Some trees hide a serious problem beneath their bark, and local regulations take those risks seriously.
These trees spread aggressively, weaken native habitats, or pose safety hazards that justify strict rules. Ignoring removal invites costly penalties, while prompt action avoids trouble entirely.
The process may seem daunting, but a clear list defines which trees must go and why.
A quick review saves time, money, and stress, and anyone who stays informed navigates these requirements with ease.
1. Callery Pear (Bradford Pear)
Those pretty white flowers might look innocent, but the Callery pear has become one of Ohio’s most aggressive invaders.
Originally planted as ornamental street trees throughout neighborhoods, these plants spread rapidly into natural areas and crowd out native species.
Their thorny branches and dense growth patterns create impenetrable thickets that wildlife cannot use.
Ohio banned the sale and distribution of Callery pears starting in 2023 because of their invasive nature.
Property owners are strongly encouraged to remove existing trees, and some municipalities have enacted local ordinances requiring removal.
Failure to comply with local regulations can result in fines ranging from $150 to $500 per violation.
Removing these trees prevents them from producing thousands of seeds that birds spread across the landscape.
The wood is brittle and breaks easily during storms, creating safety hazards near homes and power lines.
Many counties offer free replacement native trees when homeowners agree to remove their Callery pears.
Consider planting native alternatives like serviceberry or redbud instead.
These beautiful natives provide better food sources for local birds and pollinators while adding seasonal interest to your yard without the invasive tendencies.
2. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Despite its heavenly name, this fast-growing tree creates hellish problems for Ohio landowners.
Tree of Heaven spreads aggressively through root suckers and produces chemicals that poison the soil around it, preventing other plants from growing nearby.
A single tree can spawn an entire grove within just a few years.
This species serves as the preferred host for the spotted lanternfly, a destructive pest threatening Ohio’s agriculture and forests.
State regulations require property owners to remove Tree of Heaven in areas where spotted lanternfly populations exist.
Violations can result in fines up to $300, with repeat offenses bringing steeper penalties.
Identification is key because this tree resembles native sumacs and black walnut.
Look for smooth gray bark with light streaks and leaves that smell like rotten peanuts when crushed.
The compound leaves have smooth edges except for small teeth near the base.
Removal requires persistence because cutting alone triggers aggressive root sprouting.
Professionals recommend herbicide treatment immediately after cutting to prevent regrowth.
Always check with your county extension office about proper removal methods and current regulations in your area.
3. Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Sharp thorns and aggressive spreading habits make black locust a nightmare for Ohio property owners.
While native to the Appalachian region, this tree behaves invasively outside its natural range and dominates disturbed sites throughout Ohio.
Root suckers pop up dozens of feet from the parent tree, creating dense thickets almost impossible to walk through.
Several Ohio municipalities classify black locust as a nuisance species requiring removal from residential properties.
Enforcement varies by location, but fines typically range from $100 to $400 depending on tree size and property damage.
The thorns pose serious safety risks to children and pets playing in yards.
Landowners appreciate the tree’s rot-resistant wood and fragrant flowers, but these benefits rarely outweigh the maintenance headaches.
Mowing over root suckers damages equipment and spreads the problem further.
Each cut stem can produce multiple new shoots.
Professional removal often involves repeated herbicide applications over multiple growing seasons.
Some counties provide cost-share programs to help landowners manage infestations on larger properties.
Check with your local soil and water conservation district about available assistance programs and legal requirements for your area.
4. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
Casting shadows so dense that grass struggles to grow beneath them, Norway maples have overstayed their welcome in Ohio.
These European imports were once popular street trees prized for their hardiness and attractive foliage.
However, they produce abundant seeds that germinate readily in forests, parks, and natural areas throughout the state.
Their aggressive root systems outcompete native sugar maples and other indigenous species for water and nutrients.
Dense canopies block sunlight from reaching forest floors, preventing wildflowers and tree seedlings from establishing.
Some Ohio communities now prohibit planting Norway maples and require removal when properties change hands.
