Medford, OR Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)

715 of the Medford Code states that no person shall plant on any public property poplar, willow, conifer, cottonwood, fruit tree, nut tree or ailanthus, which is the tree-of-heaven's botanical name. The section carves out one exception: species commonly found in riparian areas and wetlands, including poplar and willow specifically, may be planted there if part of an approved restoration or enhancement plan, but ailanthus receives no such exception anywhere in the City. The section adds a second, separate restriction that applies citywide rather than just to public property: no person shall plant willow, cottonwood or poplar trees anywhere in the City unless the City Manager approves the planting site as one where the tree's roots will not interfere with a public sewer or private lateral. 725. The prohibition was added by Ordinance No. 8026 in 1996 and amended by Ordinance No. 1999-216 in 2000.