Top 5 Trees Commonly Removed in Prescott, AZ (and Why)

Prescott’s scenic landscapes are filled with a diverse mix of native and non-native trees. While they add natural beauty and shade, some trees can actually pose serious risks to homes, property, and the environment. In Northern Arizona—especially wildfire-prone areas like Prescott Valley and the surrounding high desert—knowing which tree species are most problematic is key to maintaining a safe property.



At Clear Creek Tree Services, we’re regularly called to remove specific tree types due to issues like fire danger, storm damage, invasive roots, or disease. In this post, we’ll break down the top five trees most commonly removed in Prescott—and why smart, professional removal makes a difference.

1. Juniper Trees (Alligator & One-Seed Juniper)

Why They’re Removed:

• Extremely flammable – a top contributor to wildfire spread
  
  
• Overcrowding leads to unhealthy forest density
  
  
• Can outcompete native vegetation, disrupting local ecosystems
  
  

Risks to Property & Safety:

• Close proximity to structures increases fire risk
  
  
• Large, heavy branches can damage fences, roofs, and sheds
  
  

 Junipers are one of the most flammable trees in Arizona’s wildland-urban interface zones. Thinning and removal are often recommended for firewise landscaping.:

2. Ponderosa Pine

Why They’re Removed:

• Prone to bark beetle infestations and parasitic mistletoe
  
  
• Tall, brittle limbs break easily in storms
  
  

Risks to Property & Safety:

• High fall hazard during monsoon season and high winds
  
  
• Can fall on homes, vehicles, power lines, or block access routes
  
  

These towering pines are beautiful but require careful management—especially in storm-prone regions around Prescott National Forest.

3. Cottonwood (Fremont Cottonwood)

Why They’re Removed:

• Aggressive root systems damage foundations, plumbing, and septic systems
  
  
• Short lifespan and prone to interior rot
  
  

Risks to Property & Safety:

• Rotting limbs frequently fall during windstorms
  
  
• Roots can crack sidewalks, driveways, and infiltrate underground systems
  
  

Cottonwoods may thrive near water, but in residential areas, they often become a costly liability

4. Arizona Cypress

Why They’re Removed:

• Dense foliage contributes to fire ladder fuel in dry seasons
  
  
• Can grow too close to buildings without regular trimming
  
  

Risks to Property & Safety:

• Fast-growing and can block driveways, windows, or access points
  
  
• Fire-prone, especially if not thinned or pruned regularly
  
  

Proper spacing and removal of overcrowded cypress trees are essential for fire mitigation in Central Arizona.

• Anthracnose (common in oaks)
• Black leaf spot
• Root rot
• Seridium Canker (affecting cypress and juniper trees)
  

5. Siberian Elm (Invasive Tree Species)

Why They’re Removed:

• Spreads aggressively and chokes out native species
  
  
• Weak wood is prone to splitting and snapping
  
  

Risks to Property & Safety:

• Dangerous during storms due to limb drop
  
  
• Roots and seeds spread fast, invading yards, septic systems, and roadsides
  
  

This fast-growing elm is classified as invasive in many parts of Arizona. Early removal can prevent larger issues later.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Understanding Prescott’s unique environmental conditions—including wildfire zones, monsoon storm patterns, and pest threats—enables Clear Creek Tree Services to deliver safer, smarter tree removal solutions. Our licensed arborists assess each tree with the local ecosystem in mind, ensuring our services promote safety, sustainability, and long-term health for your property.

We take pride in our eco-conscious practices and strong local reputation. From routine removals to emergency storm cleanup, we’re the trusted name for reliable tree care in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and surrounding areas.

Ready for a Safer Landscape?

Have one of these trees on your property?
Worried about fire danger, falling limbs, or root damage?

Schedule an estimate with Clear Creek Tree Services today.

Let our experienced team help you protect your home—and preserve the natural beauty of Northern Arizona.