How To Get Rid Of Tree Of Heaven: Your Comprehensive Guide to Invasive Tree Removal

If you're dealing with the Tree of Heaven (scientifically known as Ailanthus altissima), you know the frustration. This aggressive invasive species lives up to its name in a cruel way—it feels like it's sent directly from an unstoppable, heavenly source of nuisance.

This rapidly growing tree can damage foundations, invade septic systems, and aggressively outcompete native plants. If you've tried simply cutting it down, you likely realized it just makes the problem worse, resulting in dozens of aggressive root sprouts.

Don't worry, we're here to help. Learning How To Get Rid Of Tree Of Heaven requires a strategic, chemical approach, not just brute force. Follow this definitive guide to reclaim your yard and ensure this tenacious tree is gone for good.

Identification: Are You Sure It's Tree of Heaven?

Before you spend time and money trying to kill the wrong tree, it's vital to confirm you are indeed dealing with Ailanthus altissima. It's often confused with native sumac or walnut trees, but a few key characteristics set the Tree of Heaven apart.

Misidentification can lead to failed removal attempts, as the methods used for sumac will not effectively kill the Tree of Heaven's robust root system. Check these features carefully, especially the smell, which is the biggest giveaway.

Key Characteristics to Look For

The Tree of Heaven has several unique physical traits that make it easier to spot, even for a beginner. Look specifically at the leaves and bark structure.

Smell: This is the most defining feature. When you crush the leaves or scrape the bark, it emits a strong, rancid odor, often compared to burnt peanut butter, stale gym socks, or rancid nuts.
Leaves: The leaves are large, compound (pinnate), and can grow up to three feet long. Each leaflet has one or two prominent glandular teeth (small bumps) near the base, which is crucial for distinguishing it from sumac.
Bark: On young trees, the bark is smooth and pale brown. As it matures, it develops light tan stripes that resemble the skin of a cantaloupe or the stitching on a baseball.
Seeds: Female trees produce abundant clusters of winged seeds (samaras) that are slightly twisted, allowing them to spin and travel great distances in the wind.

Why Traditional Methods Fail (And What to Avoid)

Many homeowners assume the best way to handle a problematic tree is simply to chop it down. Unfortunately, when dealing with the Tree of Heaven, this method is actually counterproductive and guarantees further spreading.

The Tree of Heaven possesses a massive, aggressive root system designed to sprout profusely when the main trunk is removed or damaged. This phenomenon is called "root suckering."

If you cut the tree without applying a systemic herbicide to the stump or trunk, the remaining root system senses the removal and responds by sending up dozens, or even hundreds, of new shoots—often many feet away from the original tree. This turns one problem into a hundred.

The Most Effective Strategy: Chemical Control (Herbicide)

The only truly effective way to get rid of Tree of Heaven permanently is by using systemic herbicides. These chemicals must be applied directly to the plant's vascular system, where they travel down to the roots and kill the entire system.

Timing is everything. For maximum efficacy, apply herbicides during the late summer or early fall (August to October). During this period, the tree is actively moving nutrients down to the roots to prepare for winter, which pulls the herbicide deep into the root system.

Choosing the Right Herbicide

Not all herbicides are equal when dealing with invasive woody plants like Ailanthus altissima. You need something strong that is specifically labeled for killing woody brush and trees.

Triclopyr (e.g., Brush Killer): This is generally considered the most effective chemical for killing Tree of Heaven. It is a selective herbicide, meaning it focuses on broadleaf plants and woody stems.
Glyphosate (Concentrated): While effective, common glyphosate products may not be strong enough. You need a highly concentrated formula (41% or higher) and may need to use a slightly stronger mixture than specified on the label for stubborn trees.

Application Methods: Which One Works Best?

The best application method depends on the size of the tree you are tackling. For trees larger than 4 inches in diameter, the Cut-Stump or Hack-and-Squirt methods are highly recommended. Always wear appropriate safety gear when handling herbicides.

Basal Bark Treatment

This method is excellent for young trees (under 6 inches in diameter) that have thin bark. You apply an oil-soluble herbicide mixture (Triclopyr ester mixed with a penetrating oil, often diesel fuel or bark oil) directly to the entire circumference of the lower trunk.

Coat the bottom 12–18 inches of the trunk entirely, ensuring the spray is wet but not running off. The oil helps the chemical penetrate the bark and enter the phloem.

Cut-Stump Treatment

This is the gold standard for mature Tree of Heaven removal. The key here is speed—you must apply the herbicide immediately after cutting the tree, ideally within 5 to 15 minutes, before the cambium layer seals up.

Cut the tree as close to the ground as possible.
Locate the cambium ring, which is the thin, lighter layer just inside the bark. This is where the sap flows.
Using a squirt bottle or small paintbrush, saturate the cambium ring with undiluted concentrated herbicide (Triclopyr or Glyphosate). Do not apply it to the heartwood in the center, as this tissue is dead.
Monitor the stump for resprouting over the next year.

Hack-and-Squirt Method

This method allows you to kill the tree before cutting it down, which is often preferable for very large specimens or trees near structures. It ensures the tree is dead before physical removal.

Using a hatchet or axe, make downward-angled cuts (hacks) around the entire circumference of the trunk, ensuring the cuts penetrate the bark and cambium layer. Immediately squirt concentrated herbicide into each cut. Space the cuts approximately 2 to 3 inches apart.

Dealing with Sprouts and Suckers (The Aftermath)

Even after a successful main kill, you may still see small suckers pop up months later, especially if the tree had a huge, established root network. Do not mow or cut these sprouts, as this will just encourage more suckering.

Instead, allow the sprouts to grow until they have sufficient leaf surface area (usually 1-2 feet tall). Once they are actively growing, apply a dilute spray of Triclopyr or concentrated Glyphosate directly to the foliage of the sprouts. The leaves will absorb the herbicide and carry it back to the remaining root fragments, ensuring a complete kill.

Patience is crucial when learning how to get rid of Tree of Heaven; it may take two seasons of monitoring and treating suckers to completely eradicate the infestation.

Conclusion

Removing the Tree of Heaven is less about brute strength and more about strategic chemical application. By properly identifying the invasive species and applying a systemic herbicide like concentrated Triclopyr using the Cut-Stump or Hack-and-Squirt method, you ensure the poison reaches the deep, pervasive root system.

Remember, never cut down the Tree of Heaven without treating the stump immediately. With persistence and the right technique, you can permanently solve your problem and successfully get rid of Tree of Heaven from your property, preventing its aggressive spread into your local ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tree of Heaven Removal

Can I just pull up the small Tree of Heaven seedlings?: Yes, you can hand-pull very small seedlings (less than six inches tall) if the entire root system comes out. However, if the root snaps, the remaining fragment may resprout aggressively, so it's often safer to treat them with foliar herbicide spray.
What time of year is best to apply the herbicide?: Late summer and early fall (August through October) are the most effective times. During this period, the tree is naturally transporting nutrients downward to the roots, which ensures the herbicide is pulled deep into the root system for a complete kill.
Is the Tree of Heaven poisonous to pets or people?: While not typically deadly, the Tree of Heaven is toxic. Its leaves, bark, and roots contain quassinoids, which can cause mild toxicity, nausea, and vomiting if ingested by pets or livestock. Handling the tree can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
How long does it take for the herbicide to kill the tree?: It usually takes several weeks to a few months for the systemic herbicide to completely kill the entire root system. You will first notice the leaves turning yellow, then brown, before the tree fully dies. Do not remove the dead tree until you are sure the root system is inactive (usually after one full winter).

How To Get Rid Of Tree Of Heaven

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