Indianapolis, IN Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code Sec. 391-112
- Removal deadline
- 30 days after notice
- City-owned trees
- DPW must destroy
- Nonpayment remedy
- City removes, bills owner
Summary
Indianapolis declares the ailanthus, or tree of heaven, a public nuisance and orders lot owners to remove it within 30 days of notice.
The tree known as ailanthus or "tree of heaven" is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and any person owning any lot in the city and allowing such tree or any sprouts therefrom to grow thereon shall remove it upon notice by the city to do so. Failure to remove such tree within thirty (30) days after notice shall subject such person to the penalty prescribed in section 103-3, and the city may enter upon his premises and remove the tree and collect the cost from him. The department of public works shall destroy all such trees growing on streets or any other property belonging to or controlled by the city.
(Code 1975, § 19-13; G.O. 15, 2001, § 12)
Cross reference— Trees and flora, ch. 701.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Code Sec. 391-112 makes it unlawful for a city lot owner to allow an ailanthus tree or its sprouts to grow, requiring removal upon notice. Failure to remove within 30 days triggers the penalty under Sec. 103-3, and the city may enter the property, remove the tree, and bill the owner. DPW must also destroy all such trees on city-owned streets and property.
Violations & Fines
Missing the 30-day removal deadline after notice exposes the owner to a Sec. 103-3 penalty and a city-billed removal charge for entering the property and cutting the tree down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tree of heaven illegal to keep in Indianapolis?
What happens if I don't remove it after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana invasive plant rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.