How Dallas Handles Invasive Plant Rules: A Practical Guide

Dallas maintains 206 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with invasive plant rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Dallas falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-10.101(64)(G) lists tree-of-heaven, or Ailanthus, as an unprotected tree species, meaning it falls entirely outside the permit and mitigation rules that cover the city's protected trees. A property owner can cut down a tree-of-heaven of any size without a tree removal application, a building permit, or any replacement planting.

Key details: Classification: Unprotected tree species. Permit needed to remove: None. Replacement required: None. Listed alongside: Chinese tallow, Callery pear, chinaberry. Governing law: Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-10.101(64)(G).

There's no violation for removing a tree-of-heaven itself; it's unprotected under Sec. 51A-10.101(64)(G). But if removal work damages an adjacent protected tree, such as by compacting soil over its roots or cutting into its trunk with equipment, that collateral damage is treated as removing or seriously injuring a protected tree under Sec. 51A-10.101(49), and Sec. 51A-10.139's $2,000 minimum fine and mitigation duty attach to that protected tree instead.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Dallas gives residents more flexibility on tree-of-heaven removal.

Prohibited Species

Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-10.103(e) bans invasive plants from any landscape required by the city's tree and landscape ordinance, and Sec. 51A-10.101(29) defines an invasive plant as one classified as invasive to the Dallas region by Texas Parks and Wildlife or the Texas Department of Agriculture. The same section separately bans palm trees and ash tree nursery stock from required landscaping and city property.

Key details: Invasive plant standard: TX Parks & Wildlife / Ag Dept classification. Scope of ban: Required landscapes only. Palm trees: Banned in required landscaping. Ash trees: Nursery stock and transplants banned citywide. Approved list keeper: Director of Development Services.

There's no separate criminal fine written into Sec. 51A-10.103 itself; enforcement runs through the landscape plan review and inspection process in Sec. 51A-10.124 and Sec. 51A-10.127. The building official can reject a landscape plan that specifies an invasive plant, palm tree, or ash tree species, and can withhold a certificate of occupancy or final inspection approval until a compliant plant list is substituted.

The Bottom Line

Dallas's invasive plant rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Dallas is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Dallas can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.