Shade and Tree Plan 2026
In 2024, Scottsdale set out to develop a plan that would guide the community in maintaining, increasing, and collaborating on shade infrastructure across our desert city.
This effort focused on understanding existing shade conditions, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring strategies would be both practical and effective over the long term.
Through research and analysis of current tree canopy distribution, surface heat data, historical temperature trends and best practices implemented by desert cities and regional partners, a draft Shade & Tree Plan for the Built Environment was developed, intended to enhance shade citywide by optimizing shade elements and focusing on the selection and placement of appropriate trees and shade infrastructure in private development sites and public spaces. Through practical guidance, it supports the creation of heat-resilient properties and neighborhoods for residents, businesses, developers, and visitors.
We want your input
The draft Shade and Tree Plan for the Built Environment is a citywide design guidance document focused on maintaining and expanding Shade Infrastructure, an interconnected system of trees, water-harvesting practices, and shade structures. The draft Plan is intended to support cooler, more comfortable outdoor spaces over time across private development and public spaces.
The sections below allow you to review the draft Plan in smaller parts and submit comments specific to each section. This format is intended to make it easier to review the full document at your own pace.
View the Plan
View the Individual Plan Sections
Section 1: Introduction, Mission, Vision, Goals
Section 2: Tree Guidelines
Section 3: Water Harvesting Guidelines
Section 4: Shade Structure Guidelines
Section 5: Design Scenarios
Section 6: Old Town Scottsdale
Section 7: Appendix
Opportunities to Engage
Comment on the Introduction, Mission, Vision and Goals section.
This section explains why the Plan was developed, summarizing what was learned through outreach and analysis, and setting overall direction through the Plan’s Mission, Vision, and Goals.
Comment on the Tree Guidelines section.
The Tree Guidelines outline expectations for selecting, placing, establishing, and maintaining trees suited to Scottsdale’s desert conditions. Rather than prescribing a single species or approach, they establish consistent, citywide expectations for a healthy, durable canopy. They are organized into seven topics, including, Tree Placement, Soil Volume, Tree Diversity, Tree Selection, Tree Staking, Efficient Watering Strategies, and Tree Pruning & Maintenance.
Comment on the Water Harvesting Guidelines section.
The Water Harvesting Guidelines outline expectations for stormwater capture, infiltration performance, and integration with site design. They are organized into three topics, including Location & Application, Stormwater Context & Performance, and Maintenance & Longevity.
Comment on the Shade Structure Guidelines section.
The Shade Structure Guidelines outline expectations for shade coverage, performance, and material resilience. They are organized into three topics, including Functional Design & Orientation, Integration & Context, and Materials & Maintenance.
Comment on the Design Scenarios section.
The Design Scenarios show how the guidelines can be applied in real-world settings and common site types.
Comment on the Old Town Scottsdale section.
While the Plan is written to apply citywide, this section provides more location-specific guidance for Old Town Scottsdale, reflecting its intensity of use and pedestrian activity. The goal is to support a cohesive, high-performing shade network in one of Scottsdale’s most walkable and publicly active areas.
Comment on the Appendix.
The Appendix includes supporting reference material such as definitions, related plans, and additional resources.
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Project Timeline
Initial Outreach and Community Input
Research and Drafting of the Plan
Public Review and Possible Adoption
Important Dates
Development Review Board Meeting
The Plan will be presented to DRB. View the agenda to see the full packet.
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
Neighborhood Advisory Commission Meeting
Open House
Two open houses will be held on March 26 for the community to ask questions regarding the plan.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Mountain View Park Community Center, 8625 E. Mountain View Road
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Rd.