Broomfield, CO Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned species
- Tree of Heaven, Russian Olive, Tamarisk, Ash, Siberian Elm
- Also banned
- Any CSU-listed invasive species or state noxious weed
- Effective date
- January 1, 2024 (Ordinance No. 2215)
- Max fine
- $500 per violation, Broomfield Municipal Court
- Enforcing agency
- Community Development department
Summary
Broomfield's Landscape Code outright bans planting Tree of Heaven, along with Russian Olive, Aspen, Tamarisk, Ash and Siberian Elm, on any regulated site. Section 17-70-050(A)(4) also bars any species listed as invasive by the Colorado State University Extension Service or on the state Noxious Weed List.
(4)Prohibited plant species.(i)The following plants shall be prohibited from being planted in the city:(ii)Russian Olive (all Elaeagnus Angustifolia species and cultivars);(iii)Aspen (all Populus Tremuloides species and cultivars);(iv)Cottonwood (all species), unless being used to continue the native appearance along the border with open space or natural areas, riparian areas, or within non-street frontage buffers, but not in connection with curbside landscape areas or abutting walks and/or buildings;(v)Tamarisk (all species);(vi)Ash (Fraxinus species);(vii)Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila); and(viii)Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.).(ix)Plants listed as an invasive species by the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service are prohibited.(x)Plants listed on the Colorado Noxious Weed List are prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Section 17-70-050(A)(4) of the Broomfield Municipal Code's Landscape Code, effective January 1, 2024 under Ordinance No. 2215, names eight specific plants that are prohibited from being planted anywhere in the City and County of Broomfield: Russian Olive (Elaeagnus Angustifolia), Aspen (Populus Tremuloides), Cottonwood except where used to continue a native appearance along open space or riparian borders, Tamarisk, Ash (Fraxinus species), Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila), and Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.). The same subsection extends the ban to any plant the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service lists as invasive and to any plant on the Colorado Noxious Weed List, so the named species are a floor, not the entire list.
The prohibition applies to landscape plans submitted for new construction, redevelopment, floor-area expansions of 65% or more, parking lots of ten or more spaces, and projects disturbing 50% or more of a site's landscaped area, per Section 17-70-020(A). Section 17-71-060(G), in the separate Tree Preservation chapter, reinforces the ban by stating that nothing in the tree-mitigation rules permits planting a species prohibited under Chapter 17-70, so a developer cannot use a Tree of Heaven to satisfy replacement-tree obligations after removing a protected tree. Landscape plans are reviewed by Community Development against the Landscape Reference Manual, and plant material must meet the American Standard for Nursery Stock quality requirements.
Violations & Fines
Landscaping that includes a prohibited species such as Tree of Heaven fails Community Development's plan review and inspection under Section 17-70-150(A)-(B), triggering a written notice of violation. Continued noncompliance is punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 per violation under Section 17-70-150(D), enforced through a summons filed in Broomfield Municipal Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to plant a Tree of Heaven in Broomfield?
Can a developer plant Tree of Heaven to replace a tree removed during construction?
What other plants does Broomfield prohibit besides Tree of Heaven?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broomfield
Compare Broomfield to another location·View the Colorado invasive plant rules overview
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