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.

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.

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.

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.

The Design Scenarios show how the guidelines can be applied in real-world settings and common site types.

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.

The Appendix includes supporting reference material such as definitions, related plans, and additional resources.