Tree Protection in Tempe, AZ (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Tempe Heritage Tree Protections
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...
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.
Tempe Parkway Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 29-39
All planting, landscaping and maintenance of planting and landscaping performed in public rights-of-way and public parks shall be accomplished in accordance with City standard specifications for planting and landscaping which shall be the subject of a resolution of the City Council. Trees planted in the rights-of-way, and not in public parks, shall comply with the requirements of the Arizona De...
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Tree Protection in Maricopa County →