Ailanthus trees or Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) according to literature cited from “Wikipedia” is a deciduous tree in the Simroubaceae family and is native to both northeast and central China. Unlike other members of the Ailanthus genus Tree or heaven is found in temperate climates rather than tropics. This fast growing tree is capable of growing 3 feet per year reaching 50 – 80 feet in height in only 25 years. As with many fast growing trees (Willows, Cottonwood, Lombardy Popular) the life expectancy is short, often not more than 50 years. Also know as Chinese Sumac an amateur gardener introduced the tree in Philadelphia, PA in 1784. Ailanthus is extremely tolerant to poor soils and has even been known to grow though cracks in pavement. Not very well adapted to shade Ailanthus will quickly colonize forest edges fields and roadsides where ample sunlight is available. Similar in nature to the Black Walnut tree Ailanthus trees produce chemicals in its roots (called Allelopathy) to prevent establishment of other plants nearby. Tree of Heaven is a prolific seed producer, a single tree can produce more than 300, 000 seeds per year, most of which are viable. Because of its compound leaves Tree of Heaven can sometimes be confused with Black Walnut. According to “The Missouri Botanical Garden” Ailanthus trees are considered messy short lived, extremely invasive and weak wooded trees that should never be considered for planting. Indeed the City of Galesburg, IL has placed Ailanthus altissima on its list of prohibited trees for planting on city property. Interestingly enough Tree of Heaven was once touted as a unique fast growing exotic shade tree. The name Ailanthus refers to sky tree and the more common name Tree of Heaven all refer to the trees ability to grow toward the sky quickly. Back in the day when air-conditioning was not common it was a desirable fast growing shade tree with unique ornamental value. But as many introduced exotic plants the desired value soon became an invasive menace. Today in our era of exotic invasive awareness “Dirr 1998” states that Tree of Heaven has no horticulture value since there are many other tree species of better quality for designed landscapes. According to literature cited from “Penn State Extension Service” Ailanthus wood is soft, weak, course grained and creamy white to light brown in color. This is not a great tree but one to be familiar with.
Remember Forester Jeff is always available to evaluate your trees for proper care. Call for your FREE LOOK-UP FROM THE TRUNK-UP! jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203-733-9219.
