Eradicating Tree of Heaven

Presented By: Ben Kunze, WV DOF

General

• Regionally known as “Shumac”

• Differentiate from walnut or true sumacs by looking for gland at base of leaf, absence of segmented pith, and smooth margin

General

• Allelopathicthic compound ailanthone

• Introduced in Philadelphia, PA in 1784

• Non-Native Invasive• 2 yr. stump sprouts can

grow 6’ in 1 yr.• Produces abundant

seeds that are widely dispersed (winged)

Control Options

• Manual/Mechanical• Prescribed Burning• Grazing• Biological Control• Herbicide

Manual

• Works best on young seedlings that can be hand-pulled or dug

• Simply cutting the stems is not advisable• To be 100% effective, all root matter must be

removed

Prescribed Burning

• Many limitations regionally• Thin bark trees (such as TOH) are more

susceptible to fire mortality• Success dependent on correct fire intensity

and timing• Many possible negative impacts

Grazing

• Not a preferred food but will be consumed by deer, cattle, and goats

• Non selective—they will eat everything

Biological Control

• Work best on previously weakened trees

• May affect native vegetation as well

• Several fungal disease identified such as Verticulum Wilt

Herbicides

• Foliar Spraying• Basal Bark• Cut Stump• Injection or “Hack-and-

Squirt”

Herbicide Safety

• Thoroughly read the label and follow completely

• Wear long sleeves, gloves, and any PPE required by the label

• Keep mixing space organized• Label--date, mix, concentration• Be conscious of wind, splashing, or potential

spills

Foliar Spraying

• Best when you can reach all foliage

• Apply between June and September

• Use 2% solution of Glyphosate

• Surfactant needed• Wet foliage just to the

point of runoff during rain free periods

• Always mix with clean water

• Minimum spray pressure reduces drift

Basal Bark

• Most applicable for stems less than 6” diameter

• Completely spray stem from 12-15” above ground line down

• Use an Oil Carrier (fuel oil)

• Apply any time the stems are dry

Cut-Stump

• 50-100% glyphosate product in a water carrier

• Treat immediately after cutting whenever possible

• Spray outer 2” of cut surface

• June 1st to Nov 1st

• Commonly used on small diameter stems— “Cut Stub”

Stem Injection

• Hack-and-Squirt• Approximately 1

incision per inch diameter, evenly spaced

• Leave 1” between hacks• 1.5 ml. of solution per

hack• Use a 50% Solution of

glyphosate

Follow-Up

• Unfortunately, may times there is still small amounts stump sprouts or root suckers

• Easily controlled w/ foliar or “Cut-Stub” early on

• Exasperated by improper initial application or poor timing