Killing Tree of Heaven: Why, How & When

Controlling (killing) this non-native invasive tree is good for the environment and might lessen the numbers of Spotted Lanternfly in the region.
Commercial products are named in this publication for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
1:32 - Identification tips for Tree of Heaven
3:13 – Control options
3:44 – The one case where Mechanical control might work
4:29 – Biological control is coming!
5:23 – Timing, PPE & the label of herbicide applications
6:29 – Three primary types of Herbicides that can work (Glyphosate, Triclopyr amine, Triclopyr ester
7:58 – Preparing the herbicide for application (mixing)
10:14 – Application method #1: Cut-Stump
12:05 – Application method #2: Hack-n-Squirt
12:44 – Application method #3: Basal Bark
14:31 - Disclaimer

[virginiaforestlandowneredu]

Key points
I. Ailanthus: Non-native invasive introduced in 1784 in Philadelphia, PA
II. Chemical control:
Timing: mid to late summer
Chemical options: Glyphosate or Triclopyr (amine or ester)
Application methods:
-Foliar
glyphosate 2% &/or
triclopyr @ 1.5 – 2% concentration
-Cut-stump
triclopyr amine 100% or ester 20%
-Hack and squirt
Triclopyr amine @ 100%
-Basal bark
Triclopyr ester @ 20%
III. What next?
-Monitor for follow-up treatment
-Favor or plant natives to occupy the space
- Dead trees:
Leave standing or lying for wildlife
Use for firewood (cut and stack covered to dry)2%

[superdupergrover]

When he says to treat immediately, he means immediately. The veins in the wood will collapse very, very quickly when exposed to air. Those veins are only designed to work when in water, the slightest amount of drying the microscopic structure fails.
In the basal bark method, he's right in saying you **have** to use the triclopyr ester. "ester" basically means that it is chemically treated so it behaves like a natural oil. This helps it to get past certain cellular structures and larger anatomies that water won't penetrate well. Especially oily, waxy or resinous tissues, but other things too. Bark, especially the outer layers, tend to have some oil, wax or resin for waterproofing, just like human skin does. This can be literally a few molecules thick layer, but that's enough to block water. Or water based pesticides.

[dennisclark]

Came across this video by accident but I am glad I did. I have these trees in King George, VA. Thanks for showing me how to get rid of them.

[SoloPrepper-pdyu]

These trees have been a nightmare for me. They were covered in spotted lantern bugs and in a strong wind, these trees snap, causing a dangerous situation. thank you for this information.

[luemn]

This is great! those trees just want to take over the native habitat

[timl.b.]

This is a very useful video, thank you for it. I don't know how most of us ever managed without YouTube.

[happyhome]

Most excellent video ! Thank you. IF anyone needs yet another reason to dispatch these trees - the nectar they make will spoil your honey crop if you keep bees.

[caroylnelsen]

I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’ve been dealing with these trees in CA for years. Where do you get the die? Can you use food coloring?

[johnr]

One of the best presentations I've seen on this subject. One thing I would suggest. Get rid of the spray bottle for hack and squirt and buy a couple of 500 ml plastic bottles that are used in chem labs etc, i.e. a squeeze bottle with a little plastic squirt tube coming off of it at an angle. I think I got 2 on-line for less than $10. You won't have any more wasted chemical running down the side of the tree from your hacks once you get the hang of how hard to squeeze the bottle. Another tip with those bottles, unscrew the lids a bit after use to release pressure, or empty them. Sometimes they seem to siphon out some of the fluid on their own, maybe in response to atmospheric pressure changes, not sure.

[richarddetriquet]

Outstanding presentation! Great step by step instructions of practical benefit. Thanks much.

[fortheearth]

Great video! Best wishes for all your endeavors!

[monicacurley]

Thank you for this information! We had a home built where it’s overgrown with these trees and they’re such a problem. They’re sprouting up everywhere ha dive been digging up their roots pulling much as I can.

[TheGsellers]

Good stuff! thank you for sharing. off to remove my trees of heaven and autumn olives....

[saintmaxmedia]

how is Triclopyr ester dangerous to the garden surrounding the tree to which it will be applied? Eva

[annetjiedreyer]

In South Africa, this horrible tree interferes with our sewerage system by crawling through our bathroom wall. Every year it costs a fortune to open up the pipes. The tree is not in our yard.

[jamesreid]

I've seen Ailanthus trees continue to grow for almost a year from the severed trunk of a cut tree. Some foresters have reported contact dermaititis and even more acute allergy symptoms after contact with the sap. We have tried to find a parasitic or saprophytic fungus which might infect them, so far without any remarkable success. The Veracyllium prospect sounds interssting.

[Lampropeltis]

They are all over the Blue Ridge Parkway obstructing the beautiful landscape.

[joeyplants]

is the dye that you use water soluble? if so, will this still work for the triclopyr ester with diesel application? thanks for the great video!

[brianmutai]

Can you please provide a link to the products

[wkatherinelopez]

Thank you for this great video. What type of die do you use. I know tablet or liquid but I’m lost .. any brand please or recomendación. Many thanks!