Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is not on the Texas Department of Agriculture noxious or invasive plant list. Harris County does not prohibit it, but Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Invasives.org urge removal because it hosts the spotted lanternfly threatening Texas vineyards and pecan groves.
Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71 lists state noxious and invasive plants, but Tree of Heaven is currently absent. Harris County therefore has no formal prohibition or removal mandate. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council classify Ailanthus altissima as a high-risk invasive in the Houston-Galveston region because it spreads aggressively along bayous and rail corridors and is the preferred host of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a quarantine pest of grapes, hops, and stone fruits already detected in northern states. Harris County Precinct foresters and the Texas Forest Service educate landowners on basal bark herbicide treatments and recommend cutting only after stump or foliar herbicide application.
There are no Harris County or Texas fines for harboring tree of heaven. If spotted lanternfly is detected, federal Plant Protection Act quarantine rules apply through USDA APHIS, including movement controls and possible mandatory removal at owner expense.
Pasadena, TX
Pasadena specifically prohibits keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or prolonged sound disturbing neighbors, regardless of whether decibel limits...
Pasadena, TX
Pasadena regulates street parking under Chapter 36 (Traffic), Article VII (Stopping, Standing, and Parking). Vehicles must not obstruct traffic, block fire h...
Pasadena, TX
Pasadena enforces abandoned and junk vehicle regulations through Code Enforcement. Inoperable vehicles, vehicles with expired registration, and vehicles left...
Pasadena, TX
Texas Transportation Code §545.307 prohibits parking commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs on posted residential streets between 10 PM and 6 AM. Pasadena enfor...
Pasadena, TX
Pasadena requires residential off-street parking on improved surfaces under Sec. 9-7.1. Single-family driveways need 3.5 inches of 2500 PSI concrete with wir...
Pasadena, TX
Pasadena allows residential fences up to 7 feet maximum under Sec. 9-3(1). Fences in front of the building setback line are limited to 4 feet and must be cha...
See how Pasadena'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.