Landscaping Rules in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Phoenix, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Section 39-7 limits lawn grass height to 6 inches. Properties must be kept free from overgrown grass that presents visual blight, harbors insects or rodents, or creates fire hazards. This does not apply to single-residence rear yards not visible from the adjacent right-of-way. Code Compliance investigates complaints.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Phoenix may protect native desert trees (palo verde, ironwood, saguaro). Street trees are city property. Proper pruning preserves shade in extreme heat.
Phoenix Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Phoenix Municipal Code Chapter 34 and the Tree and Shade Ordinance require permits for removing trees over 6 inches in diameter. Protected species include native trees such as palo verde, mesquite, and ironwood. Arizona law requires the Department of Agriculture to be notified 20-60 days before destroying protected native plants.
Phoenix Tree Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Phoenix Chapter 39 (Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance) Section 39-7 requires all exterior property areas to be kept free from weeds, tumbleweeds, and grass taller than 6 inches. Dead vegetation, dead palm fronds within 10 feet of the ground, and overgrown plants that create visual blight, harbor pests, or present fire hazards must be removed. Violations are subject to civil sanctions of $100 to $2,500.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Phoenix is in the Phoenix Active Management Area with strict water conservation requirements from ADWR. The city provides landscape watering guidelines recommending irrigation before 8 AM or after 6 PM to minimize evaporation. Section 507 of the zoning ordinance requires native/desert-adapted plants for new landscaping. High-water-use species are prohibited in new development. Phoenix water rates include conservation pricing tiers.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Arizona encourages rainwater harvesting and Phoenix places no permit requirements on residential rainwater collection systems. The city has offered rebate programs for water-saving landscaping improvements. Rainwater harvesting is recommended in conjunction with native, low-water-use plants for desert landscaping.
Phoenix Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 1309 establishes landscape standards requiring use of approved plant species from the Arizona Department of Water Resources Phoenix AMA-3550 list. Turf and high-water-use plants are limited to 50% of landscape area or 10% of total lot area, whichever is less. Native desert plants are strongly encouraged.
Phoenix Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Phoenix does not prohibit artificial turf and it is commonly used as a water-conserving alternative to natural grass. Artificial turf is not counted against the turf percentage limits in Zoning Ordinance §1309 since those limits target high-water-use plants. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict drought-friendly landscaping under Arizona state law.
Phoenix Artificial Turf & Xeriscape
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting is permitted in Phoenix. The city's hot, arid climate requires enclosed bins. Must not create nuisance conditions.
Phoenix Composting Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Phoenix city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Maricopa County →