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Aurora, CO Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Prohibited species
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.)
Citation
UDO § 146-4.7.3.B.4.a.vii
Scope
Citywide landscape standards
Enforcement
Director of Neighborhood Services
Code current through
Ord. 2026-03 (Feb. 23, 2026)

Summary

Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance bans planting Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.) anywhere in the city, alongside Russian Olive, Aspen, Tamarisk, Ash and Siberian Elm, under the landscape code's list of prohibited plant species.

4. Prohibited Plant Species. a. The following plants shall be prohibited from being planted in the City: i. Russian Olive (all Elaeagnus Angustifolia species and cultivars); ii. Aspen (all Populus Tremuloides species and cultivars); iii. Cottonwood (all species)...; iv. Tamarisk (all species); v. Ash (Fraxinus species); vi. Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumia); and vii. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Aurora, Colorado's Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.7.3.B.4.a lists seven species prohibited from being planted anywhere in the city as part of its landscape standards for new development, redevelopment, and site plans: Russian Olive, Aspen, Cottonwood (with narrow exceptions), Tamarisk, Ash, Siberian Elm, and Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.). The rule also bars any species listed as invasive by the Colorado State University Extension Service or on the Colorado Noxious Weed List. It applies through the Site Plan and Redevelopment Plan review process citywide, in Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas counties alike; existing Tree of Heaven on private lots is not separately addressed.

Violations & Fines

Planting a prohibited species is a UDO violation enforced by the Director of Neighborhood Services, who may issue a violation notice, stop-work order, or withhold permits; penalties follow Aurora City Code § 1-13, with each day counted separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant a Tree of Heaven in Aurora, Colorado?
No. Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.7.3.B.4.a.vii bars planting Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.) anywhere in the city as part of its landscape standards for new development and redevelopment.
What other trees does Aurora ban from planting?
The same UDO provision also bans Russian Olive, Aspen, Cottonwood (with narrow exceptions), Tamarisk, Ash, and Siberian Elm, plus any species on the Colorado Noxious Weed List.
Does this apply if a Tree of Heaven is already growing on my property?
The UDO's prohibited-species list governs new planting under the Site Plan and Redevelopment Plan process; it does not separately require removal of existing trees on private lots.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Aurora

Prohibited SpeciesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSome Restrictions

All Aurora rules

Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado invasive plant rules overview

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