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Wausau, WI Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)

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

Key Facts

Species
Ailanthus altissima, tree of heaven
Status
Prohibited
Reason listed
invasive non-native
Approved alternatives
serviceberry, hornbeam, eastern redbud
Applies to
landscaping plans under city site plan review
Governing table
Figure 23.08.40c

Summary

Ailanthus altissima, the tree of heaven, is listed 'Prohibited' on Wausau's zoning code landscaping plant table because it is an invasive non-native species. Any landscaping plan the City reviews under section 23.08.20 must leave the tree of heaven out and use an approved substitute instead.

Classification Common Name Scientific Name Prohibited2or Use Sparingly1 Reason Alternative ... Medium Deciduous Tree Ailanthus, Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima Prohibited Invasive non-native Serviceberry ... 2 " Prohibited Species" shall not be included as part of any landscaping plan that is subject to City review per section 23.08.20. The purpose of this provision is to limit the planting of species that are invasive, have invasive tendencies, or that may perpetuate or spread disease.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

20, in order to limit the planting of species that are invasive, have invasive tendencies, or that may perpetuate or spread disease. ), and lists American Hornbeam (or Musclewood) and Eastern Redbud alongside it in the same alternatives grouping for landscapers designing under the medium deciduous tree category. Because the prohibition sits inside the landscaping requirements article rather than a nuisance or forestry chapter, it reaches new landscaping plans reviewed through site plan review, not existing trees already growing on private land outside that review process.

Violations & Fines

A landscaping plan submitted for City review that specifies the tree of heaven does not conform to section 23.08.40, and the Zoning Administrator can reject the plan or require the applicant to swap in an approved alternative, such as Serviceberry, American Hornbeam, or Eastern Redbud, before the plan or associated permit moves forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tree of heaven banned in Wausau?
Yes, from any landscaping plan the City reviews. Figure 23.08.40c classifies Ailanthus, the Tree of Heaven, as 'Prohibited' because it is an invasive non-native species, and note 2 bars Prohibited species from any plan reviewed under section 23.08.20.
What can I plant instead of a tree of heaven in Wausau?
The landscaping table suggests Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) as the direct alternative, and also groups American Hornbeam (Musclewood) and Eastern Redbud with it as substitutes in the same medium deciduous tree category.
Does the tree of heaven ban apply to trees already on my property?
The prohibition applies to landscaping plans submitted for City review under section 23.08.20, not to policing existing trees outside that review process. A new landscaping plan, however, cannot include the species.

Sources & Official References

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