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Cook County, IL Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)

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

Key Facts

Status code
"R": remove ASAP, no new planting
Approved alternative
Fraxinus spp. (ash species)
Scope
Unincorporated Cook County only
Trigger
Landscape plan for a building permit
Enforcer
Commissioner of Building and Zoning

Summary

In unincorporated Cook County, landscape plans required for building permits, PUDs, and parking lots over 20 spaces may not use tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima): it's flagged for removal on the county's own invasive-species list.

City-specific rules exist: Oak Lawn, and Schaumburg have their own tree-of-heaven removal rules that differ from Cook County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Invasive plants may not be utilized. A list of invasive plants that may not be utilized, and alternatives that may be utilized, is set forth in the table below: ... Ailanthus altissima | Tree-of-heaven | R | Fraxinus spp. (ash species) ... R = Remove as soon as possible, including all cultivars, and/or do not add to collection in future

Source: Cook County Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Sec. 126-63 requires a landscape plan with any building permit for a principal structure, PUD, special use, unique use, or parking lot over 20 spaces in unincorporated Cook County. Sec. 126-64 bars invasive species from those plans and adopts a table classifying Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven) status "R". Chicago Botanic Garden's category for species to remove as soon as possible and never add to a landscape. The table lists Fraxinus spp. (ash) as the approved substitute, and the Building Commissioner approves all plant selections.

Violations & Fines

Sec. 126-2 makes any person, firm, corporation, or their agents/contractors who violate the chapter subject to fines, penalties, and injunctive relief under Article 13 of Appendix A (Zoning): enforced by the Commissioner of Building and Zoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply inside Chicago or other Cook County towns?
No. Chapter 126's purpose section limits it to unincorporated Cook County; incorporated municipalities like Chicago set their own landscaping rules.
Do I have to remove tree-of-heaven already on my property?
The ordinance bars using it in new landscape plans submitted for permits: it doesn't order removal of existing volunteer growth outside that permit process.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cook County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsProhibited SpeciesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningFew Restrictions

All Cook County rules

Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois invasive plant rules overview

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Tree-of-Heaven Removal in Cities Across Cook County

Chicago, ILEvanston, ILOak Park, ILSchaumburg, ILArlington Heights, ILSkokie, ILDes Plaines, ILOrland Park, ILTinley Park, ILOak Lawn, IL