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

Arizona Revised Statutes Section 3-904 establishes comprehensive protections for native plants including many tree species found on Sahuarita properties. Protected trees include saguaro cacti (which are technically columnar cacti but grow to tree size), ironwood, blue and foothill palo verde, mesquite species, and desert willow. Before removing any native tree, property owners must contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture to determine if a removal permit is required. The permit application includes the species, size, location, and reason for removal. A fee is assessed based on the type and size of the plant. For development projects, the Town of Sahuarita requires a native plant inventory and salvage plan as part of the site plan review process. Salvageable plants must be transplanted on-site or to an approved off-site location. Non-native trees such as eucalyptus, African sumac, and ornamental species are not protected under ARS 3-904 and can be removed without a state permit, though Town grading and drainage standards still apply. The Pima County Conservation Lands System may provide additional protections for trees on properties adjacent to conservation areas.