Heritage & Protected Trees: Goodyear vs Scottsdale
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Goodyear, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Goodyear has fewer restrictions than Scottsdale.
Goodyear, AZ
Maricopa County
Goodyear does not have a formal heritage tree or landmark tree ordinance for private property. The city's Urban Forestry Department manages and protects trees on public land under Chapter 27. Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS §3-904) protects native plants including saguaro cacti on undeveloped land. HOAs may designate significant trees in common areas as protected under CC&Rs.
View full Goodyear rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale protects native trees of exceptional size, age, or significance through its Native Plant Ordinance (Chapter 46, Article V). While the city does not have a separate 'heritage tree' designation, protected native plants — particularly large saguaros, ironwoods, and palo verdes — receive strong protection and fines up to $10,000 for unauthorized removal.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Goodyear | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Tree Ordinance | None for private property | - |
| Native Plant Law | ARS §3-904 protects native species | - |
| Saguaro Cacti | Protected, permit required to remove | - |
| Public Trees | Protected under Chapter 27 | - |
| Contact | (623) 932-3200 Urban Forestry | - |
| Heritage Registry | - | No formal registry; Native Plant Ordinance applies |
| Protected Specimens | - | Large saguaros, specimen ironwoods, mature palo verdes |
| Saguaro Age | - | Large specimens can be 100-200+ years old |
| ESLO Protection | - | Additional preservation emphasis in overlay areas |
| Non-Native Trees | - | Not protected under the ordinance |
| Fine | - | Up to $10,000 per plant for unauthorized removal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Goodyear FAQ
Does Goodyear have a heritage tree ordinance?
No. Goodyear does not designate heritage or landmark trees on private property. Public trees are protected under Chapter 27. Arizona's Native Plant Law protects native species like saguaros on undeveloped land.
Can I remove a saguaro cactus from my property in Goodyear?
On developed residential lots, you generally can with HOA approval if applicable. On undeveloped land, saguaros are protected under ARS §3-904 and require an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit. Salvage and relocation are often required.
Are any trees protected on private property in Goodyear?
The city does not protect trees on developed private property. However, your HOA may restrict removal of trees in front yards or specified in landscape plans. Native plants on undeveloped land are protected under state law.
Scottsdale FAQ
Does Scottsdale have a heritage tree program?
Not a separate program, but the Native Plant Ordinance effectively protects heritage-quality native trees and cacti. Large saguaros, ironwoods, and palo verdes receive strong preservation emphasis.
How old are the large saguaros in Scottsdale?
Large saguaros can be 100-200+ years old. A saguaro must be about 75 years old before it grows its first arm. These specimens are given the highest preservation priority.
Are palm trees protected in Scottsdale?
No. Palm trees are non-native ornamental trees and are not protected under the Native Plant Ordinance. Only indigenous Sonoran Desert species are protected.
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