Category Archives: Cactus

Removing a saguaro cactus can be a pricey business, with costs ranging anywhere from $300 to $2,700 depending on a few factors. The biggest influence on the price is the size of the cactus itself. The harder it is to reach the cactus and the more things around it that need to be careful around, the more expensive it will be to remove.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

• Small saguaro removals in easy-to-access areas can cost around $400.
• Large saguaro removals in tight spaces can run as high as $2,700.

It’s important to remember that these are just estimates. To get a true idea of how much it will cost to remove your saguaro, it’s always best to get a professional out to assess the situation and give you a specific quote.

Also, keep in mind that saguaros are protected by law in Arizona. So before you even think about getting one removed, you’ll need to make sure you have a legitimate reason and the proper permits.

Why Are Saguaro Cactus Protected In Arizona?

There are two main reasons why saguaro cacti are protected in Arizona:

1. Ecological Importance: The saguaro cactus is a keystone species in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. This means they play a crucial role in the health of the entire desert. They provide food and shelter for many animals, and their flowers are a vital source of nectar for pollinators. Saguaros are also slow-growing, taking hundreds of years to mature. Protecting them ensures the long-term health of the desert.

2. Cultural Significance: Saguaro cacti have been a revered part of Arizona’s culture for thousands of years. Native American tribes consider them sacred and have traditionally used them for food, medicine, and tools. The saguaro is also a beloved symbol of the American West and is even the official state flower of Arizona.

So, the protection of saguaros goes beyond just their beauty. It’s about preserving a vital part of the desert’s ecology and honoring the cultural heritage of Arizona.

What Are The Penalties For Damaging a Saguaro Cactus In Arizona?

Damaging a saguaro cactus in Arizona is a serious offense with hefty penalties. Here’s what you can expect:

• Fines: Arizona takes saguaro protection seriously. A minimum fine of $200 per foot of the cactus’s main trunk and arms can be imposed, with a maximum total fine of $2,500 per cactus [4].

• Jail Time: In extreme cases, damaging a saguaro can even be considered a felony, with a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison [3]. This is unlikely for minor accidental damage, but it highlights the severity of the offense.

• Restitution: On top of fines, you may also be ordered to pay for mitigation efforts, such as planting new saguaros to compensate for the damage [4].

It’s important to remember that these are just the potential penalties. The severity of the punishment will depend on the specific circumstances, including the extent of the damage, whether it was intentional or accidental, and any prior offenses.

However, the bottom line is clear: damaging a saguaro cactus in Arizona is a bad idea that can come with steep financial and legal consequences.

Saguaro Cactus Removal in Phoenix, Tempe, & More

If you think your Saguaro Cacti are in need of care Arbor Care can help! We can assist you in getting down to your cactus trees health and can provide helpful hints to keep your cactus trees happy and healthy. Contact Arbor Care at 480-797-5566 today to schedule your cactus tree assessment.

The distinctive saguaro cactus is a fixture of the American Southwest and an identifiable aspect of life in the East Valley. It is the largest cactus in the United States and the second-largest cactus in the world. The saguaro cactus, which can grow to be up to 70 feet tall in some situations, is a monster amid the smaller desert trees and plants that flourish in Arizona. Unfortunately, in Phoenix, elderly and decaying saguaro cactus can be a threat. However, before you consider removing that dying saguaro cactus from your home or business, make sure you’re aware of the regulations that safeguard these valuable native species.

Protecting the Saguaro The Arizona Native Plant Law protects native plants in the state.

Arizona is home to over 3,000 species of flowering plants and ferns, many of which are legally protected. The Arizona Native Plant Law, which includes cactus, was designed to conserve uncommon and culturally significant plant species. Desert plants are protected from theft, vandalism, and “unnecessary destruction” (i.e., removal) on all lands under the legislation.

Under the Arizona Native Plant Law, there are four types of protected plants, including “Highly Safeguarded” species. These plants, including saguaro cactus, are endangered or threatened with extinction. The cactus, as well as its fruits, seeds, and cuttings, are protected by the Arizona Native Plant Law.

A huge cactus, such as the Saguaro Cactus, may usually add attractiveness and value to your home. If left unchecked, these cacti can grow extremely huge, with roots that spread out in every direction in quest of water. The Saguaro Cacti will overrun their root system as they develop in size. The cactus will begin to lean and may tumble over at any time if this occurs. This exposes them to sickness or infection, both of which harm the cactus from within.

The last thing you want to happen is for your giant cactus to fall on your house or automobile. These are a few of the most common reasons that homeowners and business owners remove huge cactus from their properties.

Any scene is enhanced by the presence of the Saguaro. They can live for more than 150 years and reach great heights. The taller Saguaro cactus grow at a rate of around an inch each year, implying that they are decades old. When these cacti grow too quickly or are not properly supported, they become dangerous and must be destroyed to prevent property damage.

Getting Rid of a Saguaro in Your Home or Business

The following is taken from the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s webpage about landowners’ rights: Landowners have the right to destroy or remove plants growing on their property, but they must notify the Department 20 to 60 days before destroying any protected native plants. Any plant growing on the land has the right to be sold or given away by the landowner. Protected native plants, on the other hand, cannot be legally held, taken, or transferred without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

When it comes to removing saguaros, should you do it yourself or hire a professional?

There is no requirement that you engage a professional cactus removal firm to complete the task. Of course, this does not imply that you should do it yourself.

