Saguaro cacti can take over 50 years to grow one arm and can grow over 40 feet tall. But did you know they are actually protected by law, too? That’s right. These desert plants are uniquely irreplaceable and there are strict rules from the Arizona Department of Agriculture about removing or relocating them.
I know what you’re thinking, “even if it’s in my own yard?!” Yep. According to the Arizona Department of Agriculture website, “all land in the State of Arizona belongs to someone, whether it be a government agency or a private citizen. Plants cannot be removed from any lands without permission of the owner and a permit from the Department of Agriculture.”
And it’s not just Saguaros that are protected by Arizona law. You also need watch out for other protected native plants like Arizona willow, Arizona agave, Arizona hedgehog cactus, and Gentry’s indigobush. (A full list of Protected Native Plants can be found on page 46 of the Arizona Administrative Code.)
Now, of course you have the option to move a plant in your own yard. But, as the Arizona Department of Agriculture site dictates, “20 to 60 days prior to the destruction of any protected native plants, landowners are required to notify the Department.”
So just hop onto their website and fill out the correct forms so you can get a permit and move that cactus. But remember, the iconic saguaros are protected for a reason. Please only move or destroy them when absolutely necessary!
Do you have saguaros in your Arizona yard?
