The Invasive Duo: Spotted Lanternfly and Tree-of-Heaven
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Collapse ▲By now, you’ve likely heard that spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been found in Caldwell County, but what comes next might surprise you. While this invasive insect is known for damaging vineyards, fruit trees, and hardwoods, it turns out that one of the most effective ways to protect your property starts with managing another invasive species: Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima).
This fast-growing, weedy tree thrives in disturbed areas like roadsides, field edges, vacant lots, and behind buildings. It’s not only a preferred host for SLF, but it also supports other invasive pests like the brown marmorated stink bug. Removing Tree-of-Heaven may seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference in reducing habitat for SLF and slowing its spread.
Tree-of-Heaven often goes unnoticed, but once you know what to look for, it’s hard to miss. Trees can reach 60 to 80 feet tall and grow in dense stands. The leaves are one of the easiest identifiers. They’re long (up to four feet!) and made up of 10 to 40 smooth-edged leaflets. At the base of each leaflet, you’ll find two small gland-like bumps called glandular teeth. When crushed, the leaves give off a strong, rancid odor, often compared to burnt peanut butter.
Tree-of-heaven leaves are composed of many individual leaflets.
Showing the glandular teeth at the base of each leaflet
Young bark is smooth and light brown, resembling cantaloupe skin. As trees mature, the bark becomes gray and ridged like that of an ash tree. Twigs are stout with distinctive, U-shaped leaf scars. From late spring to early summer, trees produce clusters of yellowish-green flowers. Male trees are especially foul-smelling in bloom. By late summer, they form papery, twisted seed clusters (called samaras) that can be visible into the wintertime.
U-shaped leaf scars on branches.
Tree-of-Heaven is often mistaken for native trees like black walnut or sumac, but its smooth leaf edges, strong odor, and winged seeds help set it apart. Unlike walnut, it doesn’t have toothed leaflets, and unlike sumac, it lacks fuzzy red berries.
While you might think just cutting the tree down will solve the problem, this tree won’t give up easily. Cutting alone often causes aggressive root sprouting. The best strategy is to cut the tree and immediately apply an herbicide (e.g. triclopyr) to the stump. Another method, called “hack-and-squirt,” involves making small cuts in the bark and applying herbicide directly into the wounds. Large infestations may require a foliar or basal bark treatment later in the growing season.
As we move into summer, now’s the time to scout your property for both Tree-of-Heaven and spotted lanternfly. If you think you’ve found either, the Caldwell County Extension Center is here to help! Call us at 828-757-1290 or visit caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu for more info. And if you spot SLF, be sure to report it to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at ncagr.gov/SLF.
Taking the time now to identify and manage Tree-of-Heaven is one of the most proactive things landowners can do to protect their trees, crops, and the broader landscape from this growing threat!