Tree Replacement Requirements: Green Valley vs Tucson
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Tucson has fewer restrictions than Green Valley.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Chapter 18.72 mandates native plant mitigation for development: avoid removal first, then transplant, donate, or pay into a fund. Trees replaced at minimum 2:1 ratio.
View full Green Valley rules →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
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.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Code Chapter | 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) | - |
| Priority | Avoid > transplant > donate > pay | - |
| Replacement Ratio | Minimum 2:1 for trees | - |
| Saguaro Transplant | Licensed contractor + 2-year warranty | - |
| Review Authority | Development Services Department | - |
| Requirement | - | Replace or mitigate for protected species |
| Preference | - | Salvage and transplant when feasible |
| Species | - | Native and drought-adapted preferred |
| Water | - | Rainwater harvesting supports new plantings |
| Enforcement | - | COO may be withheld |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
What happens to native plants when land is developed in Pima County?
Chapter 18.72 requires developers to first try to preserve plants in place, then transplant them on-site, donate them to salvage programs, or pay into a county mitigation fund. Replacement ratios of at least 2:1 apply for protected trees.
Who pays for native plant transplanting during development?
The developer or property owner bears all costs of native plant surveys, transplanting, replacement plantings, and post-construction monitoring required under Chapter 18.72.
Tucson FAQ
Do I have to replace trees I remove during construction?
If you remove protected native species during development, you must salvage and transplant them when feasible or provide replacement plantings. The replacement requirements are determined during development review based on the species and quantity removed.
What type of replacement trees does Tucson prefer?
Tucson strongly prefers native, drought-adapted species for all replacement plantings. Desert-adapted trees like palo verde, mesquite, and desert willow are ideal choices that align with the city's water conservation and native plant preservation goals.
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