Here are some of the most compelling reasons to have a saguaro cactus removed from your property by a professional:

• Why Saguaro cactus removal is hazardous – Saguaro cacti are the world’s second largest cactus species. They’re very tall and heavy (between 3,200 and 4,800 pounds when fully hydrated), and the sharp spines can harbor bacteria and fungi that can cause diseases if penetrated.
• Saguaro cactus removal can be difficult – How can you get a large saguaro cactus out of your yard? Excavating and destroying a saguaro cactus can be difficult without the correct equipment (and even with it), because they have numerous “stalks” inside, and you may not know which way the cactus will fall if you have never chopped one down before.
• Removing a saguaro cactus is difficult — Removing a saguaro cactus isn’t your typical landscaping project. Shovels, ropes, pulleys, chainsaws, and sometimes even heavier equipment like tractors and backhoes are used in this backbreaking task. Even if you have the extra hands and manpower to assist, hiring a professional is the most convenient option.

How much does it cost to get rid of a cactus?

Cactus removal costs around $1,400 on average. In 2022, the prices varied from $310 to $2500. The cost of the cactus is determined by its location and size. How much does it cost to remove a saguaro cactus? The removal of a large saguaro cactus might cost up to $2,500.

Saguaro Cactus Removal in Phoenix, Tempe, & More

If you think your Saguaro Cacti are in need of care Arbor Care can help! We can assist you in getting down to your cactus trees health and can provide helpful hints to keep your cactus trees happy and healthy. Contact Arbor Care at 480-797-5566 today to schedule your cactus tree assessment.

The distinctive saguaro cactus is a fixture of the American Southwest and an identifiable aspect of life in the East Valley. It is the largest cactus in the United States and the second-largest cactus in the world. The saguaro cactus, which can grow to be up to 70 feet tall in some situations, is a monster amid the smaller desert trees and plants that flourish in Arizona. Unfortunately, in Phoenix, elderly and decaying saguaro cactus can be a threat. However, before you consider removing that dying saguaro cactus from your home or business, make sure you’re aware of the regulations that safeguard these valuable native species.

Protecting the Saguaro The Arizona Native Plant Law protects native plants in the state.

Arizona is home to over 3,000 species of flowering plants and ferns, many of which are legally protected. The Arizona Native Plant Law, which includes cactus, was designed to conserve uncommon and culturally significant plant species. Desert plants are protected from theft, vandalism, and “unnecessary destruction” (i.e., removal) on all lands under the legislation.

Under the Arizona Native Plant Law, there are four types of protected plants, including “Highly Safeguarded” species. These plants, including saguaro cactus, are endangered or threatened with extinction. The cactus, as well as its fruits, seeds, and cuttings, are protected by the Arizona Native Plant Law.

A huge cactus, such as the Saguaro Cactus, may usually add attractiveness and value to your home. If left unchecked, these cacti can grow extremely huge, with roots that spread out in every direction in quest of water. The Saguaro Cacti will overrun their root system as they develop in size. The cactus will begin to lean and may tumble over at any time if this occurs. This exposes them to sickness or infection, both of which harm the cactus from within.

The last thing you want to happen is for your giant cactus to fall on your house or automobile. These are a few of the most common reasons that homeowners and business owners remove huge cactus from their properties.

Any scene is enhanced by the presence of the Saguaro. They can live for more than 150 years and reach great heights. The taller Saguaro cactus grow at a rate of around an inch each year, implying that they are decades old. When these cacti grow too quickly or are not properly supported, they become dangerous and must be destroyed to prevent property damage.

Getting Rid of a Saguaro in Your Home or Business

The following is taken from the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s webpage about landowners’ rights: Landowners have the right to destroy or remove plants growing on their property, but they must notify the Department 20 to 60 days before destroying any protected native plants. Any plant growing on the land has the right to be sold or given away by the landowner. Protected native plants, on the other hand, cannot be legally held, taken, or transferred without a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

When it comes to removing saguaros, should you do it yourself or hire a professional?

There is no requirement that you engage a professional cactus removal firm to complete the task. Of course, this does not imply that you should do it yourself.

Here are some of the most compelling reasons to have a saguaro cactus removed from your property by a professional:

• Why Saguaro cactus removal is hazardous – Saguaro cacti are the world’s second largest cactus species. They’re very tall and heavy (between 3,200 and 4,800 pounds when fully hydrated), and the sharp spines can harbor bacteria and fungi that can cause diseases if penetrated.
• Saguaro cactus removal can be difficult – How can you get a large saguaro cactus out of your yard? Excavating and destroying a saguaro cactus can be difficult without the correct equipment (and even with it), because they have numerous “stalks” inside, and you may not know which way the cactus will fall if you have never chopped one down before.
• Removing a saguaro cactus is difficult — Removing a saguaro cactus isn’t your typical landscaping project. Shovels, ropes, pulleys, chainsaws, and sometimes even heavier equipment like tractors and backhoes are used in this backbreaking task. Even if you have the extra hands and manpower to assist, hiring a professional is the most convenient option.

How much does it cost to get rid of a cactus?

Cactus removal costs around $1,400 on average. In 2022, the prices varied from $310 to $2500. The cost of the cactus is determined by its location and size. How much does it cost to remove a saguaro cactus? The removal of a large saguaro cactus might cost up to $2,500.

Saguaro Cactus Removal in Phoenix, Tempe, & More

If you think your Saguaro Cacti are in need of care Arbor Care can help! We can assist you in getting down to your cactus trees health and can provide helpful hints to keep your cactus trees happy and healthy. Contact Arbor Care at 480-797-5566 today to schedule your cactus tree assessment.