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Riparian ecosystems are found in the transition between aquatic and adjacent terrestrial ecosystems where unique vegetative communities can occur due to free water at or near the soil surface. In water limited environments, such as those found in the arid southwest, riparian zones act as rich oases that provide food, shelter, and transportation corridors for a wide variety of life forms. In addition to providing habitat, riparian plants reduce the speed of water flowing from adjacent land areas allowing nutrients, sediments and debris to be deposited on land before they enter the water. This benefits the riparian plant community through increased nutrient cycling and soil building processes. Riparian plant communities also buffer water temperature extremes, increase ground water recharge, and keep mineral nutrients on-site by storing them in biomass. A healthy, functional riparian plant community provides a rich environment for insects, mollusks, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, birds, and animals. In Arizona, many naturally occurring riparian ecosystems have be en impacted, altered or removed by natural processes and land management activities. Most riparian tree species can be successfully reestablished using nursery grown seedlings and saplings. Some can be more easily reestablished by planting poles: a branch or trunk that does not have roots or extensive above ground growth. Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and Goodding willow (Salix gooddingii) poles are commonly used in riparian revegetation projects in Arizona. Poles will develop roots and grow to maturity when planted in suitable locations. The following information is to assist residents, landowners and agency personnel in successfully establishing pole plantings in riparian ecosystems of Arizona.