Tree removal permit rules in Lake Havasu City, AZ — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Arizona protects native trees such as ironwood, mesquite, and palo verde under the Native Plant Law, requiring state permits and notice before removal even on private residential property.
Under ARS 3-901 et seq., protected native trees including ironwood (Olneya tesota), velvet mesquite, foothills palo verde, and Arizona walnut fall under Salvage Restricted or Harvest Restricted categories. Property owners or contractors must notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture 20 to 60 days before clearing, and obtain permits and tags for any plants moved off-site. State law applies regardless of municipal tree codes. Cities may add stricter heritage-tree rules but cannot exempt removals from the state framework.
Unlawful removal can result in Class 2 misdemeanor charges, civil penalties of up to $750 per tree, and replacement requirements imposed by the Department of Agriculture.
See how Lake Havasu City's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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