Troy, MI Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)

02-D may be newly planted as part of any landscaping governed by the ordinance, because these plants are not native to the area, reproduce profusely, and have potentially harmful effects on natural ecosystems. Tree of Heaven appears on that table by its scientific name, Ailanthus altissima, alongside other banned trees such as Norway Maple, Silver Maple, Box Elder, Northern Catalpa and both American and Siberian Elm. The table also flags White Ash and Green Ash as prohibited specifically because of the Emerald Ash Borer, and Black Locust as a native species that still "tends to be invasive," showing the list targets ecological harm rather than only non-native origin.

This zoning-level ban applies to any site subject to a landscape plan, buffer or screening requirement under Article 13 of the ordinance. Troy's separate general Tree Regulations chapter, Chapter 28, independently lists Ailanthus Altissima among ten "prohibited species" that private property owners have a duty to refrain from planting anywhere in the City, so the Tree of Heaven ban is not confined to development sites, it reaches ordinary residential planting City-wide under Chapter 28, Section 5(C)(3) as well.