United States Department ofAgriculture

Field Guide for Managing

Tree-of-heaven in the Southwest

Forest 

Service

Southwestern

Region TP-R3-16-09 Revised May 2017
Cover Photos

Left: L.J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org 

Upper right: Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org 

Lower right: Paul Wray, Iowa State University,Bugwood.org

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1 

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle; synonyms: A. glandulosa, Toxicodendron

altissimum) 

Quassia family (Simaroubaceae)

Tree-of-heaven is an invasive tree in southwestern States 

that has been listed as a noxious weed in New Mexico.

This field guide serves as the U.S. Forest Service’s 

recommendations for management of tree-of-heaven in

forests, woodlands, and riparian areas associated with its

Southwestern Region. The Southwestern Region covers 

Arizona and New Mexico, which together have 11 national 

forests. The Region also administers 4 national grasslands 

located in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma,

and the Texas panhandle.

Description

Tree-of-heaven (synonyms: ailanthus, Chinese sumac,

stinking sumac, paradise tree, copal tree, Brooklyn palm)

is a fast growing tree that was introduced as an ornamental

into the United States from China. Both its common and 

scientific name refer to its rather tall height (60 to 80 feet). 

Tree-of-heaven is dioecious with female trees producing 

clusters of persistent, one-seeded, winged fruit that 

resemble those found on maples. Male trees produce 

groups of staminate flowers that smell like burnt peanuts 

or cashews.

Growth Characteristics

• Deciduous tree; 60 to 80 feet tall; 80 foot crown 

width; up to 3 foot trunk diameter.

• Perennial but generally a short-lived tree (30 to 50 

years). Beige to light brown wood is soft, weak and 

coarse-grained; breaks easily.

• Bark is light brown to pale grey when mature; 

smooth bark becomes rough and fissured on trunk.

• Branches are grey, glossy and smooth with raised 

dots that become fissures with age. Twigs are

reddish-brown and velvety.

• Pinnately compound leaf (1 to 4 feet long) with 10 to 

41 leaflets (2 to 7 inches long).

• Dark green, broadly lanceolate leaflets; margins

entire with teeth or lobes at the base; light green 

veins and whitish green underneath with glandular 

red dots near lobes.

• Dioecious; numerous, small, yellow-green flowers on 

8 to 16 inch panicles; produced mostly in June and 

July in New Mexico. Staminate flowers malodorous.

• Persistent, propeller-like fruits (1.5-inch-long 

samaras); fruit turns pale green to tan to reddish as it 

matures. Fruits occur in dense clusters.

• Seed is both sexually and asexually produced with up 

to 300,000 seeds per tree in a year. In general, seeds 

are not long lived and usually do not persist in the 

seed bank for more than a year or two. 

Ecology

Impacts/Threats

Tree-of-heaven is an extremely competitive, fast-growing 

tree with young sprouts growing as much as 10 to 15 feet 

in a year. Once established, it can overrun native 

vegetation by developing dense thickets of cloned trees. It 

can dominate colonized sites indefinitely through resprouting and root suckering. Coupled with its size and 

structural weakness, the rapid rate of spread and growth of 

tree-of-heaven makes it an acute hazard along roadsides. 

In urban areas, tree-of-heaven roots can damage sewer 

lines and structures.

Site/Distribution

Tree-of-heaven establishes readily along roadsides, fence 

rows, railways, woodland edges, forest openings, or in 

riparian zones. It is often found in waste areas or disturbed 

sites such as old fields and abandoned areas (e.g., mining 

communities).The species is intolerant of flooding and 

deep shade; but it can occur in areas where trees normally 

do not grow such as cliff crevices or paved areas (parking 

lots, sidewalks, etc.). Tree-of-heaven is widespread across 

the United States (especially in eastern forests and 
2 

woodlands), but infestations tend to be more localized in 

the Southwest.

Spread

Tree-of-heaven is a prolific seed producer; and itsseed 

may be dispersed via wind, water, birds, and farm or road 

equipment. However, the majority of new plants within an

area are usually from root sprouts. If the top is removed or 

the stump is cut, new sprouts from lateral roots may occur

50 to 90 feet from the parent tree.

