Carolina regulates tree removal and protected plants through local ordinances, but common yard cactuses (often non-native ornamentals) face no statewide felony restrictions.​
Arizona Protections
Arizona’s Native Plant Law (A.R.S. § 3-932) deems destroying protected cactuses without a permit a felony based on plant value: Class 4 for $1,500+, up to 25 years possible, even on private property after notifying the Department of Agriculture. Permits and tags allow removal; saguaros, taking decades to grow, prompt strict enforcement by “cactus cops.”​
North Carolina Rules
Homeowners can remove plants on their property without felony risk, guided by local zoning for height, species protection (e.g., state champions), or HOA rules rather than blanket cactus bans. Check municipal codes for permits on significant trees or invasives; ornamental prickly pear or similar yard cactuses typically require no state approval. Nuisance or neighbor disputes might arise, but not criminal liability like Arizona.​
SOURCES
[1](https://northamericancommunityhub.com/its-illegal-to-cut-cactuses-in-arizona/)
[2](https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-02-26/border-wall-saguaro-cactus)
[3](https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/criminal-defense/arizona/)
[4](https://www.allenlawaz.com/blog/five-things-you-didnt-know-were-crimes-in-arizona)
[5](https://www.islands.com/1932365/weird-state-arizona-law-illegal-touch-cactus/)
