Forestry specialist explains how to get rid of local invasive tree

LEETONIA, Ohio (WKBN) – The Columbiana County Soil and Water Conservation District wants the public to know about an invasive tree they are trying to get rid of.

Wildlife and Forestry Specialist John Beilhart explained the Trees of Heaven – recognizable by their elongated oval leaves, barks resembling cantaloupe, and a distinct smell from a broken limb.

“If you cut one down, they’ll actually root sprout and it’ll cause thousands of them to come up from the ground. That’s why they’re known as the Tree of Heaven,” said Beilhart.

Beilhart says Trees of Heaven have almost a peanut buttery smell and their sap is used by the Spotted Lanternfly.

They grow anywhere even in the worst soils and have a longer growing window at the start of the season and the end, hindering the growth of native species like oaks and maples.

“They’re taking over our woodlands and out-competing our native species that are actually beneficial to us and are good hardwood species for timber production,” Beilhart said.

Since cutting them down only grows more trees, he says there’s only one good way to get rid of Trees of Heaven — slice them with a machete and use a herbicide.

“Getting rid of these trees is hard,” he said.

Beilhart said herbicide was applied to a grove of Trees of Heaven at the Leetonia Sportsman’s Club two years ago but some are already beginning to grow back.

He realizes getting rid of all the trees would be nearly impossible. But he’s urging people to control them — both in woodland and urban areas too.

“Just to help the spread of them, control them, and hopefully remove pockets of them from our landscape and also prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly as well,” he said.

If someone has Trees of Heaven they want to get rid of — but have questions — they can contact the Soil and Water Conservation District in their county.

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