Invasive Features

Tree-of-heaven is highly adaptable and can grow under 

limiting or harsh conditions such as soils that are saline,

nutrient poor, or highly compacted. It will also grow in 

areas affected by heat, drought, or pollution. Allelopathic 

chemicals in leaves, bark, roots, and seed inhibit growth

and germination of surrounding plants.

Management

It is very difficult to control tree-of-heaven once 

established. Strategies to control populations require longterm planning, integrated management, and follow-up 

monitoring. A commitment to repeated management 

actions is a must. The following actions should be 

considered when planning a management approach:

• Maintain healthy plant communities to limit tree-ofheaven establishment. Minimize disturbance and/or

promptly revegetate disturbed or bare ground areas

with desirable native species.

• Conduct surveys, map known infestations, and 

monitor for tree-of-heaven, especially on roadsides, 

fence lines, trails, waterways, parking lots, etc. Keep

annual records of reported infestations.

• Combine mechanical, cultural, and chemical methods 

for most effective control of tree-of-heaven.

• Implement a monitoring and follow-up treatment plan 

in areas where control practices have been made to

further suppress root sprouts and seedlings.

Table 1 summarizes some management options for

controlling tree-of-heaven under various situations. Further

details on these management options are explained below. 

Choice of individual control method(s) for tree-of-heaven

depends on the extent and density of infestation, current

land use, and site conditions (accessibility, terrain, 

microclimate, other flora and fauna present, etc.). Other 

important considerations include treatment effectiveness, 

overall cost, and number of years needed to achieve 

control. More than one control method may be needed for a 

particular site.

Physical Control

Tree-of-heaven is not easily controlled by simple cutting or 

by other mechanical means. Not only do trees re-sprout 

with tremendous vigor, but massive root suckering also 

occurs, which in some cases results in many more new

stems spreading over a wider area. There are several

practical techniques that can help make physical control of

tree-of-heaven more effective. These include (1) cutting

trees before they become too large; (2) cutting trees in

early summer when root reserves are lowest; (3) cutting 

regrowth repeatedly and frequently, and applying herbicide 

to cut surfaces; and (4) providing shade from competitive 

native plants after control efforts.

Manual Methods

Hand pulling – Very young seedlings can be pulled or dug 

up, depending on soil conditions. Seedlings are easily

distinguished from root sprouts by their slenderstems,

trifoliate leaflets, and cotyledons (if still present). Pull

when soils are moist and be sure to remove the entire root.

Grubbing – For saplings or young trees, hand grubbing or 

mechanical extraction of roots may be effective. However, 

grubbing is usually not practical for mature trees or dense 

stands. Removal of the entire root is necessary for control

of individual trees.

Mechanical Methods

Mowing – After larger trees have been cut to ground level,

re-sprouting wood is soft enough to be mowed at regular

intervals, which can stress root reserves lead to fewer root 

suckers. However, an infrequent mowing cycle may allow 

the sprouts to spread and become too tall to mow. Mowing 

is more effective when followed by a chemical treatment. 

Mowing equipment should be cleaned after use to prevent 

movement of seeds into un-infested areas.
3 

Table 1. Management options*

Site Physical Control Cultural Control Biological Control Chemical Control

Roadsides,

fence lines,

rights-ofway, and

non-crop

areas

Cut larger top growth to ground 

level in spring or early summer; 

use mowing as a follow-up 

treatment at regular intervals

throughout the growing season.

Tools for cutting include

loppers, machetes, brush cutters,

and power saws. Acutting

method is more effective as a

treatment if followed up with

chemical treatment.

Educate road crews to 

identify and report

infestations along

roads.

Coordinate control

efforts with other land

managers.

Consider using goats

in combination with

herbicide spraying.

Methods include foliar application,

basal bark spray, cut-stump; 

injection, application of herbicide

to cut areas. Use targeted

application with a systemic

herbicide.

Pasture,

rangeland, or

riparian

corridors 

Hand pull or dig out very young

seedlings. Olderseedlings/

saplings need to be root grubbed

or girdled at the base.

