Troy, MI Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 13.02.I, Table 13.02-D
- Species barred
- 40+ trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, groundcovers
- Scope
- New plantings only, not existing landscaping
- Enforcing office
- Zoning Administrator (designated by City Manager)
- Ordinance effective date
- July 23, 2026
Summary
Troy's Zoning Ordinance bars anyone from newly planting more than 40 invasive species listed in Table 13.02-D, including Norway maple, tree of heaven, autumn olive, Japanese barberry and giant reed. Section 13.02.I targets non-native plants that reproduce aggressively and harm local ecosystems, and it applies to every landscaping installation and site plan reviewed by the Zoning Administrator after the ordinance's July 23, 2026 effective date.
I. Prohibited Species. As of the effective date of this ordinance, the following species set forth in Table 13.02-D shall not be newly planted in landscaping. These plants are not native to the area, reproduce profusely and have potentially harmful effects on natural ecosystems. Table 13.02-D Prohibited Species. Trees: Norway Maple (Acer plantanoides), Amur Maple (Acer ginnala), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), Box Elder (Acer negundo), Tree of Heaven (Alianthus altissima), Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa), White Ash* (Fraxinus americana), Green Ash* (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Golden Rain Tree, Amur Cork Tree, Princess or Royal Empress Tree, Poplar (Populus spp.), Black Locust** (Robinia pseudocacia), Willow (all) (Salix spp.), American Elm*** (Ulmus americana). * A native species, but prohibited due to Emerald Ash Borer. ** A native species, but tends to be invasive. *** Except cultivars that are resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.
Full Breakdown
02-D, a species-by-species prohibited-planting table covering trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and flowering groundcovers. Trees banned from new landscaping include Norway maple, Amur maple, silver maple, box elder, tree of heaven, European alder, northern catalpa, golden rain tree, Amur cork tree, princess (royal empress) tree, poplar, black locust and all willow species, plus American, Chinese and Siberian elm. White ash and green ash carry an asterisk noting they are native but banned because of Emerald Ash Borer susceptibility, while American elm carries an exception for cultivars resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.
The shrub and vine list adds porcelainberry, Japanese and common barberry, oriental bittersweet, autumn olive, Russian olive, burningbush, wintercreeper, English ivy, eastern red cedar, privet, all honeysuckle, common and glossy buckthorn, multiflora rose and Guelder rose. The grasses and groundcovers list adds Chinese silver grass, giant reed, reed canary grass, garlic mustard, spotted knapweed, crown vetch, Queen Anne's lace, foxglove, Japanese knotweed, dame's rocket and purple loosestrife. The rule reaches only new plantings installed after the ordinance's July 23, 2026 effective date; it does not force removal of species already established on a lot. D.
Violations & Fines
Planting a prohibited species is a Zoning Ordinance violation under Section 3.08: it is a Municipal Civil Infraction subject to Chapter 100 of the Troy Code of Ordinances, with each day the noncompliant planting remains treated as a separate offense. The Zoning Administrator can require removal and replacement with an approved species from Table 13.02-C, and the City may pursue fines, costs, damages and injunctive orders cumulative with any other available remedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Troy require me to remove invasive plants already growing on my property?
Which trees can't I plant in Troy anymore?
What happens if I plant a banned species anyway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Troy
Compare Troy to another location·View the Michigan invasive plant rules overview
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