Prohibited Species: Phoenix vs Tempe
How do prohibited species rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona regulates invasive plants through the Arizona Department of Agriculture's prohibited and regulated plant pest list. Maricopa County restricts certain allergen-producing species. Phoenix prohibits planting Mulberry trees (Morus genus) and Olive trees (Olea europaea) due to severe pollen allergies.
View full Phoenix rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County regulates certain plants under the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS §3-904) and noxious weed regulations. Palo Verde, saguaro, and other protected native plants cannot be removed without permits. Several weed species are regulated by the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Banned Trees | Mulberry and Olive (fruiting types) | - |
| Reason | Severe allergenic pollen | - |
| Key Invasive | Buffelgrass (fire threat) | Buffelgrass |
| City Code | Section 24-46 | - |
| Native Plant Law | - | ARS §3-904 |
| Saguaro Protection | - | Permit to remove |
| Saguaro Fine | - | Up to $100,000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
What plants are banned in Phoenix?
Phoenix bans fruiting Mulberry trees and fruiting Olive trees due to allergenic pollen (City Code Section 24-46). Fruitless varieties are exempt. The state also regulates invasive species like Buffelgrass and Tamarisk.
What is Buffelgrass and why is it a problem?
Buffelgrass is an extremely invasive grass from Africa that is transforming the Sonoran Desert by creating fire-prone grasslands where fire was historically rare. It threatens native desert plants and wildlife habitat.
Tempe FAQ
Can I remove a saguaro cactus from my property in Maricopa County?
Not without a permit. Under Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS §3-904), saguaros and other protected native plants require a salvage permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture before removal.
What invasive plants are a problem in Maricopa County?
Buffelgrass is the most significant invasive plant in the Sonoran Desert. It spreads rapidly and promotes wildfires. The Arizona Department of Agriculture also regulates Russian knapweed, yellow starthistle, and giant salvinia.
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