Physical methods alone are

generally not recommended as 

they often result in significant

basal and root sprouting. If

used, follow up with a chemical

treatment. 

After removal of treeof-heaven, monitor or 

root sprouts and

seedlings; then cut,

pull, or spray them.

Bag and dispose of 

seed in a landfill or by 

burning.

Place signs near

trailheads or road

corridors; educate

public to identify and 

report infestations.

Same as above. Methods include foliar application,

basal bark spray, cut stump, stem

injection. In aquatic or riparian

areas, use herbicides approved for

use in these areas.

For mature trees, apply herbicide 

in cuts made in the bark by a

girdling or drilling method.

Grooves in the bark should be

made all around the trunk, and the

cut should be deep enough to go

through the cambial layer down

into nonliving layers. Girdle or

drill in June and early July.

Forest

openings,

fields, and/or

extensive,

dense

infestations

Physical methods alone are 

generally not recommended as

they often result in significant 

basal and root sprouting. If

used, follow up with a chemical

treatment.

Before timber harvest

or construction, locate

and eradicate all life

stages of tree-ofheaven that are

present.

Same as above. Apply herbicide via aerial or

broadcast foliar spray, basal bark

spray, cut stump, or injection

method. Avoid desirable tree

species, if present.

Wilderness,

other natural

areas, and/or

small

infestations

Remove very young seedlings by

hand; most effective in loose, 

rain-moistened soils. Be sure to

remove entire seedling root. Not

practical for older seedlings or

root sprouts unless accompanied

with herbicide application.

Place signs near

trailheads; educate

public to identify and

report infestations.

Same as above. Individual plant treatment (IPT) 

methods including foliar

application, basal bark spray, cut

stump, or stem injection. Leave

treated plants in place so they can

easily be monitored later for

regrowth. 

*Choice of a particular management option must be in compliance with existing regulations for the land resource.

Prescribed Fire

Controlled burning is likely to favor further spread of

tree-of-heaven since prolific root and stump sprouting 

occurs in response to fire stress. Scorching or heat 

girdling individual plants by using a blowtorch or 

flamethrower may be an option, but monitoring and 

follow-up treatment of root and stump sprouts will be

required.

Cultural Control

Early detection and plant removal are critical in 

managing this species. Coordinated efforts should be 

made between land managers, the local public, and road 

crews, etc., on identification of tree-of-heaven so 

suspected infestations can be reported. Vehicles, 

humans, and livestock should be discouraged from 

traveling through infested areas; and a program to 

check and remove seeds from vehicles and livestock 

after going through infested areas should be considered.
4 

Biological Control

Grazing

Tree-of-heaven usually has low palatability for grazers; 

however, livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) and deer will

consume it during certain times of the year under specific

circumstances. Goats will eat leaves and bark. Deer will

browse leaves during the summer—especially in shady,

forested areas. Under heavy grazing pressure, livestock

will remove new suckers and sprouts. Use of grazing in

combination with herbicide spraying may be effective is 

certain situations.

Classical Biological Control

A number of insects and diseases affect tree-of-heaven; 

however, there are no classical biocontrol agents currently 

approved for use in the United States.

Chemical Control

Application of herbicide is usually the most effective way 

to kill the root system of mature tree-of-heaven and to 

control regrowth from cut trees that occurs as sprouts or 

root suckers. There are several registered products that 

can be applied in a variety of ways including (1) foliage 

application, (2) topical application to cut stems and 

stumps, (3) injection into the trunk, and (4) basal 

spraying. 

Although aboveground portions of tree-of-heaven are 

relatively easy to suppress or kill with herbicide 

treatment, it is also important to control the root system. 

Therefore, special attention should be paid to selection of 

the correct herbicide, optimal application rate, and 

appropriate time to obtain good results. It is important to 

read and carefully follow all instructions and warnings 

provided on the herbicide label. Aquatically approved

herbicide formulations and surfactants must be used in or 

near water.

