Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is not on the Texas Department of Agriculture noxious or invasive plant list. Harris County does not prohibit it, but Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Invasives.org urge removal because it hosts the spotted lanternfly threatening Texas vineyards and pecan groves.
Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71 lists state noxious and invasive plants, but Tree of Heaven is currently absent. Harris County therefore has no formal prohibition or removal mandate. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council classify Ailanthus altissima as a high-risk invasive in the Houston-Galveston region because it spreads aggressively along bayous and rail corridors and is the preferred host of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a quarantine pest of grapes, hops, and stone fruits already detected in northern states. Harris County Precinct foresters and the Texas Forest Service educate landowners on basal bark herbicide treatments and recommend cutting only after stump or foliar herbicide application.
There are no Harris County or Texas fines for harboring tree of heaven. If spotted lanternfly is detected, federal Plant Protection Act quarantine rules apply through USDA APHIS, including movement controls and possible mandatory removal at owner expense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Houston, TX
Smoke alarms in Houston dwellings are governed by Tex. Health & Safety Code Chapter 766 and the Houston Fire Code, which adopts the International Fire Code (...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. With no zoning and limited aesthetic c...
Houston, TX
Houston has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatable size, location, lighting, and motor noise are governed by subdiv...
Houston, TX
Houston has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday light displays. With no zoning and limited aesthetic regulation, holiday lighting is governed by deed r...
Houston, TX
Houston requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Standalone freestan...
Houston, TX
Houston has no specific ordinance prohibiting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints may be addressed under Chapt...
See how Houston's tree-of-heaven removal rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.