FAST Growing Tree? Invading my Yard, Lawn & Garden - Ask Extension
Looking for positive identification and what I can do to control these. They seem to sprout up everywhere and grow very fast. Generally hard to pull o...
Knowledgebase
FAST Growing Tree? Invading my Yard, Lawn & Garden #874041
Asked June 21, 2024, 10:24 AM EDT
Looking for positive identification and what I can do to control these. They seem to sprout up everywhere and grow very fast. Generally hard to pull out, usually cut them down especially when larger. Initially I pulled them or mowed them when cutting lawn. While I was hospitalized many of these "trees" took over and were getting quite tall. At fence line many start in neighbors yard but then grow through the fence. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
I think this is tree of heaven.
https://michiganflora.net/record/2686
Tree of heaven (Ailanthis altissima) is an introduced tree species that the State of Michigan classifies as invasive. This species can reproduce by seed and root sprouts. Even seedlings can produce horizontal roots that can produce additional sprouts. If you have any larger tree of heaven plants nearby (which you do here) or on a neighbor’s property, they can be the source of sprouts. If there is a “mother” tree, sprouts/suckers will continue to appear so long as it is alive and can also be triggered to grow if the “mother” tree is cut down and the stump is not treated at the time of removal.
In a lawn setting the active ingredient triclopyr would work well to control the trees and tree seedlings while not harming the grass. This can be found in products such as BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus. Triclopyr is active on broadleaf plants and it can persist in the soil for up to several months, so it is generally not labeled for use in ornamental or vegetable garden areas (so it would depend what you want to do with this area and when). Since this is kind of a borderline area, you could use it very cautiously around ornamentals so long as you do not intend to replant anything nearby in the near future. The best option for trees and suckers coming up from roots is to cut them near the soil surface and apply the concentrated herbicide to the cut (within 5 minutes). This technique maximizes uptake (and movement to the root and rhizome system) and minimizes movement of the herbicide in the environment. That’s why I say if you do this carefully you might be able to use it around other desirables. You'll likely have to do this a few times because as mentioned you may get some suckers/shoots coming up from the root/rhizome system. Remember with any pesticide application it is critical to read and follow all labeled instructions for maximum effectiveness and environmental and personal safety.
Another option for the other areas would be to use a glyphosate product (such as Roundup Weed & Grass Killer, among others) with this cut stem system very cautiously. Instructions for this “cut stump” method as it is usually called are explicitly stated on the product Roundup Super Concentrate. When using products containing glyphosate there are a few important points to consider. First, as was previously stated, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, glyphosate is relatively safe in the environment when used as labeled. It adsorbs strongly to soil in most cases (i.e. clay and organic matter), allowing even sensitive crops to be planted shortly after application; meaning no carry over issues are expected. Fourth, glyphosate alone can take up to 14 days to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Glyphosate (and triclopyr) is most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). Finally, be sure that the product you choose has only the active ingredient glyphosate or glyphosate + pelargonic acid. Products with additional active ingredients may have other unwanted effects and may delay the planting of other plants in the coming season(s).
https://michiganflora.net/record/2686
Tree of heaven (Ailanthis altissima) is an introduced tree species that the State of Michigan classifies as invasive. This species can reproduce by seed and root sprouts. Even seedlings can produce horizontal roots that can produce additional sprouts. If you have any larger tree of heaven plants nearby (which you do here) or on a neighbor’s property, they can be the source of sprouts. If there is a “mother” tree, sprouts/suckers will continue to appear so long as it is alive and can also be triggered to grow if the “mother” tree is cut down and the stump is not treated at the time of removal.
In a lawn setting the active ingredient triclopyr would work well to control the trees and tree seedlings while not harming the grass. This can be found in products such as BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus. Triclopyr is active on broadleaf plants and it can persist in the soil for up to several months, so it is generally not labeled for use in ornamental or vegetable garden areas (so it would depend what you want to do with this area and when). Since this is kind of a borderline area, you could use it very cautiously around ornamentals so long as you do not intend to replant anything nearby in the near future. The best option for trees and suckers coming up from roots is to cut them near the soil surface and apply the concentrated herbicide to the cut (within 5 minutes). This technique maximizes uptake (and movement to the root and rhizome system) and minimizes movement of the herbicide in the environment. That’s why I say if you do this carefully you might be able to use it around other desirables. You'll likely have to do this a few times because as mentioned you may get some suckers/shoots coming up from the root/rhizome system. Remember with any pesticide application it is critical to read and follow all labeled instructions for maximum effectiveness and environmental and personal safety.
Another option for the other areas would be to use a glyphosate product (such as Roundup Weed & Grass Killer, among others) with this cut stem system very cautiously. Instructions for this “cut stump” method as it is usually called are explicitly stated on the product Roundup Super Concentrate. When using products containing glyphosate there are a few important points to consider. First, as was previously stated, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, glyphosate is relatively safe in the environment when used as labeled. It adsorbs strongly to soil in most cases (i.e. clay and organic matter), allowing even sensitive crops to be planted shortly after application; meaning no carry over issues are expected. Fourth, glyphosate alone can take up to 14 days to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Glyphosate (and triclopyr) is most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). Finally, be sure that the product you choose has only the active ingredient glyphosate or glyphosate + pelargonic acid. Products with additional active ingredients may have other unwanted effects and may delay the planting of other plants in the coming season(s).