Herbicide Control Methods

Foliar spraying may be used to control younger trees or 

low growing tree-of-heaven infestations that can easily be

covered with a spray solution. Apply herbicide to fully 

expanded leaves by using a backpack sprayer for 

individual plant treatment (IPT) or treat clusters of trees 

using a tractor or truck-mounted sprayer (broadcast

application). Thoroughly wet all green leaves and shoots, 

especially near the top of the tree. Care should always be 

taken when using any herbicide not to spray near 

nontarget plants. Any equipment used to spray herbicide 

should be calibrated.

Table 2 below provides herbicide recommendations for

foliar spraying. The two most common herbicides used on

tree-of-heaven with the foliar spray approach are

glyphosate and triclopyr. These systemic herbicides are

absorbed through leaves and stems and then transported 

to the root system. They have low soil activity so they 

pose little risk to groundwater if applied properly. When 

using a backpack sprayer, a 2 percent solution of either 

glyphosate or imazapyr is effective on healthy treesthat

are fully leafed-out. A new herbicide option that has not 

been widely tested for foliar application is Viewpoint®.

This product is a combination of aminocyclopyrachlor, 

imazapyr, and metsulfuron. Consult the label closely 

when mixing or applying any herbicide solution. Use of a 

nonionic surfactant (0.5 percent or as per label) is often

recommended to ensure even coverage and, thus, greater

herbicide uptake into the leaves. However, some

herbicides come premixed with a surfactant; and the label 

should always be checked for mixing directions.

Basal bark spraying is an effective control method that

does not require cutting. This method is optimally used 

when tree-of-heaven is fully leafed but before it begins to 

show fall color. However, basal bark spraying canbe

labor intensive and is most appropriate for treating small

infestations or isolated trees, especially those with trunk

diameters between 4 and 8 inches. For trunks less than 6 

inches in diameter, a continuous 12-inch wide band 

should be sprayed around the tree base. For trunks greater 

than 6 inches, apply a 24-inch band. Add a dye to the 

solution to aid in determining coverage. Consult the 

herbicide label for mixing and application directions.

The most commonly recommended herbicide for lowvolume basal bark spraying is triclopyr mixed as a 20 

percent herbicide:80 percent crop oil solution. A mixture 

of 20 percent picloram:20 percent triclopyr:60 percent 

crop oil can improve the effectiveness of control; 
5 

Table 2. Herbicide recommendations for foliar spraying

Common Chemical

Name (active

ingredient)

Product

Example1

Broadcast 

Treatment 

(rate per 

acre)

Spot 

Treatment 

(spray 

solution)2

Time of

Application Remarks

Glyphosate Roundup Pro 

(41%)

[others 

available] 

2–5 quarts 2% (use with 

0.5% surfactant

and a blue

indicator dye)

Summer/early fall; 

apply when tree is

actively growing and

fully leafed, but 

before fall color

begins.

Nonselective herbicide; overspray 

can injure surrounding plants and 

open more area for weeds.

Imazapyr Arsenal 

Habitat 

Chopper 

Stalker

[others

available] 

Arsenal: 1–1.5 

pints

Chopper: 2–3

pints

Arsenal: 1–5%

Chopper: 5%

Same as above. Nonselective herbicide; overspray 

can injure surrounding plants and 

open additional area for weeds. In 

addition to spray drift, non-target 

plants may also be killed or injured 

by imazapyr through runoff, 

residue movement in soil, or root 

exudates from treated plants.

Aminocyclopyrachlor + 

imazapyr + metsulfuron

methyl

Viewpoint 13–20 ounces Consult label

for spot

applications.

Apply as high 

volume or broadcast 

foliar spray.

Nonselective herbicide used on 

non-crop sites; may cause 

temporary injury to some grass 

species.

Triclopyr Garlon 4 

Remedy

[others

available] 

3–6 quarts 1–2% Summer/early fall; 

apply when tree is

actively growing and

fully leafed, but 

before fall color

Selective, systemic herbicide; will 

not impact grasses but can harm 

other trees, shrubs, and broadleaf

plants.

Dicamba Vanquish 

Banvel

[others

available] 

2 quarts 5% Same as above. Same as above.

