Arizona Department of Agriculture lists Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven) as a regulated noxious weed but not prohibited. Maricopa County has no specific tree-of-heaven removal mandate. Removal is recommended due to invasive spread and spotted lanternfly host risk.
Arizona Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list under ARS 3-201 and ARS 3-204 does not currently include tree-of-heaven on the prohibited list, though it appears on the regulated watch list. Cal-IPC (California Invasive Plant Council) and AZ-WIPWG (Arizona Wildland Invasive Plant Working Group) classify it as a Class B invader spreading along washes and disturbed sites. Maricopa County does not require removal on private property. The tree is the primary host for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive pest not yet established in Arizona but a major eastern US concern. Cities like Phoenix encourage removal in Rio Salado and South Mountain restoration. Federal lands managed by USFS and BLM treat it actively. Mature trees regenerate aggressively from roots.
No state or county penalty applies to growing tree-of-heaven on private property in 2026. Selling or moving live plants violates ARS 3-204 commerce restrictions on regulated species, with civil fines up to $1,000. HOA covenants may require removal.
Mesa, AZ
Mesa allows recreational backyard fires under International Fire Code Section 307, adopted in Mesa City Code Title 7. Recreational fires must stay at least 2...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa does not have its own smoke alarm ordinance separate from state and code requirements. Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 36-1637 requires an approved smoke ...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Mesa Code requires property maintenance b...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs, which apply ...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Installation timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in Me...
Mesa, AZ
Mesa requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs under Mesa Building Code and the adopted...
See how Mesa'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.