Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Phoenix vs Scottsdale
How do tree removal & heritage trees rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Phoenix has fewer restrictions than Scottsdale.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix Municipal Code Chapter 34 and the Tree and Shade Ordinance require permits for removing trees over 6 inches in diameter. Protected species include native trees such as palo verde, mesquite, and ironwood. Arizona law requires the Department of Agriculture to be notified 20-60 days before destroying protected native plants.
View full Phoenix rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale's Native Plant Ordinance (Chapter 46, Article V) protects indigenous desert plants citywide. Removal or relocation of protected native plants requires a Native Plant program submission. Violations carry fines up to $10,000. The ordinance covers saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, mesquite, ironwood, and dozens of other protected species.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Trees over 6 inches in diameter | - |
| Protected Species | Palo verde, mesquite, ironwood | Saguaro, palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, barrel cactus, etc. |
| State Notice | 20-60 days to AZ Dept of Agriculture | - |
| Residential Exemption | 10 acres or less with existing construction | - |
| Violation Fines | $500-$5,000 for unauthorized removal | - |
| Governing Code | - | Scottsdale Code Chapter 46, Article V — Native Plant Ordinance |
| Adopted | - | 1981 (revised multiple times since) |
| Violation Fine | - | Up to $10,000 per plant |
| Scope | - | Applies citywide to all development and land clearing |
| Plant List | - | Scottsdale Indigenous Plant List maintained by city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Phoenix?
Permits are generally required for protected native tree species and trees over 6 inches in diameter. Street trees on public property or rights-of-way always require city approval. Contact the Planning & Development Department for specific guidance.
What trees are protected in Phoenix?
Protected species include palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, and other native desert trees. Arizona protects 44 endangered and 21 threatened species statewide. Fines for unauthorized removal range from $500 to $5,000.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro cactus from my Scottsdale property?
Saguaros are protected under Scottsdale's Native Plant Ordinance. Removal requires a Native Plant Program submission and approval. Unauthorized removal carries fines up to $10,000.
What plants are protected in Scottsdale?
Dozens of species including saguaro, barrel cactus, palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, cholla, prickly pear, and many others listed on the city's Indigenous Plant List.
What if a protected tree is dangerous or dying on my property?
Emergency removal of hazardous trees threatening structures is permitted but should be documented with photos and reported to Planning and Development Services.
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