Can I cut down a saguaro cactus in my yard?
On federal land such as Saguaro National Park, it's illegal to remove any plant, including saguaros, according to the National Park Service. As for state, tribal or private land, removal or destruction of saguaros in Arizona is illegal without the landowner's permission and a permit.
Can you go to jail for cutting down a cactus in Arizona?
Cutting down a cactus, like Arizona's iconic saguaro, is a crime punishable with up to 25 years in prison and a hefty fine. A permit is required to cut a saguaro down even if it's on private property.
Why is it illegal to cut down a saguaro cactus in Arizona?
The Reasoning The reason this law stands is because the saguaro cactus, prevalent in Arizona, takes an incredibly long time to grow. These plants have a lifespan that is estimated to be from 150 years to 200 years if they aren't cut down and if they have the right conditions.
How much is a permit to remove a saguaro cactus?
Permit, Seal & Tag FeesTypeCostType "Salvage Assessed" Permit (annual)Cost $35Type "Harvest Restricted” Permit (annual)Cost $35Type Seal Fee (for each plant)Cost $0.15Type Saguaro TagCost $86 more rows
How much is a 20 foot saguaro cactus worth?
Saguaro cactus costs about $100 per foot, with average prices ranging from $20 to $2,000 in the US for 2020 according to DFRanchandGardens. osieOnTheHouse says, “The smaller the saguaro, the less it will cost. But generally, they go for about $100 or more a foot if they are just spears and are in excellent condition.
Is it illegal to take dead saguaro cactus in Arizona?
Be sure to have written permission in hand before entering any land to remove natural resources. Again, cactus skeletons (or any dead plant or plant parts) are not protected under the Arizona native plant law.
Why are saguaros protected?
The Arizona Native Plant Law was enacted to protect rare and culturally significant plant species, including cacti. The law protects desert plants from theft, vandalism, and “unnecessary destruction” (i.e., removal) on any lands.
How do you remove a fallen saguaro?
2:2811:38Slicing Up and Removing a 25 foot fallen Saguaro Cactus ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere my husband is just slicing it up into smaller pieces and then you can use a pickaxe or aMoreHere my husband is just slicing it up into smaller pieces and then you can use a pickaxe or a pitchfork.
Can you touch a saguaro cactus?
No, cactus spines are not poisonous, nor venomous, but puncture sites can become infected just like any other kind of wound. Take caution with what you touch!
Can you sell a saguaro on?
ANSWER: Yes, you can do that, but saguaros are protected native plants and you cannot sell one without first obtaining a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. The law actually requires that a person have a permit to be in possession of any protected native plant taken from its habitat.
Can you replant a saguaro arm?
Saguaros, ocotillos and barrel cacti can be transplanted at any time of the year with success, except during the winter rainy season when cool temperatures and moisture promotes decay in fresh transplants. Saguaro and barrel cacti under 5 feet can be transplanted by hand.
Which cactus are protected in Arizona?
The saguaroThe saguaro is one of many plants in Arizona protected by the Native Plant Protection Act, and within national park lands, the removal of any plant is illegal. Also, all land in the state is owned by somebody whether it is federal, state, tribal, or private.
Is It Illegal To Remove a Saguaro Cactus?
Yes, it is against the law to remove a saguaro cactus in Arizona. If you are caught cutting one down you will likely see felony charges and could get up to 25 years in prison. Thieves see less time behind bars than people who try to remove these native plants.
Why Are Saguaro Cactus Protected?
Many municipalities across the United States have laws in place that protect their native plants, even if they are on private land. This is why it’s illegal to remove saguaro cacti across many states. One of the main reasons that saguaro cacti are protected is that they take so long to grow.
What If The Saguaro Cactus Fell Over Naturally?
In some cases, the plant may fall over on its own. Some people have had saguaros fall over on their own after a storm. This sometimes happens at Saguaro National Park, and they still recommend contacting the Arizona Department of Agriculture for safe removal.
How To Legally Remove A Saguaro Cactus From Your Yard
If there’s a giant saguaro that looks out of place in your Tucson yard, then you can still legally have it removed. Simply contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture and they will tag the saguaro for removal. They will then place the permit to have the cactus removed.
Conclusion
If you’re new to Arizona, you may not realize that cacti have different laws surrounding them than trees do. Even homeowners can not legally remove saguaros from their yard on their own. The only exception is if they have already died from natural causes. Even if they are in the process of dying, you still must contact the state.
What is the Saguaro plant law?
There are more than 3,000 species of flowering plants and ferns native to Arizona, and many of them are protected by law. The Arizona Native Plant Law was enacted to protect rare and culturally significant plant species, including cacti.
How tall is a saguaro cactus?
Measuring from 20 to 40 feet tall, and up to 70 feet tall in some cases, the saguaro cactus is a giant amongst the smaller desert trees and plants that grow in Arizona. Unfortunately, old and decaying saguaro cacti can also be a giant eyesore here in the Valley. But before you think about removing that dying saguaro cactus from your home ...
What is the largest cactus in the US?
The iconic saguaro cactus, the largest cactus in the United States and the second-largest cactus in the world, is a staple of the American Southwest and an unmistakable feature of life in the East Valley.
Is the saguaro cactus endangered?
These plants, including saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea), are threatened for survival or are in danger of extinction. Under the Arizona Native Plant Law, not only is the cactus protected by so are its fruits, seeds, and cuttings. Violation of the Arizona Native Plant Law may result in a felony.
Can you remove a saguaro from your property?
Removing a Saguaro from Your Home or Business. Although landowners, including residents and businesses, have the right to remove or destroy any native plants on their property, including protected species like the saguaro cactus, must first notify the Arizona Department of Agriculture and obtain a special permit.
Is it dangerous to remove a saguaro cactus?
S aguaro cactus removal can be dangerous – Saguaro cacti are the second largest cactus species in the world. They are incredibly tall and can be unbelievably heavy (between 3,200 and 4,800 pounds when fully hydrated), and the sharp spines can have bacteria and fungi on the surface that may cause infections if you are punctured.
