Are these trees dying? - Ask Extension
We did not plant these Ailanthus altissima trees which have been thriving in our backyard for 24 years. Suddenly one fell during a storm in February ...
Knowledgebase
Are these trees dying? #877033
Asked July 12, 2024, 7:17 PM EDT
We did not plant these Ailanthus altissima trees which have been thriving in our backyard for 24 years. Suddenly one fell during a storm in February and was identified as a tree of heaven , 35 years old and over 50 feet tall. Never heard of these trees before. The trees in the photo were green and thriving, except for one that showed some sawdust at its base. Two months ago, a tree closest to the fallen tree started to show signs of yellow dry leaves and began dropping small branches. 4-5/trees adjacent to each other are now looking the same way, is this due to drought, disease? What should be done? I am concerned that a moderate storm may uproot them. Should they be removed?
Calvert County Maryland
Expert Response
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus) are invasive trees that are all over Maryland (and are the preferred host to the new invasive spotted lanternfly).
The easiest way to identify them is to pick a leaf, crush it and smell it- kind of like a stinky peanut butter.
We can't see a lot of detail, but it looks, from the bunching leaves of new growth and lots of bark disruption (may be being used by birds and other wildlife for food and shelter) that they have been declining and dying for some time. It's not really possible to say why they died but multiple stressers like drought can lead to disease, pests and decline. Any weed pesticides possibly used on lawn over top of their roots?
If they in a place where there fall would threaten people or property, then yes, take them down. If not, there is no rush.
Here is a page that helps people know when it may be time to remove a tree:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree/
Christine
The easiest way to identify them is to pick a leaf, crush it and smell it- kind of like a stinky peanut butter.
We can't see a lot of detail, but it looks, from the bunching leaves of new growth and lots of bark disruption (may be being used by birds and other wildlife for food and shelter) that they have been declining and dying for some time. It's not really possible to say why they died but multiple stressers like drought can lead to disease, pests and decline. Any weed pesticides possibly used on lawn over top of their roots?
If they in a place where there fall would threaten people or property, then yes, take them down. If not, there is no rush.
Here is a page that helps people know when it may be time to remove a tree:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree/
Christine