1 Trade names for products are provided for example purposes only, and other products with the same active ingredient(s) may beavailable. Individual product 

labels should be examined for specific information and appropriate use with tree-of-heaven.

2 Spray solution is the herbicide/water ratio in a spray mix that may be used for spot treatment with backpack or hand-held sprayers. The amount of product 

applied during an annual growing season must not exceed the maximum application rate per acre as specified by the product label – refer to the product 

label for the site type and application.

however, a certified applicator must be used to apply the 

mixture since picloram is a restricted-use product. 

Stalker® (imazapyr) has also been shown to be effective 

for basal bark control. It can be used alone or in 

combination with Garlon® 4 (triclopyr) at a concentration 

of 5 percent Stalker®, 15 percent Garlon®, and 80 percent 

oil diluent. Wetting around the entire truck is necessary for 

good control.

A backpack sprayer fitted with an adjustable cone nozzle 

can be used for basal bark spraying. Apply herbicide using 

approximately 30 psi and spray until the bark is wet, but 

not running off (approximately 3/4 teaspoon of mixture 

per inch of stem diameter). Leave treated trees standing in

place so they can be revisited the next year and, if 

necessary, new foliage can be spot sprayed. 

IPT cut stump treatment is often used in areas where 

mechanical treatments or foliar-applied herbicide spraying 

are restricted due to logistical considerations or when there 

is a need to be highly selective for protection of nontarget 

vegetation. The treatment involves hand cutting or chain 

sawing a tree as close to the ground surface as reasonable. 

The cut surface should be horizontal to the ground to 

minimize runoff, and any residual sawdust over the cut 

surface should be removed prior to herbicide application. 
6 

Herbicide is then applied to the stump with a paintbrush,

hand-held spray bottle, or backpack sprayer. The herbicide 

must be applied to the cut surface within 5 minutes after 

cutting to ensure uptake of the chemical before the cut area 

is sealed off by the plant. For cut stumps larger than 4 

inches in diameter, herbicide should be applied to the 

cambial layer lying just inside the bark ring. The top, sides, 

and exposed roots of smaller cut stumps (including those 

occurring in clumps) should be thoroughly wetted with 

herbicide. Cut trunks, limbs, and other top growth should 

then be disposed of in an acceptable manner such as stack 

piles or chipped.

For cut stump treatments, a solution of triclopyr ester or 

imazapyr should be used in a mixture with bark oil or crop 

oil. The herbicide:oil mixture ratio can vary from 33:67 to 

50:50 v/v depending on the number and size of plants to be 

treated and the application technique used. A lower ratio 

(33:67) is typically used when applications are made with 

a low volume backpack sprayer or hand-held spray bottle, 

whereas a higher ratio (50:50) can be used when the

solution is brushed directly onto the cut stump. A blue 

indicatordye should be added to the spray mixture to show 

that a stump has been treated.

The mortality rate from cut-stump treatments is directly

related to care taken when treating cut surfaces. Control

can be 60 to 80 percent under optimal conditions, but 

overall plant kills may be much lower due to difficulties

associated with this method. Therefore, follow-up 

treatment using ground-based foliar applications should be

anticipated.

Girdling or frilling with herbicide is effective fortree-ofheaven with large diameter trunks (i.e., greater than 8 

inches) and thick, mature bark. Using an ax or hatchet,

make a horizontal cut or groove (0.5 to 1.5 inches deep and 

2 to 8 inches wide) through bark and cambial tissue around 

the entire circumference of the trunk. The width and depth 

of the groove should be in proportion to the tree’s 

diameter. Girdling can be done more quickly if a chain saw

is used to make two horizontal cuts through the bark that

are circumferential around the entire trunk; one cut should 

be 2 to 4 inches above the other. Frilling is a variation of

girdling in which the groove made by an ax or hatchet 

around the tree still has the partially severed bark and 

wood attached at the bottom of the groove to allow 

retention of the applied herbicide.

