Invasive Plant Rules in Atlanta, GA (2026)
2 verified invasive plant rules for Atlanta, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Prohibited Species
Atlanta's vegetation code names kudzu and Chinese wisteria as regulated "weeds" and bars letting them grow past 12 inches on abandoned or vacant lots, backed by notices, city abatement, and liens.
Atlanta Weed & Invasive Plant Limits
Some RestrictionsAtlanta Code of Ordinances §§ 158-5, 158-7
Weed shall mean all unrestricted vegetative growth, including Kudzu (Pueraria Montana var. lobta), Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and nuisance plants. ... It shall be a violation of this Code for the owner of any abandoned or vacant property ... to permit weeds to obtain a height exceeding 12 inches on at least ten percent of the size of the property tract or 35 percent of the pervious su...
Tree-of-Heaven Removal
Atlanta classifies Tree of Heaven as an invasive species under its tree ordinance. Removing one 6 inches DBH or larger still requires a city arborist permit, but skips the replacement and recompense fees healthy trees owe.
Tree of Heaven Removal Rules in Atlanta
Some RestrictionsAtlanta Code of Ordinances § 158-47
A permit is required to remove an invasive or undesirable tree with a DBH of six inches or greater. ... Removal of invasive and undesirable trees is not subject to the replacement or recompense requirements except when the removal of seven or more undesirable trees from a single property is not associated with a building, land disturbance, or demolition permit.
Looking for Fulton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Atlanta city rules.
Invasive Plant Rules in Fulton County →