Heritage & Protected Trees
Tree Protection
Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.
How Heritage & Protected Trees Rules Differ by Place
Coconino County, AZ: Flagstaff Protected Forest & Heritage Trees
Heavy RestrictionsFlagstaff does not use a classic heritage-tree list; instead its Resource Protection Standards safeguard the ponderosa pine forest as a natural resource, prioritizing the largest pines…
Mesa, AZ: Mesa Heritage & Protected Tree Rules
Heavy RestrictionsMesa designates certain trees as heritage trees based on their historical significance, age, species rarity, or ecological value. Heritage trees are tagged and cataloged by the Urban…
Oro Valley, AZ: Tree Protection: Heritage Trees
Heavy RestrictionsSaguaros are protected under ARS 3-904 -- destroying one is a Class 4 felony (up to $100,000 fine). Town Code Chapter 24 adds local preservation requirements.
Yuma, AZ: Yuma Heritage Tree Protection
Few RestrictionsYuma does not have a heritage tree program or ordinance. Arizona state law protects certain native cacti statewide. Yuma's primary large native trees are mesquite, palo verde, and…
Fayetteville, AR: Fayetteville Heritage Tree Registry
Few RestrictionsFayetteville protects notable trees through a voluntary Tree Registry, not a mandatory heritage-tree law. Owners can register trees of historic merit, rare species, or extraordinary…
Idaho Falls, ID: Idaho Falls Heritage & Notable Tree Rules
Few RestrictionsIdaho Falls has no ordinance designating or protecting heritage trees; the Shade Tree Advisory Committee only recommends policies to identify, mark, and preserve historic and notable…
Heritage & Protected Trees Rules by State
Statewide law governs this topic in many states. Each entry links to that state's full page.
California
Some RestrictionsCalifornia provides statewide protections for native oak woodlands and heritage trees through CEQA review, Public Resources Code, and Forest Practice Rules that apply uniformly.
Massachusetts
Heavy RestrictionsMassachusetts Scenic Roads Act protects trees and stone walls along designated scenic roads, requiring public hearing before any removal or alteration.
Cities & Counties with Heritage & Protected Trees Rules
389 locations
Arizona
Arkansas
Florida
Louisiana
Maryland
Other Tree Protection Topics
Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Parkway Planting
Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.
Urban Forest Equity
Citywide tree-canopy goals and equity-focused planting programs targeting historically under-canopied neighborhoods (Cool Streets LA, City Plants).