Columbus, GA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned species
- Chinaberry, mulberry, sycamore
- Covered locations
- Streets, alleys, sidewalks, cemeteries
- Fine relief
- Waived if replaced
- Allowed substitute
- Oak, elm, or other species
Summary
Columbus, Georgia bans planting chinaberry, mulberry, or sycamore trees on city streets, alleys, sidewalks, or cemeteries, though the fine can be waived if the tree is swapped for an allowed species.
It shall be unlawful for any person to plant or cause to be planted in or on any of the streets, avenues, alleys, lanes, sidewalks or cemeteries of the city any chinaberry, mulberry or sycamore trees, provided, any fine imposed hereunder may be remitted by the recorder when the person so fined shall remove the trees so planted and substitute therefor an oak or elm tree or any other tree not prohibited by this section, within the period to be named by the recorder.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
Code § 18-19 prohibits planting chinaberry, mulberry, or sycamore trees in or on any Columbus street, avenue, alley, lane, sidewalk, or cemetery: public rights-of-way and city grounds, not private yards. Chinaberry is an invasive species in Georgia, while mulberry and sycamore are named for their litter, fruit-drop, and root problems near pavement. The recorder can remit any fine imposed under the section if the violator removes the banned tree and replaces it with an oak, elm, or any other tree not prohibited, within a period the recorder sets.
Violations & Fines
Planting a chinaberry, mulberry, or sycamore tree on city streets, alleys, sidewalks, or cemetery grounds draws a fine, which the recorder may waive if the tree is removed and replaced with an allowed species within the recorder's deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a mulberry tree on the street strip in front of my Columbus, Georgia home?
Does the ban cover trees in my private backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
Compare Columbus to another location·View the Georgia invasive plant rules overview
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