Tree Replacement Requirements: Mesa vs Phoenix
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Mesa and Phoenix have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa requires tree replacement when protected trees are removed as part of development projects. The city's development review process includes evaluation of existing trees and may require replacement plantings at specified ratios. Replacement trees should be from an approved species list appropriate for the Sonoran Desert climate. Mesa encourages use of drought-tolerant, native, and low-water-use species as replacements.
View full Mesa rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix's Tree and Shade Master Plan requires replanting or replacement of removed trees in many cases. Residents may need to select appropriate replacement trees from approved species lists (AMA-3550), pay a fee, or plant multiple trees depending on the size of the removed tree. The goal is maintaining the urban tree canopy.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| When Required | Development projects removing protected trees | - |
| Replacement Ratio | Varies based on tree size and species | - |
| Species | Approved drought-tolerant and native species preferred | - |
| Review Process | Part of development plan review | - |
| Desert Adapted | Mesquite, palo verde, ironwood recommended | - |
| Plan | - | Tree and Shade Master Plan |
| Replacement Species | - | From AZ Dept of Water Resources AMA-3550 list |
| Ratio | - | May require multiple replacements per removed tree |
| Fee Option | - | Payment in lieu of replanting may be available |
| Care Required | - | Proper care of replacement trees required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Do I have to replant if I remove a tree in Mesa?
For development projects, yes — Mesa requires replacement plantings when protected trees are removed. Replacement species should be from the approved list of drought-tolerant and native species. Private residential tree removal on existing properties may not trigger replacement requirements.
What trees should I plant as replacements in Mesa?
Mesa encourages desert-adapted, low-water-use species including mesquite, palo verde, ironwood, and desert willow. The city's approved species list prioritizes trees that thrive in the Sonoran Desert climate without excessive irrigation.
Phoenix FAQ
Do I have to replace a tree I remove?
In many cases, yes. The Tree and Shade Master Plan outlines requirements for replacing removed trees. You may need to plant multiple trees, select from the AMA-3550 approved species list, or pay a fee depending on the size of the removed tree.
What species can I plant as replacements?
Replacement trees should be from the Arizona Department of Water Resources Phoenix AMA-3550 approved list or Table 1309.1 of the Zoning Ordinance. These lists favor desert-adapted, low-water-use species suitable for the Phoenix climate.
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