TL;DR
Get pool and patio gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
A Country Living report says cutting or mowing tree of heaven can trigger root suckers, making the infestation worse. It recommends confirming the tree’s identity, choosing a control method based on its size, following herbicide labels and monitoring for new shoots.
A Country Living gardening report warns that cutting or mowing tree of heaven can prompt new shoots to grow from its roots, potentially increasing the number of trees instead of controlling them. The report recommends identifying the plant first, selecting a treatment suited to its size and monitoring the area for regrowth.
Tree of heaven spreads through abundant seeds and vigorous root growth, according to the report. It can compete with native plants in the United States and is a preferred host for the invasive spotted lanternfly. The report says effective control means addressing the root system, not just removing visible stems.
The recommended approach depends on the plant’s size: hand-pull only very small seedlings, taking out the entire root; use a labeled foliar herbicide treatment for larger seedlings or small trees up to 10 feet tall; consider basal-bark treatment for trunks up to 6 inches in diameter; and use a hack-and-squirt method for larger trees. The report advises treating from mid- to late summer until fall color begins, when the tree is moving carbohydrates toward its roots.
Herbicide users should choose a product labeled for tree of heaven and the specific application method, then follow its instructions for mixing, protective equipment, weather and permitted use sites. The report also advises preventing spray drift onto desirable plants and checking local rules or contacting a cooperative extension for guidance.
Why Cutting Can Spur Regrowth
The central risk is that removing the visible tree may leave its root system alive. The report says cutting or mowing can trigger root suckers, new shoots emerging from the roots, so repeated trimming may multiply the visible growth rather than eliminate the source.
That matters beyond a single yard. Tree of heaven can compete with native plants, and the report identifies it as a preferred host for spotted lanternfly. Choosing a method that targets roots, while protecting nearby vegetation and watching for new shoots, can reduce the chance of spreading the problem during removal.
Products Worth Considering
Blackstone 22-Inch Electric Griddle – 1600W Non-Stick Ceramic Titanium Coated Stainless Steel Tabletop Griddle with EZ-Touch Control Dial, L
HOOYEAH 6 x 6 ft Walk-In Polycarbonate Greenhouse
EGO Power+ 15-Inch Battery-Powered String Trimmer with Powerload Technology
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Identify the Tree Before Treatment
Tree of heaven can be mistaken for native sumac or black walnut, so the report advises confirming identification before treatment. Its compound leaves can be 1 to 4 feet long, with leaflets arranged opposite one another along the leaf stem. The leaves themselves alternate along the twig.
Look for mostly smooth leaflet edges with one to four small teeth near the base, each with a gland underneath. The report says sumac and walnut have serrated leaflets and lack those distinctive teeth and glands. Crushed or broken tree of heaven leaves and branches can also give off a foul odor, described in the report as resembling burnt or rancid peanut butter.
““Cutting or mowing can cause the tree to send up root suckers.””
— Country Living report
Regrowth Requires Follow-Up
The report does not provide a guarantee that any single method will eradicate an established tree or infestation. It says established trees are difficult to eliminate in one treatment and that an initial application may only weaken the root system. The scale and duration of follow-up needed will depend on the site and how much regrowth appears.
Correct identification can also be uncertain, especially where tree of heaven resembles sumac or black walnut. Herbicide products and local use rules vary; readers should follow the product label and seek local cooperative-extension advice if the correct product or method is unclear.
Monitor Shoots and Seek Help
After treatment, check the area for new shoots and continue control as needed, the report advises. Do not assume that a tree is gone because its top growth has died back; the roots may still produce suckers. For a large tree near a home, power lines or valuable landscaping, or for an infestation covering a wide area, the report recommends contacting an arborist or invasive-plant specialist.
Before using herbicide, confirm that the product is labeled for tree of heaven and the intended application, follow all label directions and check local requirements. Treatment should be timed to the plant’s growth cycle; the report advises holding off when the tree is flowering in spring or early summer.
Key Questions
Why shouldn’t I cut down tree of heaven?
The report says cutting or mowing can stimulate root suckers, creating new shoots from the surviving root system. Removing the stem alone may make the infestation harder to control.
How can I tell tree of heaven from sumac or walnut?
Look for mostly smooth leaflet edges with small teeth and a gland beneath each tooth near the leaflet base. The report says sumac and walnut have serrated leaflets and lack those features. Confirm the identification before treatment.
When is the best time to apply herbicide?
The report recommends applications from mid- to late summer until the onset of fall color. It says spring and early-summer flowering is not the best time for treatment. Always follow the product label and local rules.
When should I call a professional?
Contact an arborist or invasive-plant specialist if the tree is large and near a home, power lines or valuable landscaping, or if the infestation covers a wide area.
Source: rss
