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Norman, OK Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Species
Ailanthus altissima, Tree-of-Heaven
Code flag
"Invasive species. Will survive any condition"
Mature size
30-60' height, 30-40' spread
Disqualified from
Mandatory tree, Residential Code § R328.1
Approved alternative list
Appendix D, Section B species

Summary

Norman's Appendix D Plant List names Ailanthus altissima, Tree-of-Heaven, an 'Invasive species' that 'will survive any condition' and does not meet the city's cultural-characteristic requirements for trees. Because Residential Code Section R328.1 requires new-home trees to come only from the list's Section B, Tree-of-Heaven cannot satisfy that mandatory planting requirement.

SECTION A: Plant species that DO NOT MEET the required cultural characteristics suitable for Norman's climate and landscaping requirements. ... Ailanthus altissima Tree-of-Heaven 30-60' 30-40' Invasive species. Will survive any condition ... Trees must be selected from the plant list in section B of appendix D for the City and be at least two-inch caliper (diameter measured six inches above ground level). Species identification tags shall remain on the trees until the certificate of occupancy for the building permit is issued.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Appendix D of the Norman Code of Ordinances divides landscaping species into two sections. Section A lists species that 'DO NOT MEET the required cultural characteristics suitable for Norman's climate and soil composition,' and Ailanthus altissima, Tree-of-Heaven, is one of only two trees on that list carrying the code's own flag: 'Invasive species. ' The listing sits inside the height-and-spread table for Section A, where Tree-of-Heaven is recorded at a mature height of 30 to 60 feet and a spread of 30 to 40 feet.

' Section B is the 'DO MEET' list of climate-suited, largely Oklahoma Proven species. 1, regardless of the species' well-known tolerance for poor soil, drought, and disturbed ground, the very trait the code cites as the problem. 1 must carry species identification tags until the certificate of occupancy is issued.

Violations & Fines

A new single-family or two-family residence will not receive its certificate of occupancy until the required tree is planted, tagged, and confirmed to come from Appendix D Section B rather than Section A. Planting Tree-of-Heaven toward that requirement does not satisfy R328.1, and the applicant must instead choose a qualifying species or submit an installer's receipt with a projected planting date to close out the permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to have a Tree-of-Heaven in Norman?
No provision in the Norman Code orders removal of an existing Tree-of-Heaven. Appendix D Section A only excludes it from counting toward the tree a builder must plant on a new single-family or two-family lot under Residential Code Section R328.1, because the code lists it as an invasive species that does not meet Norman's cultural-characteristic requirements.
Why does Norman flag Tree-of-Heaven specifically?
Appendix D Section A describes it in four words: 'Invasive species. Will survive any condition.' That single line is the code's stated reason it fails the cultural-characteristic test used to sort Section A from the approved Section B list that new-home builders must plant from.
What tree can I plant instead to meet the city's requirement?
Choose any species listed in Appendix D Section B, the city's list of trees that meet Norman's climate and soil requirements, or propose another species on a detailed landscape plan if it can be shown to tolerate local conditions, per the appendix's own text.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Norman

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsProhibited SpeciesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Norman rules

Compare Norman to another location·View the Oklahoma invasive plant rules overview

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