Invasive Plant Rules in Little Rock, AR

If you live in Little Rock or are thinking about moving there, invasive plant rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Little Rock has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of invasive plant rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Little Rock's landscaping code lists tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) as an invasive plant species, and it cannot be used to satisfy required site landscaping.

Key details: Governing section: Sec. 15-106, invasive plant species list. Species named: Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven). Where it applies: vehicular use area landscape substitutions. Companion rule: Sec. 15-104 substitute-plant standard. Enforcement: city official review of landscape plans.

Using tree of heaven or another Sec. 15-106 invasive species as a substitute plant on a required landscape plan gets the substitution rejected by the city's landscape reviewer, forcing replanting with an approved species.

Prohibited Species

Little Rock's landscaping code names over 30 invasive plants -- kudzu, Bradford pear, privet, English ivy, tree of heaven and more -- that cannot be used to satisfy the city's mandatory parking-lot, buffer and site landscaping requirements.

Key details: Species listed: 30-plus, by scientific and common name. Applies to: required landscaping, not private yards. Examples: kudzu, Bradford pear, privet, English ivy. Enforced by: city official under Chapter 15.

A landscape plan or substitute plant list that relies on a listed invasive species for required plantings can be rejected by the city official who administers chapter 15, holding up site plan or landscape approval.

Bamboo Restrictions

Little Rock's landscaping code lists bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.) as an invasive species that cannot be used to satisfy any required landscape planting.

Key details: Regulating section: Sec. 15-106, invasive plant species list. Bamboo listed: Phyllostachys spp. and Nandina domestica. Applies to: Required landscape/vehicular-use-area plantings. No citywide ban: No general private-property bamboo ban.

Using listed invasive species, including bamboo, to satisfy a required landscape plan is out of compliance; the city official reviewing the plan can reject the substitution and require compliant plant material instead.

The Bottom Line

Little Rock'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 Little Rock is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Little Rock 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.