Tree Protection in Tucson, AZ (2026)
5 verified tree protection rules for Tucson, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Tucson has strong native plant protection through the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-904) and the city's Native Plant Preservation Ordinance. Removal of protected native trees and plants on development sites requires a permit from PDSD. The city also regulates tree removal on public property and within the Environmental Resource Zone. Saguaro cacti, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite trees receive significant protection.
Tucson Tree Removal Permits & Protected Trees
Heavy RestrictionsA.R.S. § 3-904 — Destruction of protected plants by private landowners
3-904. 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....
Heritage & Protected Trees
Tucson protects heritage and specimen trees, particularly mature native desert trees, through its Native Plant Preservation Ordinance and the Environmental Resource Zone overlay. Large, mature saguaro cacti (especially those over 6 feet tall), old-growth ironwood, and mesquite trees of significant size are given special consideration in development review. The city's Urban Forestry Division manages heritage trees on public property.
Tucson Heritage & Protected Tree Designations
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Tucson requires replacement or mitigation when protected native trees and plants are removed during development. The Native Plant Preservation Ordinance mandates salvage and transplantation of protected species when feasible. When transplantation is not possible, developers must provide replacement plantings or contribute to a mitigation fund. The city encourages the use of native and drought-adapted species for all replacement plantings.
Tucson Tree Replacement & Mitigation Requirements
Some RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Tucson's Native Plant Preservation Ordinance requires inventory, salvage, and replacement of Sonoran Desert protected native plants — including saguaros, ironwood, mesquite, palo verde, and ocotillo — before any clearing or grading on most parcels.
Native Plant Preservation Ordinance and saguaros
Heavy RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
Tucson Million Trees aims to plant one million trees citywide by 2030 with priority placement in low-canopy, heat-vulnerable neighborhoods, advancing CAAP equity goals and partnering with Tucson Clean and Beautiful and Tucson Water for free residential trees.
Tucson Million Trees and equity planting goals
Few RestrictionsLooking for Pima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tucson city rules.
Tree Protection in Pima County →