Fines for non-compliance with local tree ordinances typically start at $200 but can escalate with repeated violations.
The trees also create maintenance problems because their shallow roots buckle sidewalks and driveways.
Leaves take longer to decompose than native maples, smothering lawns when left in thick layers.
Distinguishing Norway maples from native species is straightforward once you know what to look for.
Break a leaf stem and watch for milky white sap, which native maples lack.
Consider replacing them with red maple or sugar maple varieties that support local ecosystems better.
5. Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
Birds love the abundant red berries, but that’s precisely why autumn olive has become such a widespread problem across Ohio.
Originally planted for wildlife habitat and erosion control, this large shrub or small tree now dominates roadsides, old fields, and forest edges.
Each plant produces thousands of berries that birds eagerly consume and spread far and wide.
Silvery leaves and nitrogen-fixing roots give autumn olive competitive advantages over native shrubs and young trees.
Dense thickets form quickly, shading out native plants and reducing biodiversity.
Ohio classifies autumn olive as an invasive species, and several counties have enacted mandatory removal ordinances on residential and agricultural properties.
Penalties for ignoring removal notices range from $150 to $500, depending on the extent of infestation and local regulations.
The shrubs resprout vigorously after cutting, requiring persistent management efforts.
Fire alone rarely destroys established plants because their root systems survive and regenerate.
Effective control combines cutting with immediate herbicide application to cut stumps.
Some conservation districts offer technical assistance and sometimes financial support for large-scale removal projects.
Native alternatives like American plum or serviceberry provide wildlife benefits without the invasive tendencies that cause ecological harm.
6. Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera species)
Sweet-smelling flowers in spring cannot compensate for the ecological damage bush honeysuckles inflict on Ohio’s forests and parks.
Multiple non-native species including Amur, Morrow’s, and Tatarian honeysuckle have escaped from ornamental plantings to dominate woodland understories across the state.
Their early leaf-out and late leaf-drop give them longer growing seasons than native plants.
These aggressive shrubs form nearly impenetrable tangles that prevent native wildflowers, tree seedlings, and other understory plants from surviving.
Research shows that forests invaded by bush honeysuckles have significantly reduced bird nesting success and fewer native plant species.
Many Ohio nature preserves and parks have active removal programs.
Homeowners in certain municipalities face mandatory removal requirements and fines starting at $200 for non-compliance.
The shrubs also provide poor-quality berries that offer birds less nutrition than native alternatives.
Despite appearing healthy, birds feeding primarily on honeysuckle berries may suffer nutritional deficiencies.
Pulling young plants works well, but established shrubs require cutting and herbicide treatment.
Time treatments for late fall when most natives have dropped their leaves to minimize collateral damage.
Replace removed honeysuckles with native alternatives like spicebush or elderberry that provide superior wildlife value.
7. White Mulberry (Morus alba)
Messy fruit that stains everything it touches is just one reason white mulberry has fallen out of favor with Ohio property owners.
Originally imported to support a failed silk industry in the 1800s, these Asian natives now hybridize with native red mulberries and threaten that species with genetic pollution.
The abundant fruits attract birds that spread seeds throughout neighborhoods and natural areas.
Fast growth and adaptability allow white mulberry to thrive in disturbed sites, roadsides, and forest edges across Ohio.
Some municipalities classify them as nuisance trees requiring removal when they pose safety hazards or property damage risks.
Fines for maintaining nuisance trees typically range from $100 to $300, with costs increasing if the tree damages neighboring properties.
The weak wood breaks easily during storms, creating hazards near buildings and power lines.
Falling fruit creates slippery conditions on sidewalks and driveways while staining vehicles and outdoor furniture.
Roots can infiltrate sewer lines and damage foundations when trees grow too close to structures.
Professional removal is often the best option because the trees resprout readily from stumps and roots.
Native alternatives like serviceberry produce edible fruit without the aggressive spreading habits and maintenance headaches that white mulberry brings to residential landscapes.