Tree of Heaven Project - Underwood Conservation District

Underwood Conservation District has coordinated with the Cities of White Salmon and Bingen, Yakama Nation Fisheries, and Klickitat County Noxious Weed Control to raise awareness and develop treatment strategies for Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive species and preferred host of the destructive Spotted Lanternfly. Community members can learn identification methods and understand the environmental threats posed by this tree by visiting this website: Tree of Heaven & Spotted Lanternfly Overview. The ideal timing to treat the tree is August through September. While treatments are not currently funded, UCD can provide information on best methods to do it yourself.  Residents can get questions answered by contacting UCD at 509-493-1936 ext. 3 or toh@ucdwa.org.

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a preferred host of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), which has not yet become established in Washington State, but poses a major threat to native ecosystems and the agricultural industry.  For a review of why and how we hope to control Tree of Heaven and the associated Spotted Lanternfly, here are some primers:

A very informative overview: https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/pdfs/Tree_of_heaven_and_spotted_lanternfly_small.pdf

The recommended best management practices for controlling Tree of Heaven are found here: https://columbiagorgecwma.org/weed-listing/best-management-practices/tree-of-heaven/ 

You can view mapped locations of this tree: EDD MapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System), available here.  This map shows existing locations, and new sightings of the tree may also be reported through this program using a smart phone or computer.

Additional References and Resources:

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