How to get rid of the Tree of Heaven: Effective Strategies for Gardeners

The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) might sound divine, but for many gardeners, it’s anything but. Fast-growing, resilient, and almost impossible to remove once established, this invasive tree is spreading rapidly across much of Europe. In this article, I’ll explore where the Tree of Heaven comes from, why it’s such a threat to native ecosystems, and — most importantly — how to fight it effectively in your own garden.

Where Does the Tree of Heaven Come From – and Why Has It Spread So Rapidly?

The Tree of Heaven originates from East Asia, particularly China and Vietnam. Thanks to its remarkable adaptability, it has established itself in cities, along railways, on industrial wastelands, and increasingly in private gardens. It tolerates salt and drought, grows even in nutrient-poor soils – and is nearly impossible to stop.

In Germany, it is classified as an invasive neophyte, meaning a non-native plant species that spreads aggressively and displaces native flora. One particularly problematic trait is its ability to perform allelopathy – releasing chemical substances into the soil that inhibit the growth of other plants. This gives it a major competitive advantage.

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Which Methods Are Effective Against the Tree of Heaven?

Controlling the Tree of Heaven is difficult – and often a long-term effort. The biggest challenge? Root suckers. If you simply cut the tree down, it reacts by producing numerous new shoots from its root system. That’s the core issue.

Proven Methods of Control:

1. Complete removal of root system
   To truly get rid of the Tree of Heaven, you must remove the entire root system – something that is nearly impossible with older trees. Roots often reach several meters deep and can regrow from even the smallest remnants.
2. Use of root barriers
   In early stages, installing root barriers can help prevent the tree from spreading further in the garden.
3. Girdling combined with chemical treatment
   One effective method is girdling: removing a strip of bark and cambium all around the trunk. Afterwards (and where legally permitted), a herbicidal treatment such as glyphosate may be applied directly to the exposed wood. Caution: This method should only be used with permission and professional knowledge.
4. Repeated cutting (for young plants)
   Regular and consistent cutting of young trees can weaken them. The goal is to disrupt the tree’s energy supply via the leaves – again and again.
5. Shading the young plants
   A simple and effective method for controlling young Tree of Heaven plants is to wrap the above-ground shoots in black, lightproof plastic bags (e.g., old potting soil bags). The bags are tied securely at the base of the stem and remain on the shoots for an entire year. This method requires that the plants are still small enough for the above-ground parts to fit completely inside the plastic bag. It is important not to damage the apical shoot, as mechanical injury will stimulate the plant to produce new root suckers.

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What Does the Root System Look Like – and How Does It Work?

The root system of the Tree of Heaven is widespread and aggressive. Its root suckers can produce new shoots several meters away from the main tree. Figuratively speaking, you can think of the roots as the tree’s „brain“ – they control growth, respond to injury, and compensate losses through regeneration.

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Both the Robinia/Black Locust and the Tree of Heaven are among Germany’s most problematic invasive trees, but the tree of heaven is often even more persistent than the Black Locust. While the latter primarily spreads via seeds, the Tree of Heaven uses its underground sucker system to dominate the area.

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Conclusion: Tree of Heaven in the Garden – What Really Helps?

Controlling the Tree of Heaven is not a one-time effort, but a long-term project requiring patience, consistency, and often expert support. For lasting success, you must understand the root system and target it specifically.

Which methods are effective against the Tree of Heaven? – Primarily, a combination of mechanical removal, root protection, and – if necessary – carefully applied herbicides. Only then can this so-called “Tree of Heaven” be permanently removed from your garden.

MM

^{Cover photo by FLORIN LUCOAIE}