McLean County, IL Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)

§ 317-46(2) of the Subdivision of Land chapter's Stream Buffer Regulations lists Tree of Heaven by its botanical name, Ailanthus altissima, at the top of the county's invasive species table. The table sits inside the design standards developers must follow when establishing or managing a vegetated stream buffer under Article VII, which the county requires on protected property adjacent to stream systems, wetlands and floodplains in the unincorporated area. The surrounding text states these listed species, Tree of Heaven included, are exceptionally invasive and will damage native ecosystems, and that most of them are already on the Illinois Banned Species List, making them illegal to buy, sell or plant anywhere in Illinois. Section 317-47 builds on this by requiring buffers to use natural or appropriate nursery stock vegetation referenced in § 317-46E, and by allowing removal of invasive species like Tree of Heaven ahead of replanting with native cover, while otherwise minimizing soil disturbance in the buffer.