Colorado River.

Removal of state-protected native plants violates state law.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Yuma gives residents more flexibility on heritage & protected trees.

The Bottom Line

Yuma'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 Yuma is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Yuma can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.