Landscaping Rules in Tempe, AZ (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree 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
Trees on private residential property in Tempe can generally be removed without a city permit unless they are protected native species under ARS 3-901. Protected species (saguaro, palo verde, ironwood) require an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit. City street trees cannot be removed by residents. New development must include tree preservation in landscape plans.
Tempe Tree Removal Permits
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...
Weed Ordinances
Tempe caps weeds, uncultivated growth and tall grass at 12 inches on any property where the landscaping is visible from public property. City Code § 21-3(b)(8) also targets substantially dead landscaping, dead trees and stumps, and palm trees with dry fronds hanging more than 8 feet below the lowest living frond.
Tempe Weed and Tall Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 21-3(b)(8)
Any landscaping, visible from public property, that is substantially dead, damaged, or characterized by uncontrolled growth, or presents a deteriorated appearance; uncultivated plants, weeds, tall grass, uncultivated shrubs or growth (whether growing or otherwise) higher than twelve (12) inches; or any dead trees, bushes, shrubs or portions thereof, including stumps; or any palm or similar type...
Water Restrictions
Tempe bans wasting water on landscaped property under General Code Section 33-121, and Section 33-122 spells out the irrigation failures that count as waste: broken spray or bubbler heads, leaking drip lines, and unmaintained automatic timers. There is no assigned watering-day schedule; instead Public Works cites and escalates against any sprinkler, drip or misting system that lets water run off the property or into the street.
Tempe Landscape Irrigation Water Waste Ban
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 33-121(a) (Wasting Water Defined, Prohibited)
No person shall waste any water supplied within the City service area. Water waste specifically includes but is not limited to the following:(1)Water not put to beneficial use;(2)Any use of water in excess of that reasonably necessary to accomplish the intended task,;(3)Willfully or negligently permitting or causing the escape or flow of water, such as into the public right of way in such quant...
Native 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...
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Maricopa County →