Indianapolis, IN Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned species count
- 15 listed tree species
- Examples
- Box elder, silver maple, Siberian elm
- Exception
- Department may approve by written request
- Scope
- Consolidated City only, not excluded cities
Summary
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.
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 species (Russian-olive), Morus species (mulberries), Platanus occidentalis (American planetree or American sycamore) Populus nigre 'Italica' (Lombardy poplar), Populus deltoides (cottonwood), Populus eugenei (Carolina poplar), Quercus palustris (pin oak), Salix species (all willows) or Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm). Other species of trees or growths may at any time and from time to time be excluded by the department. The department may, upon written request, approve the planting of the above prohibited species if the species is appropriate to the specific site and its surroundings and is compatible and consistent with the intent of this chapter.(b)The city shall not place, nor permit to be placed, any tree or flora that will cause or tend to cause a hazardous or unsafe condition. (Code 1975, § 30-5; G.O. 10, 2010, § 4)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 701-5(a) of the Revised Code bars planting fifteen listed species, including box elder, silver maple, tree-of-heaven, European alder, paper and European white birch, catalpa, Russian-olive, mulberry, American sycamore, Lombardy poplar, cottonwood, Carolina poplar, pin oak, all willows and Siberian elm, along any public street, alley or right-of-way in the Consolidated City. The department may add other species to the list at any time, and may approve a listed species anyway if it suits the specific site. The city also may not place any tree that creates a hazardous condition. Chapter 701 does not bind Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport or Speedway, which administer their own tree permitting.
Violations & Fines
Planting a listed species without written department approval violates Sec. 701-5; the department can require removal, and the department or director may prosecute violations with the city prosecutor's office under Sec. 701-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a silver maple as a street tree in Indianapolis?
Who decides whether a banned species can still be planted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana invasive plant rules overview
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