Tree-of-Heaven Removal: Houston vs Tomball
How do tree-of-heaven removal rules compare between Houston, TX and Tomball, TX?
Houston and Tomball have similar restriction levels.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is not on the Texas Department of Agriculture noxious or invasive plant list. Harris County does not prohibit it, but Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Invasives.org urge removal because it hosts the spotted lanternfly threatening Texas vineyards and pecan groves.
View full Houston rules →Tomball, TX
Harris County
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is not on the Texas Department of Agriculture noxious or invasive plant list. Harris County does not prohibit it, but Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Invasives.org urge removal because it hosts the spotted lanternfly threatening Texas vineyards and pecan groves.
View full Tomball rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Tomball |
|---|---|---|
| State list | Not currently listed | Not currently listed |
| Regional rating | Texas Invasives high risk | Texas Invasives high risk |
| Concern | Spotted lanternfly host | Spotted lanternfly host |
| Treatment | Basal herbicide preferred | Basal herbicide preferred |
| Removal | Voluntary | Voluntary |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
Do I have to remove tree of heaven from my Harris County property?
No. Texas does not list Ailanthus altissima as noxious, and Harris County imposes no removal mandate. AgriLife Extension and Texas Invasives.org strongly recommend voluntary removal because it hosts spotted lanternfly and crowds out native bayou vegetation.
How do I kill tree of heaven without it resprouting?
Texas A&M AgriLife recommends basal bark application of triclopyr in oil between July and frost, or hack-and-squirt injection. Cutting alone causes massive resprouting. Treat root suckers in subsequent years and report any spotted lanternfly detection to TDA.
Tomball FAQ
Do I have to remove tree of heaven from my Harris County property?
No. Texas does not list Ailanthus altissima as noxious, and Harris County imposes no removal mandate. AgriLife Extension and Texas Invasives.org strongly recommend voluntary removal because it hosts spotted lanternfly and crowds out native bayou vegetation.
How do I kill tree of heaven without it resprouting?
Texas A&M AgriLife recommends basal bark application of triclopyr in oil between July and frost, or hack-and-squirt injection. Cutting alone causes massive resprouting. Treat root suckers in subsequent years and report any spotted lanternfly detection to TDA.
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