State forestry department targets Tree of Heaven and Siberian Elm

The Sedona City Council approved directing Sustainability Department Director Bryce Beck to apply for a $200,000 grant for the removal of the invasive species Tree of Heaven and Siberian Elm from within city limits and municipal rights-of-way, during its Tuesday, March 24, meeting.

The grant from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management requires a minimum 10% city match.

“These two trees are both prolific seed spreaders, they grow at a rapid rate,” Sustainability Coordinator Sarah Estrada said. “They’re interfering with our storm drainage areas.”

“They’re out competing our native species at an aggressive rate,” she said. “If awarded, we would expand on existing efforts that we’re conducting with Public Works on removing invasive species.”

The city will use hand removal, mechanical equipment and chemical and biological methods to remove the invasive plants. With native vegetation either replanted or seeded in the treated areas to prevent the invasives from returning. The grant funds would be used to partner with landscapers and arborists contractors to expand removal.

The city applied for this grant last year but was unsuccessful. If awarded, staff anticipates that work would commence in Fiscal Year 2026-27. Estrada said she is optimistic since this just focuses on two nuisance species that affect Sedona waterways.

“Invasive species” means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health,” as defined by Executive Order 13112 signed by President Bill Clinton in 1999.

The city worked with the Oak Creek Watershed Council in spring 2025 to conduct the first audit of invasive species across municipal properties, and the city has been updating an interactive online map on the city’s website documenting invasive plant locations.

“Tree-of-Heaven: This very long-lived tree is a prolific seed producer,” the city stated. “It sprouts and re-sprouts from roots and cut stumps, aggressively competes with nearby plants, and has toxic properties that prevent other plants from growing.”

Tree of Heaven locations include 3,022 square feet covering the entire wash near the Sedona Botanical Garden pocket park at the intersection of State Route 89A and Arroyo Pinon Drive, 585.6 square feet near the Sedona Posse Grounds Hub, near the Teacup Trailhead, in the parking lot at Sedona City Hall and Ranger Station Park.

Siberian Elm is found throughout Sunset Park and northwest of the Morgan Road Roundabout.

“Large, dangerous limbs on older trees can easily break off and seriously damage properties or injure people,” is how the city describes Siberian Elm. “It is susceptible to many diseases … insects, and growth disorders.”

Grant winners are notified in May and June. The Public Works and Sustainability departments would contribute to the shared project costs.