Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven) is the primary host of the spotted lanternfly. Cal-IPC rates it high invasive. Los Angeles does not specifically ban it, but LAMC §17.05 allows removal from parkways without permit, and CDFA plus LA County Agricultural Commissioner urge property owners to eliminate it.
Tree-of-heaven spreads aggressively through prolific seeding and root suckers, displacing natives and damaging foundations. The California Department of Food and Agriculture monitors it as part of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) detection program; the pest reached eastern states via this host and would devastate California vineyards. The LA County Agricultural Commissioner accepts reports. LA's Bureau of Street Services treats Ailanthus as a removable parkway weed under LAMC §17.05, exempt from the standard tree removal permit required for protected natives. Private property owners do not need a permit to remove Ailanthus from yards. Replant with shade trees from the BSS approved species list.
There is no fine for keeping the tree, but allowing it to grow into the public right-of-way can trigger LAMC §62.169 nuisance abatement orders and Bureau of Street Services removal at owner's expense.
Los Angeles, CA
LAMC Article 6 (Sections 46.00-46.06) established by Ordinance 177404 requires a permit from the Board of Public Works for removal or relocation of any prote...
Los Angeles, CA
California regulates invasive plants through the California Food and Agricultural Code and the Department of Food and Agriculture's noxious weed list. Los An...
See how Los Angeles's tree-of-heaven removal rules stack up against other locations.
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