Coconino County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Own Trees
- Prune and thin freely
- Fire Thinning
- Encouraged in the WUI
- Flagstaff Development
- Protects 18"+ ponderosa
- Street Trees
- City-managed
Summary
Homeowners can prune and thin their own forest trees, and thinning ponderosa for fire safety is encouraged. Flagstaff protects large trees during development. Public street and right-of-way trees stay under agency control.
Manage healthy and sustainable forests to reduce fire risk;
Full Breakdown
Routine pruning of your own ponderosa, pinyon, juniper, or aspen needs no county permit, and in the wildland-urban interface, thinning crowded stands and removing ladder fuels is actively encouraged by Flagstaff Fire and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to slow crown fire. Flagstaff's Resource Protection Standards (Zoning Code Division 10-50.90) do govern how trees are protected during new development, giving priority to ponderosa pines 18 inches in diameter or larger. You may trim a neighbor's overhanging branches back to the property line without harming the tree. Public street and right-of-way trees are city-managed.
Violations & Fines
No penalty for pruning or Firewise thinning on your own lot. Damaging protected forest during development, or destroying a neighbor's tree past the property line, can bring fines or a civil claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I thin or trim trees on my property?
Does Flagstaff protect trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coconino County
Compare Coconino County to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
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