Removal of Tree of Heaven is not a traditional scenario and must be done with careful application of herbicide over a period of time.

1. Tree of Heaven
Removal
J Hyde

2. Intro
Tree of Heaven was next to one of my community property buildings.
For those not familiar, the Tree of Heaven is heavily invasive and
damaging to property. It also is a favorite host of another highly invasive
species, the spotted lanternfly.
Fortunately, in my case, there was only one specimen on the property. It
was growing into the shed damaging the building and, climbing through
the wires, approaching the main electrical power feed lines, so for
multiple reasons was easy to clear town ordinances.
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3. Your town and permits…
In my case, the tree was below the town requirement in diameter and the
town, county and NY state consider the tree to be a "weed tree" and/or
invasive species. It frequently receives clearance to remove, even when
exceeding normal diameter prohibitions for healthy tree removal. Both
factors mean a permit is often not required for removal, even within
cities.
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4. Information
These trees cannot be felled traditionally. If cut and removed
traditionally, they will spawn dozens of suckers from the root
system. Cut stump herbicide application does not work to mitigate this
activity. Once the tree is killed with the proscribed method, the dead tree
may be allowed to stand for one year to confirm no regrowth in the
spring, and then felled as any other tree.
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5. A note about felling
If you are not using a professional arborist, and the tree is established,
consideration should be made when felling the tree to expect an
unpredictable drop. The reason for unpredictability is due to the
exceptional growth characteristics of the tree. Each year of growth
produces a soft growth ring that is thicker than most trees of its diameter.
When felling, that large soft ring series may cause an unexpected twist
or high snap, so caution should be exercised more than usual. Make your
cuts deep, use wedges, and generally stay highly aware. If you’re unsure
what to do – call an expert to drop it, especially in tight physical
considerations.
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6. The process
I have reviewed and confirmed the proper removal process with Bartlett Arborists and
Westchester Tree Life and researched information from Penn State University. (Links below.)
The process is a zero physical risk herbicide application directly to the trunk and above-grade
roots of the tree through scoring and applying a glyphosate mix. I am not a fan of herbicides,
though they are direct and specific for this process. Fortunately, this application does
not require any application to the soil as it is damaging and unnecessary.
With heavy applications, the death of the tree can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. My
experience was six months. However, that was because I was purposely slow and steady to
ensure observation of a decline in the tree and surrounding plant life within a 50-foot radius.
Once I was satisfied that only the tree was declining and no other vegetation in the area was
impacted, I increased the dosage to the recommended amounts.
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7. Tools and Costs
Herbicide and bark scoring tools - $25. Herbicide is the most expensive
part of the process. An old hatchet is recommended as it should be
ground down, per the Penn State article. You can use an ordinary
hatchet, though cut deeply and with fewer cuts so as not to stress the tree
to believe it needs to shoot suckers. Remember the rule of thirds.
Destroying a third of a plant will typically be the limit to over-stress, so
bring it back to a sixth of the event. Sneak up on this tree, or you’ll have
a more significant issue!
Time for herbicide application – 15 minutes once a week per tree.
Removal of dead trees -Varies on location and local rates.
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8. When
July is the recommended time to begin application before seeding begins
and needs to continue up until September. If the tree has not died by
then, there may be wintering, and the application continues in the spring
as it has gone to the core wood.
This herbicide application/follow-up needs to happen again in the spring
in either case to confirm no suckers or further growth.
Good luck, and confirm you are managing a Tree of Heaven and not a
desirable Black Walnut! They are easily confused!
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9. References
Further reading/sources.
https://extension.psu.edu/tree-of-heaven
https://www.thespruce.com/tree-of-heaven-invasive-plant-profile-
5184401
If you prefer video format.
Identification/issues with keeping the tree around
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAfjzqaRyPY
Proper removal procedure (confirmed by Bartlett and Westchester
Tree Life)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKLW2TXS1jg
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