Landscaping Rules in Tempe, AZ (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Tempe's property maintenance code requires yards to be kept free of excessive weeds and overgrown vegetation. While there is no specific maximum grass height, properties must be maintained to avoid creating a fire hazard, harboring pests, or detracting from neighborhood appearance.
Tempe Grass Height & Yard Maintenance
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Tempe requires property owners to trim trees that overhang public rights-of-way to maintain clearance for pedestrians and vehicles. Trees on private property must be maintained to prevent hazards. City-owned trees are maintained by the Parks department.
Tempe Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsAriz. Rev. Stat. § 3-904 (Destruction of Protected Plants by Private Landowners)
This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if: 1. The land is in private ownership. 2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale. 3. The owner or the owner's agent notifies the department pursuant t...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tempe does not require a permit to remove trees on private residential property in most cases. However, trees in the public right-of-way are protected and cannot be removed without city authorization. Native desert trees may have additional protections under state law.
Tempe Tree Removal & Planting Rules
Some RestrictionsA.R.S. § 3-904(A)–(B), (H) — Destruction of protected plants by private landowners; notice; exception
A. This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if: 1. The land is in private ownership. 2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale. 3. The owner or the owner's agent notifies the department pursuant to this secti...
Weed Ordinances
Tempe's property maintenance and nuisance provisions require owners to control weeds and maintain lots. Overgrown vegetation creating fire hazards, harboring vermin, or appearing unsightly is a code violation. The city may abate weedy properties at the owner's expense. Weed growth surges after monsoon and winter rains in the desert climate.
Tempe Weed Abatement Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Tempe encourages water conservation and follows Maricopa County water-use guidelines. While mandatory watering schedules are not always in effect, the city promotes xeriscaping and offers rebates for water-efficient landscaping conversions.
Tempe Water Restrictions & Landscape Watering Rules
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Arizona encourages rainwater harvesting and Tempe residents may collect rainwater without a permit. No state or local restrictions on residential collection. Arizona offers a tax credit up to $1,000 for qualifying systems. Tempe's monsoon season provides the best collection opportunities. The city supports rainwater harvesting as part of water conservation.
Tempe Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Tempe encourages native and desert-adapted landscaping. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and other native species from removal without state permits. Tempe's development standards require desert-adapted plants in new construction landscape plans. The city supports water conservation through xeriscape design.
Tempe Native Plant and Desert Landscaping
Some RestrictionsAriz. Rev. Stat. § 3-904 (Destruction of Protected Plants by Private Landowners)
This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if: 1. The land is in private ownership. 2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale. 3. The owner or the owner's agent notifies the department pursuant t...
Artificial Turf
Tempe permits artificial turf on residential properties. Arizona law (ARS 33-1817) limits HOA restrictions on water-efficient landscaping. Synthetic turf is popular in Tempe's desert climate as a low-water alternative. Most installations don't require a permit. The city encourages water conservation through its partnership with regional water programs.
Tempe Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsComposting
Tempe permits backyard composting and offers free compost bins periodically. City provides curbside organics pickup in a pilot area and runs a Compost Cats partnership. Commercial ops >10 cu yd need ADEQ permit.
landscaping/composting
Few RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Maricopa County →