Tree Protection in Arizona (2026)

Flagstaff does not use a classic heritage-tree list; instead its Resource Protection Standards safeguard the ponderosa…

Mesa designates certain trees as heritage trees based on their historical significance, age, species rarity, or…

Saguaros are protected under ARS 3-904 -- destroying one is a Class 4 felony (up to $100,000 fine). Town Code Chapter…

Saguaro cactus is Highly Safeguarded under ARS 3-904. Destroying one without an AZ Dept of Agriculture permit is a…

Glendale does not have a formal heritage or landmark tree ordinance. However, mature native trees such as Palo Verde…

Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects native trees statewide. Peoria requires tree preservation in…

Tempe protects significant trees through its landscape standards in the Zoning and Development Code. Arizona's…

Yuma does not have a heritage tree program or ordinance. Arizona state law protects certain native cacti statewide…

Before grading any site, Tucson developers must preserve 100% of federal endangered species and "crested" Saguaros, at…

Phoenix requires a plant salvage permit from Planning and Development before removing trees, plants, or cacti on…

In the GR zone's cluster subdivision option, Pinal County requires developers to identify and protect "primary…

New Chandler developments must fully landscape the front yard and street right-of-way strip between the building and…

Gilbert's Land Development Code requires one street tree per 30 linear feet of arterial street frontage, a…

New development in Glendale must plant one tree and three shrubs for every 30 feet of street frontage, with groundcover…

Goodyear City Code Section 27-1-3 requires street trees planted in the public right-of-way to be low-water-use species…

Mesa requires common area, parkway, and median landscaping inside the Desert Uplands Area to draw at least 50% of its…

Peoria's Tree Ordinance limits which trees can go into the parkway strip between the sidewalk and street. City Code…

Phoenix plants and maintains parkway trees only when owners of a majority of a street's frontage petition the City…

Queen Creek requires street trees and shrubs in the landscaped strip along every public right-of-way in every zoning…

Scottsdale requires every public and private street contiguous to a development to be landscaped under an approved…

Anyone planting or landscaping in a Tempe public right-of-way or park must follow the City's standard planting…

Planting a tree, shrub or other vegetation in the parkway strip between the curb and sidewalk in Tucson requires a…

Property owners next to a Yuma street may plant and maintain trees in the parkway strip between curb and sidewalk, but…