Tree of Heaven removal - Ask Extension
I have an absolutely massive TOH in urban Wayne County that is wreaking havoc between endless suckers sprouting up and roots damaging pavement. It is ...
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Tree of Heaven removal #871657
Asked June 05, 2024, 8:52 AM EDT
I have an absolutely massive TOH in urban Wayne County that is wreaking havoc between endless suckers sprouting up and roots damaging pavement. It is probably 80' feet tall and the trunk is easily 5' wide. Two arborists have told me it's the largest TOH they've ever seen in this region. I have received multiple quotes for tree removal and stump grinding but have two questions:
1) Is there any assistance from any Michigan organization to remove this as an invasive species? Because of the size and location of the tree, this is wildly expensive.
2.) Even certified arborists simply plan to fell the tree and grind the stump. No one has mentioned herbicides before or after felling the tree. I am getting conflicting advice online about herbicide before felling versus herbicide on the stump remnants after felling. I don't know if it would even be possible to kill this tree before felling given its size. How do I proceed?
Thanks very much.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Monica,
WOW! That is a massive tree.
You are correct in that herbicides should be used to at least weaken the tree before cutting and the stump and sides should be treated with herbicide after cutting.
MSU just published a bulletin on Tree of Heaven and spotted lanternfly that includes various ways to eliminate a tree of heaven. You can download the bulletin for free at the link below:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/a-tale-of-two-invaders-tree-of-heaven-and-spotted-lanternfly
Are the people you are working with certified arborists? You can check on their credentials though a website maintained by the International Society of Arboriculture, the certifying organization for arborists.
https://www.treesaregood.org/
I'm not sure there are funds available to assist, but it worth a call to your local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) to find out more. They can also assist with protocol to eliminate the tree. Their contact information is listed below.
Coordinator: Jessica Davenport
Ph:<personal data hidden>
Email: <personal data hidden>
Finally, could we stay in touch on this? I'd like to find out how it goes, who provides assistance, etc. Also if you come across dead ends with contacts provided, please reach out, there may be others to help.
Also, may I use the picture provided in presentations, with credit to you?
Thank you,
-Julie
WOW! That is a massive tree.
You are correct in that herbicides should be used to at least weaken the tree before cutting and the stump and sides should be treated with herbicide after cutting.
MSU just published a bulletin on Tree of Heaven and spotted lanternfly that includes various ways to eliminate a tree of heaven. You can download the bulletin for free at the link below:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/a-tale-of-two-invaders-tree-of-heaven-and-spotted-lanternfly
Are the people you are working with certified arborists? You can check on their credentials though a website maintained by the International Society of Arboriculture, the certifying organization for arborists.
https://www.treesaregood.org/
I'm not sure there are funds available to assist, but it worth a call to your local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) to find out more. They can also assist with protocol to eliminate the tree. Their contact information is listed below.
Coordinator: Jessica Davenport
Ph:<personal data hidden>
Email: <personal data hidden>
Finally, could we stay in touch on this? I'd like to find out how it goes, who provides assistance, etc. Also if you come across dead ends with contacts provided, please reach out, there may be others to help.
Also, may I use the picture provided in presentations, with credit to you?
Thank you,
-Julie
Hi Julie,
Thanks very much for the prompt and thorough reply!
Thanks very much for the prompt and thorough reply!
I attached a few more photos you are more than welcome to use for any purposes you'd like. I cannot believe the nightmare this tree has turned into so go forth and educate the world on this demon! (We bought this property last fall and had no idea what the tree was.)
I am going to reach out to Jessica at your advice on removal assistance and how to eradicate it.
I have been "hack and squirting" the 50+ babies that have 1-4" trunks, and pulling additional tiny sproutlings every single day, but killing the mother tree seems a much bigger project. As you can imagine, its offspring have also infested every backyard in the immediate vicinity. Thankfully, I have not seen any spotted lantern flies yet, but I shouldn't have said that aloud and tempted fate.
I have quotes from regular tree removal companies that start at $3,500 but those from certified arborists start at $8,000. NONE include herbicide before or after, just felling and grinding, even after certified arborists saw the tree, confirmed its species, and I expressed wanting to eradicate the ongoing problem. So I'm kind of on my own trying to determine the course of action, much less spending $10k on it.
I appreciate your help and I will definitely keep you posted on my Tree of Hell saga!
Monica
You are on the right track! With hopes Jessica has some funds?
You could also contact Lawrence Sobson, MI DNR urban forester in the Detroit area. He might have ideas for funding? You can tell Lawrence I gave you his information, he's a good guy.
Lawrence Sobson
Urban Forester and Partnership Coordinator - Detroit
<personal data hidden>
Tree of Hell for sure. With hopes you can get some assistance!
Thanks, for staying in touch. I'll keep suggestions coming as I think of more.
Fingers crossed!!
-Julie
You could also contact Lawrence Sobson, MI DNR urban forester in the Detroit area. He might have ideas for funding? You can tell Lawrence I gave you his information, he's a good guy.
Lawrence Sobson
Urban Forester and Partnership Coordinator - Detroit
<personal data hidden>
Tree of Hell for sure. With hopes you can get some assistance!
Thanks, for staying in touch. I'll keep suggestions coming as I think of more.
Fingers crossed!!
-Julie
I'm trying him, too. Thank you!
PS - I just measured the trunk. 16 feet. 
Sixteen feet is unbelievable!!
I contacted our forest health specialist on campus and she had little advice to offer over what I've already mentioned. She does know of a tree guy with a large crane who may be able to help with removal (at full cost) if you'd like to email me your address privately (not here, these conversations are not secure). Or you can call me at<personal data hidden>. I suspect his quotes will be in line with the others, though. So, following up with the already suggested venues may be best. You decide.
I feel for you! And I had a silver bullet to offer!!
-Julie
I contacted our forest health specialist on campus and she had little advice to offer over what I've already mentioned. She does know of a tree guy with a large crane who may be able to help with removal (at full cost) if you'd like to email me your address privately (not here, these conversations are not secure). Or you can call me at<personal data hidden>. I suspect his quotes will be in line with the others, though. So, following up with the already suggested venues may be best. You decide.
I feel for you! And I had a silver bullet to offer!!
-Julie
