Heritage & Protected Trees: Green Valley vs Marana
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Marana, AZ?
Green Valley and Marana have similar restriction levels.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Saguaro cactus is Highly Safeguarded under ARS 3-904. Destroying one without an AZ Dept of Agriculture permit is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison.
View full Green Valley rules →Marana, AZ
Pima County
Marana Land Development Code Chapter 17-11 requires 100 percent preservation of crested saguaros and federally listed endangered species on development sites. At least 50 percent of all viable saguaros and ironwood trees must be preserved in place or transplanted on site.
View full Marana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Marana |
|---|---|---|
| Saguaro Status | Highly Safeguarded (ARS 3-904) | - |
| Penalty | Class 4 felony (up to 3.75 years) | - |
| Other Protected | Ironwood, palo verde, barrel cactus | - |
| Permit Required | AZ Dept of Agriculture tags | - |
| County Code | Chapter 18.72 preservation plans | - |
| Crested Saguaro | - | 100% preservation required |
| Standard Saguaro | - | 50% preservation required |
| Ironwood Trees | - | 50% preservation required |
| State Law | - | ARS Title 3, Chapter 7 |
| Felony Threshold | - | $1,500+ plant value (Class 4) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Is it really a felony to cut down a saguaro cactus?
Yes. Under ARS 3-904, knowingly destroying, mutilating, or removing a saguaro cactus without an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit is a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison. This applies even on private property.
What other native plants are protected in Pima County?
Arizona ironwood, palo verde, barrel cactus, ocotillo, desert willow, and dozens of other species are protected under ARS 3-904. The protection level varies from Salvage Assessed to Highly Safeguarded, with saguaro receiving the highest protection.
Can I transplant a saguaro on my property?
You must first obtain notification tags from the Arizona Department of Agriculture and may need a licensed salvage contractor. Moving saguaros is risky -- large specimens have low transplant survival rates and the process is expensive.
Marana FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro cactus from my property in Marana?
On residential lots with existing construction under 10 acres, you may remove a saguaro but should obtain a salvage permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture (ARS 3-906). For development projects, at least 50 percent of viable saguaros must be preserved or transplanted per Section 17-11-5.
Is cutting down a saguaro a felony in Arizona?
It can be. Under ARS 3-932, theft of protected native plants valued at $1,500 or more is a Class 4 felony punishable by 1 to 3.75 years in prison. Unauthorized collection without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
What is a crested saguaro and why does it get extra protection?
A crested (cristate) saguaro has a fan-shaped growth at the top instead of normal arms. These rare mutations receive 100 percent preservation protection under Marana Section 17-11-5 because of their ecological and scientific significance.
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