Heritage & Protected Trees: Scottsdale vs Surprise
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Surprise has fewer restrictions than Scottsdale.
Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale protects native trees of exceptional size, age, or significance through its Native Plant Ordinance (Chapter 46, Article V). While the city does not have a separate 'heritage tree' designation, protected native plants — particularly large saguaros, ironwoods, and palo verdes — receive strong protection and fines up to $10,000 for unauthorized removal.
View full Scottsdale rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County does not have a heritage tree ordinance for unincorporated areas. Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901+) protects certain native species including saguaro and ironwood trees regardless of heritage status. No county-specific heritage or landmark tree designation program exists. Individual trees are protected based on species under state law, not age or size.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Registry | No formal registry; Native Plant Ordinance applies | - |
| Protected Specimens | Large saguaros, specimen ironwoods, mature palo verdes | - |
| Saguaro Age | Large specimens can be 100-200+ years old | - |
| ESLO Protection | Additional preservation emphasis in overlay areas | - |
| Non-Native Trees | Not protected under the ordinance | - |
| Fine | Up to $10,000 per plant for unauthorized removal | - |
| Heritage Program | - | No county heritage tree program |
| State Protection | - | ARS 3-901+ native plant law |
| Protected Species | - | Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde |
| Designation | - | By species, not age or size |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Scottsdale FAQ
Does Scottsdale have a heritage tree program?
Not a separate program, but the Native Plant Ordinance effectively protects heritage-quality native trees and cacti. Large saguaros, ironwoods, and palo verdes receive strong preservation emphasis.
How old are the large saguaros in Scottsdale?
Large saguaros can be 100-200+ years old. A saguaro must be about 75 years old before it grows its first arm. These specimens are given the highest preservation priority.
Are palm trees protected in Scottsdale?
No. Palm trees are non-native ornamental trees and are not protected under the Native Plant Ordinance. Only indigenous Sonoran Desert species are protected.
Surprise FAQ
Does Maricopa County have a heritage or landmark tree program?
No. Maricopa County does not have a heritage tree ordinance for unincorporated areas. However, Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901+) protects certain native species including saguaros, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite from destruction without permits.
Can I remove a large saguaro cactus from my property in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Saguaros are protected under Arizona's Native Plant Law. You need a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture to remove, destroy, or transplant a saguaro. Illegal removal can result in significant fines. Contact AZDA for permit requirements before any removal.
Who do I contact about protected native plants on my property in Maricopa County?
Contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture for permits related to protected native plants. For questions about how native plant protections interact with building or grading permits, contact Maricopa County Planning and Development at (602) 506-3301.
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