Tree-of-heaven should not be girdled or frilled without

chemical treatment as it will respond by producing fast

growing root and stem sprouts. Cut surfaces from

girdling or frilling must be sprayed or painted until

thoroughly wet by applying a herbicide solution within 

5 minutes. Commonly used herbicides for this method 

include a 2 to 5 percent solution with either glyphosate, 

imazapyr,triclopyr, or picloram with 2,4-D. The most 

effective time for using this method is during summer 

(June or early July) when tree-of-heaven has fully leafedout and is actively growing. Leave the tree in place 

following girdling or frilling to reduce stump sprouting.

Stem injection (hack-and-squirt) is similar to the frilling 

method described above except that the bark is not

continuously cut around the tree trunk. Using a hand ax or

hatchet, a line of downward-angled or nearly vertical cuts 

are spaced about an inch apart around the trunk at a 

convenient height. Cuts should be made so as to leave a

partially severed piece of bark and cambium attached at the 

bottom of the cut. With a spray bottle or wand inthe 

other hand, squirt the herbicide directly onto all cut 

areas within 5 minutes of cutting. On average, there will 

be one hack/squirt per each inch of stem diameter. There 

are some commercially available cutting tools (hatchets) 

that are equipped to allow the herbicide to be directly 

injected with each cut. If using a spray bottle, read the 

herbicide label to determine the exact quantity of chemical 

to be used in each cut. About 1 milliliter of a fairly 

concentrated herbicide solution should be applied to each 

cut. Generally, 1 to 2 squirts from a quart or pint trigger 

spray bottle is equivalent to 1 to 2 milliliters (1/4 to 1/2 

teaspoon). Apply herbicide so that it is wet within the cut 

but such that the solution is not running out. Triclopyr is 

most often recommended for the hack-and-squirt method 

although other herbicides (imazapyr, dicamba, and 

picloram) may also be used. However, glyphosate has 

usually been found not to be as effective with this 

particular cut surface approach.
7 

Management Strategies

Control efforts for tree-of-heaven should focus first on 

preventing establishment in new areas. Next, small 

infestations should be treated; mature female trees located 

on otherwise healthy sites should especially be targeted to 

help reduce the seed available for germination. Finally, 

large infestations should be removed or at least 

controlled.

Treatments adopted for control of tree-of-heaven should 

stress the root system and lead to a reduction in seed 

production. For example, a treatment regimen can be 

started early in the summer when root reserves are at their 

lowest and repeated as necessary to keep root reserves 

low. Various methods for tree-of-heaven control are 

available, and the local situation usually dictates the best 

approach to follow. A popular approach is to use a basal

spray or a cut surface treatment initially and then follow 

this up later by using a foliar active herbicide to spot

spray new seedlings, sprouts, and root suckers.

Once controlled, restoration activities may be used to help 

prevent the problem from recurring. Since tree-of-heaven 

is relatively shade-intolerant, establishment of competing 

vegetation should be encouraged following control

efforts. This includes establishing a thick cover of

desirable trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Persistence and a long-term commitment are a must for 

tree-of-heaven control. Complete control will likely 

require 1 to 5 years of continuous planning and integrated 

management. Since it is ordinarily useless to treat an area 

only one time without retreatment, sufficient resources 

must be allocated for the area where control is attempted. 

After initial treatment, it is important that resources are 

also available to respray or retreat the treated area as 

necessary. Regardless of the strategy used, the key to 

successful long-term control of tree-of-heaven is to 

monitor treated areas for several years after initial 

treatment. Always be prepared to remove any new plants 

quickly. Failure to perform follow-up monitoring and 

treatment could result in a return to pretreatment 

densities.

References and Further

Information

Burch, P.L. and S.M. Zedaker. 2003. Removing the

Invasive Tree Ailanthus altissima and Restoring

Natural Cover. Journal of Arboriculture 29(1):18-

24. Availableat http://www.treelink.org/joa/2003/ 

jan/03Burch.pdf (accessed May 2010).

Davison, J.C., E. Smith, and L.M. Wilson. 2007.

Livestock Grazing Guidelines for Controlling 

Noxious Weeds in the Western United States. A 

WesternRegion Sustainable Agriculture, Research 

and Education Project. Publication EB-06-05. 

Available athttp://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/rx-grazing/ 

Livestock_Graizng_Guidelines%28Davison_et_al.

