Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is listed as a Texas invasive species by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Austin lacks a specific tree-of-heaven ordinance, but Code 25-7 and 25-8 watershed and tree rules plus state nuisance law apply when removal is needed.
Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is recognized as a high-priority invasive in Texas by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Texas Invasive Species Institute and the Texas Invasives database. Austin City Code does not name the species individually, but its Watershed Protection rules under Chapter 25-8 and Tree Protection rules under Chapter 25-7 govern any removal that involves protected trees, riparian zones, or critical environmental features. Tree of heaven itself is not a protected tree under Austin's heritage-tree definitions. Property owners may remove it without an Austin permit if it does not exceed protected-tree thresholds and is outside critical environmental areas. The species is also a host plant for spotted lanternfly, which Texas Department of Agriculture monitors as an emerging threat.
Removing tree of heaven typically does not violate any ordinance, but improper herbicide application can trigger Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide enforcement, and disturbance in critical water-quality zones along Austin creeks can violate Chapter 25-8 with daily fines.
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Title 25, Chapter 25-8, Subchapter B (Tree and Natural Area Protection) requires a permit to remove any protected tree. Trees with a trunk d...
Austin, TX
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See how Austin's tree-of-heaven removal rules stack up against other locations.
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