Invasive Plant Rules in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
3 verified invasive plant rules for Indianapolis, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Prohibited Species
Indianapolis bars planting box elder, silver maple, tree-of-heaven, mulberry, Siberian elm and eleven other listed species along public streets, alleys and rights-of-way unless the department approves a written exception.
Indianapolis Bans Invasive Street Tree Species
Some RestrictionsRevised Code of the Consolidated City and County (Indianapolis - Marion County), Sec. 701-5(a) (Code 1975, § 30-5; G.O. 10, 2010, § 4)
The following tree species shall not be used by anyone for planting along any public street, alley, or right-of-way in the city: Acer negundo (box elder), Acer saccarinum (silver maple), Ailanthus altissima ("tree of heaven" or stink tree), Alnus glutinosa (European alder), Betula papyrifera ( paper birch), Betula pendula (European white birch) Catalpa bignoniodes (southern catalpa), Elaeagnus ...
Front Yard Gardens
Indianapolis zoning lets property owners replace turfgrass with native plants in the front yard, but natural landscaping must sit at least two feet back from the front lot line.
Indianapolis Front Yard Native Gardens Allowed
Light RestrictionsZoning Ordinance of Indianapolis-Marion County, Chapter 744, Sec. 744-503.N
N.Native vegetation and natural landscaping areas.1.Growing native vegetation including ferns, grasses, sedges, rushes, forbs, shrubs and trees shall be permitted in lieu of turfgrass lawn. Natural landscape areas are permitted if planned and designed to control, direct, and maintain the growth of natural vegetation, primarily native... 2.Natural landscaping areas shall not be located within tw...
Tree-of-Heaven Removal
Indianapolis declares the ailanthus, or tree of heaven, a public nuisance and orders lot owners to remove it within 30 days of notice.
Indianapolis Tree of Heaven Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsCode of Indianapolis and Marion County, Sec. 391-112 (Code 1975, § 19-13; G.O. 15, 2001, § 12)
The tree known as ailanthus or "tree of heaven" is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and any person owning any lot in the city and allowing such tree or any sprouts therefrom to grow thereon shall remove it upon notice by the city to do so. Failure to remove such tree within thirty (30) days after notice shall subject such person to the penalty prescribed in section 103-3, and the city m...