Land Plants - invasive

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) on Sep 5, 2010

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

Tree of Heaven

Commentary

I don't want to get her into trouble. She has a difficult time finding the time to do yard work so I try to help out. What can she do besides continue to pull up the seedlings? I don't think she can afford to have the tree cut down.

Reporter
Sept. 5, 2010, 11:10 a.m.

Hi, Cindy. Thanks for your email.

As a concerned citizen, I'd strongly recommend removing this tree; its aggressive roots and brittle wood make it an unfortunate tree to have next to a house, to say nothing of its ecological impacts.

At the same time, tree-of-heaven is so prevalent that is not considered an Early Detection species. There is no city code that specifically requires tree-of-heaven removal, which, to an extent, also means there is little money to help out. Using your own methods to kill the tree only increases the danger to nearby houses.

It is a difficult position to be in, but I have not yet found a good answer to your excellent (and important) question. I will make a record of your concern for the moment, and continue to watch for a solution.

-Mitch
mitch.bixby@portlandoregon.gov

Mitch Bixby
Sept. 9, 2010, 3:05 a.m.