Dallas, TX Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)

Sec. 51A-10.101(64) defines 'unprotected tree' as a list of species the city has decided not to regulate under the tree preservation rules in Division 51A-10.130, and item (G) on that list is 'Tree-of-heaven or Ailanthus.' Because a tree-of-heaven never meets the Sec. 51A-10.101(48) definition of a protected tree regardless of its trunk diameter, none of the permitting steps in Sec. 51A-10.132, the removal-decision factors the building official weighs for protected trees, or the mitigation ratios in Sec. 51A-10.134 apply to it. The same list excludes seven other species groups for similar reasons, including Arizona ash, Callery pear, chinaberry, Chinese tallow, most Ilex species, all palms, and any other tree separately listed as an invasive plant under Sec. 51A-10.103.

Tree-of-heaven's presence on the unprotected list tracks its reputation as an aggressive, fast-spreading invasive species that outcompetes native trees and is difficult to eradicate once established, the same practical concern behind the ash and Chinese tallow listings. Removing a tree-of-heaven does not trigger the stop-work order authority in Sec. 51A-10.137 or the criminal fines in Sec. 51A-10.139, both of which apply only to protected trees removed without authorization. An owner does not need to file a tree survey or forest stand delineation under Sec. 51A-10.132(b) to account for a tree-of-heaven on the property, since it is excluded from the protected-tree inventory that survey exists to document.