The Chinese may call it the "Tree of Heaven," but if you're a homeowner in any of the states where this invasive species of tree flourishes, you understand that this is one plant that's anything but heavenly. 

Evil Invader

The formal name for Tree of Heaven is the Ailanthus altissima, and while it looks almost tropical in nature, this is one tree you don't want to find on your property. As invasive species go, the Ailanthus tree tops the list. Not only does it thrive in even the poorest of soils and under the worst growing conditions, but also it seeps chemicals into the soil that discourage other plants from growing anywhere near it. So if you have this tree growing in your yard or near your garden, it could mean the death and destruction of all those plants you've lovingly cultivated by choice. 

Hard to Kill

Aside from its invasive tendencies, the Ailanthus tree is also ridiculously difficult to kill. Cutting it back above-ground simply encourages the tree to put out more spider-like appendages, and instead of being left with a single trunk that can rise 80 feet into the sky, homeowners are dealt an octopus-like tree that features multiple trunks spreading out from a single root. If you have this tree in your yard or garden, it's important to contract with a competent tree-removal service to have it effectively removed. 

Naturalized in the United States

The Tree of Heaven was introduced in America from China in the late 1700s. Since then, it's become a naturalized tree in many states. It grows so easily and reproduces so effectively that the sales, purchase or transportation of this tree has been banned in several areas, and the tree is on the Noxious Weed List in 46 states. Removing this tree is vital if you want to prevent it from spreading across your property and from stunting the growth of other plants. 

The Tree of Heaven is easy to identify through images and descriptions provided by the US Department of Agriculture. If you spot this invasive species growing on your property, take immediate steps to have the tree removed. Depending upon where you live, harboring this tree could be illegal, not to mention destructive, to both your landscaping and to the landscaping of the homes that surround you. Contact a local tree-removal service, such as Edmonds Tree Service, for more information on the eradication of the invasive Tree of Heaven. 

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