Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is listed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and USDA as an invasive species and host of the spotted lanternfly. Dallas has no specific ordinance, but city Forestry treats infestations on city land and encourages private removal.
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is recognized as invasive across Texas under the Texas Invasives.org partnership led by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The species is the preferred host for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), which the USDA APHIS quarantines in northeastern states and monitors in Texas. Dallas does not yet list Ailanthus by name in Chapter 51A-10 prohibited species, but the city Forestry Division and Dallas Park and Recreation actively cut and herbicide it on parkland and rights-of-way. Private property owners are encouraged to remove infestations; the species is not protected under the Tree Preservation rules of Chapter 51A-10. Texas Department of Agriculture provides spotted lanternfly reporting hotlines.
No Dallas fines apply specifically to Ailanthus today. Federal and state quarantine violations for moving spotted lanternfly host material may carry USDA APHIS civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense.
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