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Maricopa County, AZ Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: https://www.maricopa.gov/2271/Ordinances-Regulations-and-Codes →

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Key Facts

County Ordinance: No tree replacement requirement
Native Plants: Salvage may be required by AZDA
Non-Protected: No replacement required
Development: Landscaping plans may require new plantings

City-specific rules exist: Goodyear, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria have their own tree replacement requirements rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Maricopa County does not have a tree replacement ordinance for unincorporated areas. When protected native plants must be removed for development, the Arizona Department of Agriculture may require salvage and transplanting rather than replacement. Non-protected tree removal and replacement is not regulated by the county.

Full Breakdown

Maricopa County does not have a tree replacement ordinance for unincorporated areas requiring property owners to plant replacement trees after removing existing ones. Some specific area plans within the county's zoning framework may include landscaping requirements for new development that effectively require tree planting, but there is no general one-for-one or mitigation-based replacement mandate. The Arizona Department of Agriculture may require salvage or relocation of protected native plants as a condition of removal permits under the Native Plant Law. In the desert climate, the county encourages use of drought-tolerant native trees like palo verde and mesquite in new landscaping to reduce water consumption and support the native Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Violations & Fines

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Maricopa County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to plant a new tree when I remove one?

No. Maricopa County does not have a general tree replacement ordinance. Replacement is only potentially required for protected native species during development projects.

What happens to protected trees during new construction?

Developers must work with the Arizona Department of Agriculture to salvage and transplant protected native species when possible before clearing a construction site.

Are there incentives for planting trees in Maricopa County?

Some local utilities and nonprofit organizations offer tree planting programs and rebates for shade trees that reduce energy use. Check with SRP or APS for current offerings.

How does Maricopa County compare?

See how Maricopa County's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.

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Maricopa County, AZ Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

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