Buckeye, AZ Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Development of lands consisting of undisturbed desert, native Sonoran Desert plant species, natural washes, riparian habitat, or unique geological features shall provide an inventory survey documenting the existing vegetation and features on site. In addition to the inventory survey, a salvage plan shall be submitted detailing how the impacts to the surveyed items will be mitigated and how surveyed items will be preserved or salvaged.B.Development shall minimize the removal of existing healthy Sonoran Desert vegetation, particularly any tree or cacti that have reached maturity, or any cacti that are protected by local regulations or the State of Arizona, regardless of the stage of growth (refer to Appendix A, Protected Native Plants). If removal is necessary based on an analysis and recommendation by a registered landscape architect or other qualified native plant professional, healthy mature trees and healthy mature or protected cacti shall be salvaged and utilized on site. Relocation or removal of native plants shall comply with Arizona native plant law (A.R.S. § 3-901 et seq.).C.Natural washes and vegetation within natural washes shall be maintained in a natural state to avoid impeding drainage flows to the extent practicable for public safety and preservation of natural resources. (Ord. No. 28-25, § 3, 10-21-2025)