Maricopa County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Maricopa County, AZ, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Protected Trees
- Ironwood, palo verde, mesquite (native)
- Removal Permit
- AZ Dept of Agriculture for protected species
- Non-Protected
- No county permit required
- State Law
- ARS 3-901+ Native Plant Law
Summary
Maricopa County requires protection of state-listed native plants under Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901+). Protected species including saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite cannot be removed without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Non-protected tree removal on private property in unincorporated areas does not require a county permit but may be subject to HOA restrictions.
3-904. Destruction of protected plants by private landowners; notice; exception
A. This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if:
1. The land is in private ownership.
2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale.
3. The owner or the owner's agent notifies the department pursuant to this section of the intended destruction at least:
(a) Twenty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of less than one acre.
(b) Thirty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of one acre or more but less than forty acres.
(c) Sixty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of forty acres or more.
G. The notice requirements of subsection A, paragraph 3 do not apply to the destruction of native plants that occurs in the normal course of mining, commercial farming and stock raising operations.
H. This section does not apply to the destruction of protected native plants on individually owned residential property of ten acres or less where initial construction has already occurred.
Full Breakdown
Tree removal on private property in unincorporated Maricopa County does not require a county permit for non-protected species. However, Arizona's Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901+) protects certain trees including ironwood, blue palo verde, foothill palo verde, and mesquite when growing in their native habitat. Removal of protected trees requires a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture regardless of property ownership. Saguaro cacti are also protected and require AZDA permits for removal or relocation. During land development, Maricopa County may require a native plant inventory and salvage plan as part of the zoning clearance process. Contact AZDA's Native Plant Program at (602) 542-4373 for protected species permits and Maricopa County Planning and Development at (602) 506-3301 for development-related tree removal questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Can I remove a saguaro cactus that is on my residential lot?
What if a neighbor's tree is encroaching on my property in Maricopa County?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Source
Other rules in Maricopa County
Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
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