Invasive species Tree-of-Heaven found in Foothills  

Living in the mountains there is no surprise that there are many different species of trees. This time of year is typically spent admiring the turn of green leaves to vibrant red and yellow colors, declaring fall is here.

 

As much good as trees do for us here on earth, there are some that are more of a nuisance than most. Specifically, Ailanthus Altissima also known as the Tree-of-Heaven. This invasive species can be spotted along I-26 throughout the mountains as well as into downtown Tryon. 

 

Native to northeast and central China, it seems the intrusive species has no issue producing in any geographical location. It was brought to the United States in the late 1700’s to be produced as a shade tree. According to the South Carolina Forest Commissary, the tree was planted in Pennsylvania, then was planted all around Washington D.C and Baltimore leading it to be planted all along the West Coast. The trees were thought to be a beautiful tree by gardeners because it grew so well in all places but that quickly turned for the worse. 

 

Spartanburg Community College Horticulture instructor and Arboretum Director, Dr. Kevin Parris said, “[The tree] grows rapidly with long pinnately compound leaves creating a dappled shade below. One mature female tree can quickly result in hundreds of offspring coming up everywhere from garden beds to sidewalk cracks.”

The tree-of-heaven can be found growing in all areas. Native to northeast and central China, it seems the intrusive species has no issue producing in any geographical location. 

 

According to Dr. Parris, the tree-of-heaven is famously known as being the subject species in the 1943 novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. This tree can truly grow almost anywhere. Dr. Parris commented, “While it was an inspiring symbol to novelist Betty Smith about overcoming adversity, the species is now the target of eradication efforts because of its invasiveness.”

 

This species does its absolute best to reach heaven with how quickly the tree can spread. This tree species is considered to be worse than kudzu simply because of how difficult it is to remove the nuisance species. 

 

These trees produce allelopathic chemicals throughout its leaves, bark and roots, which makes it a difficult removal process and creates an ongoing issue for other trees to prosper. The Tree-of-Heaven can easily overcome the trees that are around it. The Tree-of-Heaven does not seem as though it would be an issue when looking at it however, because of its deep root system the tree is quite difficult to get remove. 

 

Foothills native, Howard Williams has had a few encounters with this overpowering tree. He said he has tried his best to get rid of the tree and it just will not go away.

 

Williams said, “[he] has tried pulling the bark off of the trunk, tried uprooting the tree and neither times worked, my next step will be to use RoundUp, someone told me that might do the trick.” 

 

Dr. Parris said when removing the tree-of-heaven, it is important to cut the tree as close to the ground as possible. Once the tree is cut the next step is to immediately coat the surface of the cut with RoundUp concentrate. Do not dilute the RoundUp. 

 

Williams also let us in on a little secret about The Tree-of-Heaven, he said “ the tree has similar characteristics to a Sumac Tree however, the main difference being when one of the leaves is pulled off of the Tree-of-Heaven there is an immediate distinct odor and that’s how you can tell the difference between the two.” 

 

The tree can also affect human health as well. The tree is also known as an inflated pollen producer and can be a source of allergy issues for some. It is important that if someone is trying to remove the tree-of-heaven that they wear protective gloves so the sap does not get onto the skin. 

 

Once the tree-of-heaven is spotted onlookers will notice just how many diverse trees have found a home here in the Foothills. 

by Carson Parnell