Glendale, AZ Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Heritage Tree Ordinance
- No formal program
- State Protection
- Arizona Native Plant Law (A.R.S. 3-904)
- Protected Species
- Saguaro, Ironwood, Palo Verde, Mesquite
- Salvage Permit
- May be required for protected native plants
- Enforcement
- Arizona Dept. of Agriculture
Summary
Glendale does not have a formal heritage or landmark tree ordinance. However, mature native trees such as Palo Verde, Ironwood, and Mesquite are valued within the landscape code. Arizona state law protects certain native plants under the Arizona Native Plant Law (A.R.S. 3-904), and salvage permits from the Arizona Department of Agriculture may be required before removing protected native species, even on private property.
A. This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if:
1. The land is in private ownership.
2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale.
3. The owner or the owner's agent notifies the department pursuant to this section of the intended destruction at least:
(a) Twenty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of less than one acre.
(b) Thirty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of one acre or more but less than forty acres.
(c) Sixty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of forty acres or more.
4. The protected plants are destroyed within one year of the date of destruction disclosed in the notice given the department in paragraph 3 of this subsection.
B. The notice under subsection A, paragraph 3, subdivision (a) may be oral or written. The notice under subsection A, paragraph 3, subdivisions (b) and (c) must be in writing. The notice under subsection A, paragraph 3, whether written or oral, shall include:
1. The name and address of the owner of the land and, if the owner is not a resident of this state, the name and address of the owner's agent in this state to be contacted regarding the destruction or salvage of the native plants.
2. The earliest date that destruction of the protected native plants will begin.
3. A general description of the area in which the protected native plants will be destroyed.
4. Whether the owner intends to allow salvage of the plants to be destroyed.
G. The notice requirements of subsection A, paragraph 3 do not apply to the destruction of native plants that occurs in the normal course of mining, commercial farming and stock raising operations.
H. This section does not apply to the destruction of protected native plants on individually owned residential property of ten acres or less where initial construction has already occurred.
Full Breakdown
Glendale may designate certain trees as heritage, landmark, or specimen trees based on criteria including trunk diameter (typically 24+ inches), species rarity, historical significance, or ecological value. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection beyond standard tree ordinances. Removal requires special council or commission approval and is rarely granted except for safety. Construction projects must protect heritage trees with root zone barriers. Damage during construction triggers fines and remediation. Residents can nominate trees for heritage status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Glendale have a heritage tree program?
Can I remove a Saguaro cactus from my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle heritage & protected trees.