Planted in parks in the 19th century for its beauty, today this tree is one of the biggest causes of broken pipes and sidewalks in Spain

Ailanto, once valued as an ornamental tree, has spread across Spain and is now banned as an invasive species.

Ailanthus altissima displaces native flora and can damage pipes, sewers, and other urban infrastructure.

The species is listed under Spain’s invasive-species rules, including Royal Decree 630/2013 and the Spanish Catalog of Exotic Invasive Species.

Authorities such as MITECO and the Andalusian regional government have highlighted its environmental and maintenance costs.