The Tree of Heaven … A Nasty Invader

Hans Lagoni

Over the last several years, the Environmental Restoration Group (ERG) has been removing Trees of Heaven from Beverly Shores. An extremely aggressive plant, the invader is a plant misleadingly named Tree of Heaven, but there is nothing heavenly about it.

What Is It?

Ailanthus altissima, the scientific name for this plant, reached the United States from China back in 1784. It is listed as one of Indiana’s Most Unwanted Invasive Plant Pests. A prolific seeder, Trees of Heaven grow vigorously, establishing dense stands that displace native plants. In addition, this unwanted intruder has the ability to release toxins into the soil that prevent other seeds from sprouting. The leaves have a disagreeable odor, when crushed, as compared to the Sumac's leaves which look similar. Sumac leaves are serrated. Tree of Heaven leaves are not, but have distinctive knob-like protrusions near the base of each leaflet.

The Environmental Restoration Group's Role

The ERG began a major effort in 2013 to control the spread of this tree in Beverly Shores. We targeted about a third of the town the first year and removed thousands of small trees from the road right-of-ways. The remaining stumps were then painted with an herbicide. We worked with Dolphin Solutions, a local firm that provides tree removal services for the town. Last year, with financial assistance from the ABSR, we were able to continue the removal process across the entire town, as well as the beach front.

We have budgeted $2000 and are pleased that the ABSR has contributed $1000 for the ongoing removal process. Along with help from the residents, our goal is to eliminate as much of this species as we can.

We Need Your Physical Help

In order for us to eliminate this nasty tree from Beverly Shores, it is important that it is also removed from private property. This is where you come in. Now that you know what this tree looks like, we ask you to check your property to see if you have any growing there. The good news is that they don’t grow well in the shade, so if your site is heavily wooded, you might not find any.

Bill Schaudt (blschaudt2@gmail.com) and Hans Lagoni (hlagoni@comcast.net ), both members of the ERG Board, are available to help identify any Trees of Heaven on your property. You can cut them down yourself. but you'll need to apply an herbicide (we use Pathfinder II) to the stump or it will grow right back. We suggest that you wear long sleeves, long pants and gloves because of the toxins. Better yet, hire a tree removal service to do it. You can contact Eric Camel of Dolphin Solutions () and he can give you a quote.

We Need Your Financial Help

Finally, contributions to the ERG would allow us to continue this ongoing effort which, we feel, will still take a number of years to complete. Yearly membership is only $75 per family. Of course, contributions of greater amount would be greatly appreciated. Please send your check to the ERG, Box 667, Beverly Shores, 46301.