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