The Tree of Heaven may sound divine, but it’s anything but. This fast-growing invader spreads aggressively, chokes out native plants, damages foundations, and even attracts pests.
If you’re tempted to plant it—don’t. Here’s exactly why the Tree of Heaven is one of the worst choices for your yard or garden.
1. Spreads Like Wildfire
One Ailanthus tree can produce up to 350,000 seeds annually! These winged seeds catch the breeze and scatter far beyond your property line, sprouting wherever they land. The nightmare doesn’t end there.
Underground, the roots send up countless suckers that emerge yards away from the parent tree. Even a tiny root fragment can regenerate into a new tree. Within just a few years, what started as a single tree transforms into an unstoppable Ailanthus colony.
2. Destroys Native Ecosystems
Native plants don’t stand a chance against this bully. Ailanthus releases chemicals into the soil that actively prevent other plants from growing nearby – a process called allelopathy. It’s like chemical warfare in your garden!
As it takes over, entire plant communities disappear, along with the insects, birds, and wildlife that depend on them. The biodiversity that once thrived in your local ecosystem gets replaced by an Ailanthus monoculture, creating a biological desert where few native species can survive.
3. Damages Buildings and Infrastructure
Got foundations, sidewalks, or sewer lines? Ailanthus roots will find and destroy them. The aggressive root system can lift concrete, crack foundations, and infiltrate tiny cracks in pipes.
Homeowners have faced thousands in repair costs after these trees damaged their property. Even more frustrating, removing the tree doesn’t solve the problem – those persistent roots keep growing and causing damage long after the trunk is gone.
Utility companies regularly battle these trees as they grow into power lines at alarming speeds.
4. Smells Absolutely Terrible
Ever wondered why some call it the “Tree of Hell”? Male Ailanthus trees produce flowers with an odor often compared to rancid peanut butter or cat urine. This nauseating smell wafts through open windows and makes outdoor spaces unusable during flowering season.
Even the leaves and broken branches emit a foul odor when crushed. Many homeowners discover this unpleasant surprise only after the tree has fully established. By then, removing it becomes a major undertaking, and the smell lingers in the garden for days after pruning.
5. Harbors Destructive Pests
The spotted lanternfly, a devastating invasive insect, uses Ailanthus as its preferred host. These colorful but destructive bugs damage crops, trees, and plants worth millions of dollars annually.
By planting Tree of Heaven, you’re essentially rolling out the welcome mat for these agricultural pests. They’ll multiply on your Ailanthus before spreading to attack your garden plants and nearby farms.
Several states now have quarantine regulations specifically targeting both the spotted lanternfly and its favorite tree.
6. Nearly Impossible to Kill
Forget simple removal – cutting down an Ailanthus only makes it angry! The stump responds by sending up dozens of fast-growing sprouts, creating a multi-stemmed monster worse than the original tree.
Professional removal often requires specialized herbicide treatments applied by experts over multiple sessions. Even with proper treatment, roots can remain viable for years, requiring vigilant monitoring and follow-up control.
Many property owners battle Ailanthus for decades, watching in frustration as it repeatedly returns despite their best efforts.
7. Causes Health Problems
Contact with Tree of Heaven can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The sap contains irritating compounds that cause skin rashes similar to poison ivy for many people who prune or remove these trees.
Ailanthus pollen contributes significantly to seasonal allergies, causing misery for those with respiratory sensitivities. Some people report headaches just from being near the trees when they’re releasing their distinctive odor.
Landscapers often require protective gear when handling these trees to prevent painful skin reactions.
8. Banned in Many Locations
Growing Ailanthus is actually illegal in some states and municipalities! As awareness of its destructive nature spreads, more areas are banning its sale, transport, and cultivation.
Planting one could result in fines or mandatory removal at your expense. Even in areas without explicit bans, many homeowners associations and community covenants prohibit this notorious invader.
Conservation organizations rank it among North America’s most damaging invasive plants, and government agencies spend millions annually trying to control its spread.
9. Destroys Property Value
Real estate agents have a name for properties infested with Ailanthus: hard sells. Potential buyers often walk away when they spot these trees, knowing the ongoing battle they’ll face.
The combination of property damage, offensive odor, and difficulty of removal makes Ailanthus a serious liability. Home inspectors frequently flag these trees as concerns requiring immediate attention.
The cost of professional removal and subsequent monitoring can run into thousands of dollars, especially when trees have grown near structures or utilities.
10. Better Alternatives Exist
Every positive quality of Ailanthus can be found in native trees without the drawbacks. Need fast growth? Native tulip poplars, sweetgums, or river birches grow quickly while supporting local wildlife.
Looking for drought tolerance? Consider native oaks, which provide food and habitat for hundreds of beneficial species. Want fall color? Native maples, sassafras, and sourwood offer spectacular autumn displays without invasive tendencies.
Native alternatives typically require less maintenance while providing greater ecological benefits to your landscape.