Peoria, IL Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)
Key Facts
- Listed rank
- #1 on the stream buffer banned list
- Buffer width
- 30-50 ft, by watershed size
- Also banned in
- General landscaping (Sec. 8.2.13.C)
- Civil penalty
- Up to $1,000/day per violation
- Restoration damages
- 2x cost of buffer restoration
Summary
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) tops Peoria's list of invasive species excluded from the city's protected stream buffers. Section 8.6.11 flags it as exceptionally invasive and damaging to native ecosystems, and most of the plants on that list, Tree of Heaven included, are illegal to buy, sell or plant anywhere in Illinois.
8.6.11 Stream Buffer Plant List: The City shall maintain a plant list containing flood tolerant native northern Illinois trees, shrubs, vines and seed mixes acceptable for replanting in the buffer area. The following plants are exceptionally invasive and will damage native ecosystems. Most of these plants are on the Illinois Banned Species list and are illegal to buy, sell, or plant, in the State of Illinois. A. Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima B. Autumn Olive Eleagnus embellatus C. Tartarian Honeysuckle Lonicera tartaric D. Glossy Buckthorn Rhamnus frangula E. Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica F. Saw-toothed Buckthorn Rhamnus arguta G. Dahurain Buckthorn Rhamnus davurica H. Japanese Buckthorn Rhamnus japonica I. Chinese Buckthorn Rhamnus utilis J. Kudzu Pueraria lobata K. Round-leaved Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus L. Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 119).
Full Breakdown
Peoria's Unified Development Code addresses Tree of Heaven in two places. 3, buffers that run 30 to 50 feet wide along the Illinois River's tributary watercourses depending on watershed size. Immediately after that approved list, the section names twelve species, led by 'Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima,' as 'exceptionally invasive' plants that 'will damage native ecosystems,' and notes that most of them sit on the Illinois Banned Species list and are illegal to buy, sell or plant in the state. 4 must use species from the approved list instead.
C's general landscape ordinance, which strips it of landscaping credit and requires its removal from any site subject to site plan review. 8; if the deadline passes, the City issues a citation by certified mail that can be appealed to a hearing before the Planning Director and, ultimately, the Circuit Court of Peoria County.
Violations & Fines
Buffer violations, including planting or retaining Tree of Heaven in a required stream buffer, draw a correction notice and abatement deadline from the Director of Community Development; unresolved violations escalate to a citation carrying a civil penalty up to $1,000.00 per day, a criminal fine up to $1,000.00 or 90 days imprisonment, and civil damages equal to twice the cost of restoring the buffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a Tree of Heaven along a Peoria creek?
Is Tree of Heaven illegal to plant anywhere in Peoria, not just near streams?
What happens if Tree of Heaven is found growing in my required stream buffer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Peoria
Compare Peoria to another location·View the Illinois invasive plant rules overview
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