Sumac Trees or Tree of Heaven
Rating: 1
Size: up to 80 ft
Type: softwood, very fast growing, invasive specie
The sumac is a bit of a misnomer. Also called the “Tree of Heaven,” it would be a better fit to call it the tree of hell due to the havoc it wreaks on property and landscaping. The broad leaf and giant weed like aspects of it make it look like a species right out the Jurassic period. A deciduous native to China, the sumac or tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is an invasive tree that has become widespread throughout the United States. Thousands of these trees infest yards through Ogden and Layton, Utah and surrounding areas. What makes these trees so invasive is that a single tree can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds. These seeds have helicopter-like blades that send them travelling in the autumn. Seeds land all over landscaping and grass and the next year, the entire lawn is full of fast growing baby saplings.
The sumac tree also has a strong unpleasant stench that has earned it the nickname stinking sumac. There is also a beautiful ornamental “tame” variety of the sumac called the Staghorn Sumac. This variety is safe to use in yards and is commonly planted in the southern United States.
Control: Remove the trees as soon as possible. Pull all saps up by their long tap roots. Apply triclopyr based herbicides to young trees on the cambium or leaves of younger trees. Larger trees need to be removed by a professional tree service.