Chopping down a cactus is a felony in Arizona but typically not in New Jersey. Arizona treats protected native cacti like saguaros as valuable plants under the Native Plant Protection Act. New Jersey lawns allow owners to manage their own plants without felony risk.
Arizona Regulations
Arizona Revised Statutes classify unauthorized removal or destruction of protected cacti, such as saguaros, as a Class 4 felony if the plant’s value exceeds $500, with penalties up to 3.75 years in prison and fines. This stems from the slow growth of these desert icons, which can live over 150 years. Permits are required even on private property for native species.
New Jersey Regulations
New Jersey Statute 4:17-9 prohibits injuring wild plants, trees, shrubs, or flowers on another’s property without consent, with fines of $10–$100. On your own yard, no such penalty applies, as owners can maintain their landscape freely. Native cacti like prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa) exist but are not state-endangered; some varieties are species of concern (S2 rank).
