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A House Beautiful report says tree of heaven can spread rapidly and regrow from its roots after cutting, making removal more complicated than felling the trunk. Arborist Logan Foltz and horticulturist Nathan Heinrich describe approaches including stump treatment and repeated cutting, while warning that identification and the effects on nearby soil matter.
A House Beautiful report has outlined why homeowners should not simply cut down a tree of heaven and assume it is gone: the invasive tree can send up new shoots from its roots after its trunk is cut or damaged. Arborist Logan Foltz and horticulturist Nathan Heinrich recommend careful identification and deliberate follow-up, because removal methods can affect both regrowth and the surrounding soil.
The tree of heaven, or Ailanthus altissima, is native to China and has spread across the United States. Foltz, a certified arborist at Urban Arborists, told House Beautiful that it can outcompete native North American trees and is difficult to control. Heinrich said its ability to thrive across a range of climates and locations helped it spread from the East Coast to California. The article says it can grow as much as 15 feet in its first year.
Identification matters before any removal begins. The tree has compound, fern-like leaves, and the article describes small glandular teeth at the base of each leaflet. Female trees may produce clusters of red, yellow or green seeds. But black walnut and some sumacs can look similar, so the experts advise confirming the species rather than relying on a quick visual impression.
Foltz says cutting or damaging the trunk or roots can prompt the plant to send up root suckers, which may grow into new trees. The report describes one approach: cut the tree at its base, drill holes in the remaining stump and fill them with rock salt. Foltz says this can desiccate the stump and connected roots, but warns that salt can also make soil inhospitable to other plants. Heinrich recommends doing this in July or August. He also suggests applying repeated rounds of herbicide in drilled holes and slits, while another option described is repeated cutting to exhaust the tree’s energy reserves.
Regrowth Makes Removal More Complicated
The practical concern is that felling the trunk may not stop the tree. If the root system responds by sending out suckers, a single removal attempt can leave homeowners with new growth to manage. The report’s advice is relevant to people deciding how to clear a tree near gardens, buildings or paved areas, but it does not establish that one method is suitable for every property.
The article also says the tree’s roots can spread far from the trunk and may damage hardscaping or pipes while seeking water. It identifies another ecological concern: the U.S. Department of Agriculture describes tree of heaven as a host plant for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that feeds on sap. These risks make identification and site-specific planning more consequential than simply removing a conspicuous tree.
At the same time, the source does not provide a controlled comparison of removal methods or evidence that rock salt or herbicide will reliably eradicate every tree. Its recommendations are attributed to named experts, and readers should weigh possible soil effects and local rules before acting.
tree of heaven identification field guide Ailanthus altissima
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A Fast-Growing Tree With Lookalikes
Tree of heaven has been introduced beyond its native range and is now regarded as invasive in the United States. According to the report, its seeds can establish in varied places, including cracks in sidewalks and gutters. Its rapid growth and ability to reproduce contribute to the difficulty of controlling it, while a broad root system can produce shoots after damage.
The plant is not the only tree with similar-looking foliage. Black walnut and some sumac species can be mistaken for it, the report cautions. That makes positive identification a necessary first step, particularly because removal recommendations may involve cutting, salt or herbicide. The story does not cite a government removal protocol or offer region-specific regulations; it presents advice from Foltz and Heinrich.
“The tree “outcompetes” many of our North American trees in their natural habitats.”
— Logan Foltz, certified arborist at Urban Arborists, as quoted by House Beautiful
No Single Method Fits Every Site
The report does not specify a universally effective treatment, provide success rates for the methods, or explain how long repeated cutting or stump treatment may take. It also does not offer detailed guidance on herbicide products, application amounts, local restrictions or potential effects on nearby plants and wildlife. Those details may depend on the property and applicable rules.
It is also unclear whether a particular mature tree should be retained or removed without information about its location, condition and local ecological setting. Foltz says the decision depends on the tree’s overall impact and whether native planting would better serve the area. Readers should not assume that every tree with similar leaves is tree of heaven.
Confirm the Species Before Acting
For property owners, the next step described by the experts is to identify the tree accurately and consider its location and the consequences of the chosen control method. The source suggests removing young trees as they appear, while assessing mature specimens individually. Because it gives no local agency contacts or detailed product instructions, readers seeking treatment should consult a qualified arborist or local invasive-species authority about methods, timing and regulations.
If removal is attempted, the report’s main warning is to plan for possible regrowth from the roots rather than ending the job at the cut. Any approach involving herbicides should follow the product label and relevant local requirements. The source does not report a new government order or scheduled policy milestone; it offers expert guidance, with the long-term outcome dependent on the method and site.
Key Questions
What is tree of heaven?
Tree of heaven is Ailanthus altissima, a tree native to China that the report describes as invasive in the United States. It grows quickly and can spread through seeds and root shoots.
Why can cutting it down make the problem worse?
According to arborist Logan Foltz, cutting the trunk or damaging roots can trigger new shoots, known as suckers, from the root system. Those shoots can develop into trees, so felling the trunk alone may not control it.
How does the report say it can be controlled?
The experts describe stump treatment after cutting, repeated herbicide application into drilled holes and slits, or repeated cutting intended to exhaust the roots. The report does not establish that one method works in every situation; rock salt can also harm soil where other plants are intended to grow.
How can I tell tree of heaven from similar trees?
The report describes fern-like compound leaves with glandular teeth at the leaflet bases and seed clusters on female trees. Black walnut and some sumacs can look similar, so confirm the species before removing a tree.
Should every tree of heaven be removed?
Foltz says the choice depends on the tree’s ecological impact and whether native planting would better serve the community. The report recommends evaluating mature trees individually rather than treating every case as identical.
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