Tree of heaven goes by several names,the varnish tree, stinking sumac, Chinese sumac, and stink tree. Regardless what you call it, it’s an invasive type.
The tree of heaven is a deciduous, fast-growing tree with light brown branches and pale gray bark. With its absence of disease and insects and rapid growth, this tree is well-liked when and absence of insect or disease problems made it popular when planning a city landscape.
Its ability to make an exceedingly abundant amount of seeds has made it a tree type that have many states worried. This invasive tree endangers our agricultural fields, roadsides, and natural areas.
Managing and Controlling Tree of Heaven
Is the tree of heaven something that you need to be worried about? It is a productive seed producer and can flourish in even the most unfavorable conditions with little management. Its fast growth also indicates it can crowd out neighboring native plant types. Its aggressive root system can damage sewers, pavement, and building foundations.
Thankfully there are several ways to eliminate this invasive species. The most efficient way to regulate tree of heaven is to yank seedlings by hand before the taproot cultivates. Unfortunately, if the plant has developed, cutting alone will only aid temporarily by diminishing its ability to stretch.
Accurate identification of this tree is critical. Many native shrubs and trees have pinnately compound leaves like ash, sumac, and black walnut. Because of this, the tree-of-heaven is easily mixed up with these trees. It can be told apart from these native species by its light green seed pods and reddish-brown, fuzzy twigs.
It also smells bad, particularly the flowers and the tree. Because of this, this tree possesses an offensive, strong odor. Contact an arborist with Orchard Park Tree Services, there are options about what can be done about it.
The Nature Conservancy manages and restores land for native species such as invasive plant species removal throughout the community. You can aid by supporting any conservation efforts.
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