Phoenix, AZ Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Majority-frontage owner petition required
- Who chooses species
- City Planning Commission decides
- Cost
- Assessed to abutting lots as lien
- Tree damage
- Unauthorized cutting/injuring unlawful
- Program length
- Up to 10 years per resolution
Summary
Phoenix plants and maintains parkway trees only when owners of a majority of a street's frontage petition the City Council; the City Planning Commission then picks the species for the strip between sidewalk and roadway.
Whenever the owners of a majority of the frontage abutting upon any street or part thereof shall make and file with the City Clerk a petition requesting that the City plant or care for and maintain the grass, shrubbery or trees in the space between the sidewalk and roadway on such street, the City Council may, under the provisions of this chapter and in the manner and with the effect provided in this chapter, order and direct that the City assume such planting, care and maintenance.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Chapter 34, Phoenix does not automatically plant or maintain parkway trees: the strip between the sidewalk and roadway. Owners of a majority of a street's frontage must petition the City Council before the City assumes planting, care, and maintenance there (§ 34-1). Once adopted, the City Planning Commission decides the kind and variety of trees or palms planted (§ 34-14), and the City assesses planting and maintenance costs against abutting lots, which become liens collected like property taxes (§§ 34-8–34-12). Cutting, trimming, or injuring trees or shrubbery in City streets, alleys, or parks without authorization is unlawful (§ 34-15).
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized cutting, trimming, or injuring of street trees violates § 34-15 and is punishable under the Code's general penalty (§ 1-5); unpaid parkway assessments become liens on the abutting lot, collected like delinquent property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Phoenix automatically plant trees in the parkway strip?
Who picks which trees get planted in the parkway?
Can I be penalized for cutting a parkway tree in Phoenix?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle parkway planting.