Hazardous Tree Removal in Maricopa County, AZ

Tree problems in Maricopa County, AZ that call for hazardous tree removal

1. 1

   The Arizona Native Plant Law

   Arizona's Native Plant Law protects species including palo verde, mesquite, ironwood, saguaro and other cacti. Destroying or removing a protected native requires prior notice to the Arizona Department of Agriculture; for areas under one acre, that notice period is 20 days. It applies across the county, in cities and unincorporated areas alike. Pruning doesn't require notice.

2. 2

   Monsoon damage across the Valley

   The monsoon brings 30 to 60 percent of the Valley's annual rain, often in violent bursts with microburst winds and dust storms. Top-heavy hybrid mesquites and over-watered trees with shallow roots topple, and limbs come down on walls, pools and lines. Spring thinning and deep, infrequent watering are the best prevention; see [monsoon tree damage in Phoenix](/tree-removal/arizona/phoenix/storm-damage-tree-removal/).

3. 3

   Palms, citrus and non-native shade trees

   Not everything in a Valley yard is protected. Palms, citrus, eucalyptus, Aleppo pine, African sumac and ficus are common non-native trees that can be removed without native-plant notice. Big Aleppo pines and eucalyptus in older neighborhoods suffer in extreme heat and drop limbs in monsoon winds; tall palms need dead fronds removed so they don't become fire fuel or falling hazards. If you're not sure whether a tree is a protected native, a local arborist can identify it before you file anything.