Native Plants: Glendale vs Tempe
How do native plants rules compare between Glendale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Glendale has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Glendale, AZ
Maricopa County
Glendale encourages desert-adapted and native plant landscaping consistent with the Sonoran Desert environment. The city's landscaping code (Chapter 19) establishes plant lists and standards for commercial and residential developments. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 et seq.) protects certain native species, including saguaro cacti, from removal without permits from the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
View full Glendale rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
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.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| City Code | Chapter 19 (Landscaping) | - |
| State Law | ARS 3-901 et seq. (Protected Native Plant Law) | ARS 3-901 (Protected Native Plant Law) |
| Protected Species | Saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and others | Saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, barrel cacti |
| Permit for Removal | AZ Dept of Agriculture permit for protected plants | - |
| Design Approach | Xeriscape principles encouraged | - |
| New Development | Desert-adapted plants typically required in landscape plans | Desert-adapted plants required in landscape plans |
| Xeriscape | - | Encouraged for water conservation |
| Removal Penalty | - | Up to $100,000 for unauthorized native plant removal |
| Rebates | - | Some utilities offer lawn conversion rebates |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro from my property in Glendale?
Saguaro cacti are protected under Arizona's Native Plant Law. You need a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture before removing any protected native plant, even on your own property.
Does Glendale require desert landscaping?
New developments must meet the city's landscaping standards, which emphasize desert-adapted plants. Existing homeowners are encouraged but not required to switch to desert landscaping.
What plants does Glendale recommend for landscaping?
The city's approved plant list includes drought-tolerant Sonoran Desert species. Contact the Planning and Zoning division for the current plant list.
Tempe FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro from my Tempe property?
Not without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Saguaro and other native plants are protected under ARS 3-901 with penalties up to $100,000.
Does Tempe require desert landscaping?
New developments must include desert-adapted plants. Existing homeowners are encouraged but not required to convert to xeriscape.
Are there rebates for removing my lawn?
Some regional water utilities offer rebates for lawn-to-xeriscape conversions. Check with your water provider.
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