Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus): How to Spot It and Get Rid of It
Spotting a Tree of Heaven fast matters because it spreads like wildfire. You’ll often find it along roadsides, vacant lots, and disturbed soil. Learn a few clear ID tricks, why it’s a problem, and what actually works to stop it from coming back.
How to identify Tree of Heaven
Look for long, feather-like leaves 1–3 feet long made up of 10–41 leaflets. Each leaflet has a tiny tooth with a gland at the base. Young bark is smooth and gray-brown; older trunks get fissured. In summer you may notice clusters of yellow-green flowers and later thousands of winged seeds (samaras) that spin in the wind. Crush a leaf gently—many people say it smells like rotten peanut butter or a strong peanut scent. That smell plus the large compound leaves is an easy field ID.
Why it’s a problem and what to watch for
Tree of Heaven is invasive: it makes lots of seeds, sprouts from roots, and tolerates poor soil and pollution. It outcompetes native plants and can form dense thickets that reduce biodiversity. The tree also releases chemicals into soil that can inhibit other plants (allelopathy). If you’ve got seedlings near foundations, fences, or garden beds, act quickly—small plants are far easier to remove than mature trees.
Removal options depend on size. For small seedlings and suckers, pull them out when soil is moist. For young trees, dig out the root crown completely; any root left behind will resprout. Mechanical removal is best when practical, but it’s labor-intensive for large infestations.
For medium and large trees, the most reliable home method is cut-and-treat: cut the trunk low and immediately apply a concentrated systemic herbicide to the fresh stump (follow label directions). Common active ingredients are glyphosate or triclopyr; apply only when the tree is actively growing for best uptake. Repeat treatments may be needed because the root system can be large and persistent.
Another approach is repeated cutting or girdling over multiple growing seasons; this weakens roots but takes time. Basal bark or hack-and-squirt herbicide methods can work in winter or when cutting isn’t an option. Always wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid spraying on windy days to protect nearby plants and pollinators.
Dispose of seeds and cut material carefully: don’t compost ripe samaras unless you’re sure the pile gets hot enough to kill seeds. Bag and send to green waste where local rules require it. Check local invasive species rules—some areas require reporting or special disposal.
If the infestation is large or near utilities, call a licensed arborist or invasive-species crew. Professionals can combine mechanical removal, herbicide application, and follow-up monitoring to stop regrowth. Finally, after removal, replant with native trees or shrubs to reduce the chance of Ailanthus returning and to restore habitat.
Want a quick checklist? ID by compound leaves + peanut smell, pull seedlings, dig young roots, cut-and-treat big stumps, follow up for 2–3 years, and replant with natives.
