This may be the last picture of the grandparent Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) at Holcomb Farm. A notable tree by any definition, three feet across, it was probably intentionally planted decades ago directly across the field from the Holcombs’ front door.
Imported from its native China starting in the late 18th century, Tree of Heaven grows rapidly and spreads via long root systems that send up shoots near and far; it also spreads by seed. It’s a serious invasive problem because its growth is uncontrolled and, more recently and urgently, because it is the preferred host for a new and cataclysmically invasive insect, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), which is rapidly radiating from its epicenter in Berks County, Pa., and insatiably devouring vineyards and farms.
This landmark tree and dozens of younger relatives have been the target of a determined multi-year campaign by Granby residents volunteering with the Granby Conservation Commission’s Invasive Action team and the Holcomb Farm Tree Trail. The strategy involves girdling—cutting through the bark and the live layer beneath—and precision poison painting on the freshly exposed tissue. This method is used because simply cutting live Trees of Heaven stimulates the root sprouting system, resulting in many more tree shoots. In the process, volunteers severed massive vines of invasive Asian bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) that warped the tree’s form over decades.
Volunteers targeted all the known Trees of Heaven in several clusters at the Farm, and the dead trees have started collapsing across trails. Signs warn visitors to avoid these areas. A contractor will soon cut and chip and dispose of the trees. Volunteers will continue to monitor and treat the inevitable root sprouts and seedlings for years. The trees are reportedly valuable to woodworkers; its smooth grain is easily worked and stained—any interest?
Trees of Heaven are everywhere. There’s a dense concentration around Barbour Street in Hartford; for many blocks it seems to be every other tree. In Granby there’s a mature cluster north of the Stop & Shop parking lot, spreading its root shoots and seeds far and wide.
Residents who may have Trees of Heaven on their property or notice them in town can help control them and the spotted lanternfly by contacting Invasive Action. Use the contact form at the bottom of the welcome page at GranbyInvasivePlants.weebly.com; we can consult, visit and help with control.
For more information, search the site for previous NOT WANTED columns on Tree of Heaven and spotted lanternfly and a host of linked resources.