The tree of heaven (Ailanthis altissima) is an invasive tree species from Asia. This tree crowds out native plant species and has a very strong potential to spread. Managing mature trees of heaven is a difficult and hands on process that requires application of herbicides by a licensed professional. Smaller trees can be pulled out through digging and hand pulling, but care must be taken to ensure it is completely removed. Remember to replant with native plants and trees after removal

How to ID tree of heaven?

Correctly ID’ing it as a tree of heaven is the first step. Remember there are some native species that look like the Tree of Heaven, including Staghorn Sumac and the walnut trees. Staghorn sumac is distinguished by its size (10-20’), serrated leaf edges, and upright clusters of small fuzzy fruits. Walnuts produce large nuts and leaves lack glands and foul odor.

What can you do?

Once you confirm it is a tree of heaven and it is small enough, dig it out of the ground.  Make sure to get the whole plant and not just a sucker, leaving broken pieces can allow it to resprout. Contact a professional for management of large/mature/stands of tree of heaven. Once you have removed your tree of heaven, replant with native plants and native trees. Check out for recommended native species for plants and trees

For more information visit: https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/invasive-species/invasive_plants_tree-of-heaven/

For more information visit: https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/invasive-species/invasive_plants_tree-of-heaven/

Size: Tree-of-heaven has rapid growth and can grow into a large tree, reaching heights of 80 feet and up to 6 feet in diameter.

Bark: The bark of tree-of-heaven is smooth and brownish-green when young, eventually turning light brown to gray, resembling the skin of a cantaloupe.

Leaves: Tree-of-heaven leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they have a central stem to which leaflets are attached on each side. One leaf can range in length from 1 to 4 feet with anywhere from 10 to 40 leaflets. The leaflets are lance-shaped with smooth or "entire" margins. At the base of each leaflet are one to two protruding bumps called glandular teeth. When crushed, the leaves and all plant parts give off a strong, offensive odor.