Chopping down a protected cactus in Arizona can indeed be a felony, but Alaska homeowners generally face no such restrictions for common vegetation on their own yard. Arizona’s strict Native Plant Protection Act safeguards native cactuses like saguaros, treating them as state heritage even on private land. In contrast, Alaska law affirms property owners’ rights to manage trees, shrubs, and plants on their own land without state permits.​
Arizona Cactus Rules
Protected native plants require a permit for removal, regardless of location. Penalties scale by plant value: Class 4 felony for $1,500+, up to prison time; lower values yield lesser felonies or misdemeanors. Saguaros’ slow growth justifies these measures, with past cases leading to jail.​
Alaska Yard Rights
Owners hold full rights over vegetation on private property, including cutting trees for personal use. State law like AS 09.45.730 only penalizes trespass on others’ land. No broad protections exist for common plants on private yards, unlike rare endangered species.​
Local Variations
Municipal codes, such as Anchorage’s, prohibit malicious damage but not routine yard maintenance. Christmas tree cutting permits apply only to state lands, not private property. Check borough rules or HOAs for any site-specific limits.
SOURCES
[1](https://northamericancommunityhub.com/its-illegal-to-cut-cactuses-in-arizona/)
[2](https://www.reddit.com/r/alaska/comments/1gnspag/question_about_the_timber_policy_in_alaska/)
[3](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/get_documents.asp?docid=32377)
[4](https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/criminal-defense/arizona/)
[5](https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/9ykjs5/til_cutting_down_a_cactus_in_arizona_has_a/)
