Tempe, AZ Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ARS 3-901 (Protected Native Plant Law)
- Development Review
- Tree preservation plans may be required
- Native Species
- State permit required for removal
- Street Trees
- City managed, no unauthorized removal
- Heat Island
- Trees valued for cooling urban areas
- Penalty
- Up to $100,000 for unauthorized native plant removal
Summary
Tempe protects significant trees through its landscape standards in the Zoning and Development Code. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects native desert trees statewide. During development review, Tempe requires tree preservation plans for significant existing trees. Mature shade trees are increasingly valued for urban heat island mitigation.
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.
Full Breakdown
Tempe's heritage tree protections operate through the Zoning and Development Code landscape standards and Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law. During development review, the city requires evaluation of significant existing trees and may require preservation, transplanting, or replacement. Protected native species under ARS 3-901 (palo verde, ironwood, saguaro, etc.) cannot be removed without Arizona Department of Agriculture permits. Tempe has recognized the importance of mature shade trees for combating the urban heat island effect: temperatures in the Phoenix metro area can be 10+ degrees cooler under tree canopy. City street trees are managed by the Public Works department and may not be removed or significantly trimmed by adjacent property owners without authorization. The city's urban forestry efforts focus on increasing canopy cover in heat-stressed areas. Desert-adapted shade trees (mesquite, palo verde, desert willow) are prioritized in city planting programs.
Violations & Fines
Removing protected native plants without a state permit carries fines up to $100,000. Unauthorized removal of city street trees may result in replacement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there protected trees in Tempe?
Can I remove a tree from my property?
Why does Tempe value shade trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tempe
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How other cities in Maricopa County handle heritage & protected trees.