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Tree of Heaven volunteer control #803878
Asked July 31, 2022, 1:56 PM EDT
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Established trees continually spread by sending up root suckers that may emerge as far as 50 feet from the parent tree. A cut or injured tree-of-heaven may send up dozens of stump and root sprouts. Sprouts as young as two years are capable of producing seed. Tree-of-heaven produces allelopathic chemicals in its leaves, roots, and bark that can limit or prevent the establishment of other plants. If you download the link below you will find a wealth of information on this invasive tree. Below are some excerpts from that document which address control measures.
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Due to its extensive root system and re-sprouting ability,
tree-of-heaven is difficult to control. Treatment timing and following
up the second year are critical to success. Mechanical methods, such as
cutting or mowing, are ineffective, as the tree responds by producing
large numbers of stump sprouts and root suckers. When cutting
tree-of-heaven is necessary to remove potentially hazardous trees, it is
best to treat with an herbicide first, wait for symptoms to develop
(approximately 30 days), and then cut.
Hand pulling young seedlings is effective when the soil is moist and the entire root system is removed. Small root fragments are capable of generating new shoots. Seedlings can be easily confused with root suckers, which are nearly impossible to pull by hand.
As you will see from the extensive information in the referenced link, control is a complex issue. You may wish to consult a tree service to help you eradicate the root sprouts. They would have a licensed herbicide applicator on staff. We always try to warn people of this invasive tree, but many don't take steps to eradicate it until it's too late. Below is another source of information regarding control of tree of heaven:
https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/tree-of-heaven-best-herbicide-treatment-and-removal-timing/
If you opt to consult a certified arborist, you can find one here:
Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages. Good luck!
