Arizona’s Native Plant Protection Act strictly regulates protected cacti like saguaros, even on private property. Cutting or destroying one without a permit is a felony if valued at $500 or more, with Class 4 felonies (over $1,500 value) carrying potential prison time up to 3.75 years, plus fines.​
Louisiana Law
No specific Louisiana statute treats chopping a cactus in your own yard as a felony or criminal offense. Laws protect trees from unauthorized cutting on others’ land with civil treble damages, but cacti fall outside these tree-specific rules.​
Key Differences
Prickly pear cacti exist in Louisiana, but only threatened/endangered native plants need protection with landowner permission on private land. Check LDWF for any rare species in your yard.
SOURCES
[1](https://northamericancommunityhub.com/its-illegal-to-cut-cactuses-in-arizona/)
[2](https://joseknowstrees.com/saguaro-cactus-removal/)
[3](https://legalclarity.org/louisiana-tree-laws-owner-rights-regulations-and-penalties/)
[4](https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/env_topics/ecosystems/roadside_use/vegmgmt_rd_la.aspx)
[5](https://www.fishwildlife.org/law-research-library/law-categories/endangered-species/endangered-species-protections-and-prohibited-actions-lousiana)