%202007%29.pdf (accessed May 2010).

DiTomaso, J. and G. Kyser. 2001. Trial of Several 

Herbicides and Application Techniques for Control

of Ailanthus altissima, Upper Putah Creek, Yolo

County. In M. Kelly (ed.). Proc. of the California

Exotic Pest Plant Council Symp. Vol. 6: 2000-

2002. pp. 125. Available at http://www.cal-ipc.org/ 

symposia/archive/pdf/18602.pdf (accessed May

2010). 

Heiligmann, R.B. 2006. Controlling Undesirable Trees,

Shrubs and Vines in Your Woodland. Available at

http://www.wildlifemanagement.info/files/forestry

_mgt_17.pdf (accessed May 2010).

Howard, J.L. 2004. Ailanthus altissima. In Fire Effects 

Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain 

Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory 

(Producer). Available athttp://www.fs.fed.us/ 

database/feis/plants/tree/ailalt/all.html (accessed in 

May 2010).

Hunter, J. 2000. Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima).In 

Bossard, C.C., J.M. Randall, M.C. Hoshovsky

(eds.) Invasive Plants of California’s Wildlands.

University of California Press. Available at

http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/ipcw/ 

online.php (accessed May 2010).
8 

Kelly, M. 2001. Results of Basal Bark Application of

Garlon 4 on Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-Heaven).

In M. Kelly (ed.) Proceedings of the California

Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium. Vol. 

6:2000–2002. pp. 105. Available at http://www.calipc.org/symposia/archive/pdf/18602.pdf (accessed 

May 2010).

Miller, J.H. 2003. Nonnative invasive plants ofsouthern 

forests: a field guide for identification and control. 

Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–62. USDA Forest Service, 

Southern Research Station. Asheville, NC. 93 pp.

Miller, J.H., S.T. Manning, and S.F. Enloe. 2010. A 

Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern 

Forests. General Technical Report SRS–131.

USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station.

Asheville, NC. 120 pp.

Northam, E. and W. Meyer et al. 2009. Non-Native

Invasive Plants of Arizona. Produced by

Conservation Districts and RC & D Areas of

Arizona and the University of Arizona Cooperative 

Extension. AZ1482. pp. 8–9. Available at

http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/natresources/

az1482.pdf (accessed May 2010).

Pannill, P.D. and J.M. Swearingen. 2009. Least Wanted:

Tree-of-Heaven Fact Sheet. Plant Conservation 

Alliance. Available athttp://www.nps.gov/plants/

alien/fact/aial1.htm (accessed May 2010).

Salom, S. M. and L.T. Kok et al. 2009. Ailanthus, Tree-ofHeaven Update: A Northeast Regional Biological 

Control Project. In K.A. McManus and K.W. 

Gottschalk (eds.) Proc. 20th USDA interagency 

research forum on invasive species 2009; Gen. 

Tech. Rep. NRS-P-51. Pp. 52–53. Available at 

http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr-nrs-p51papers/30salom-p-51.pdf (accessed May 2010).

Suggested Web Sites

For information about calibrating spray equipment: 

NMSU Cooperative Extension Service Guide A613, Sprayer Calibration. Available at

http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_a/A-613.pdf 

Herbicide labels online: http://www.cdms.net/

Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: 

http://www.invasive.org/weedus/index.html

USDA Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov/index.html
For more information or

other field guides, contact:

USDA Forest Service 

Southwestern Region

Forest Health

333 Broadway Blvd., SE 

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Or visit the Southwestern Region’s 

website for invasive species:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/invasivespecies

The use of trade or firm names in this publication is for reader 

information only and does not imply endorsement of any 

product or service by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Recommendations made here for 

pesticide use are not obligatory, 

nor do they imply that discussed 

uses have been registered. All 

uses of pesticides must be 

registered by appropriate State 

and/or Federal agencies before 

they can be applied. 

CAUTION: Pesticides can be 

injurious to humans, domestic 

animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife—if they 

are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides 

carefully and lawfully. Follow recommended practices for the 

disposal of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers.