When were Tree of Heaven planted?

The Tree of Heaven, or Ailanthus altissima, is an invasive species that is native to China but has now spread across the world. It was introduced to the United States in the late 1700s as an ornamental plant and was also used for erosion control, but soon became a nuisance plant due to its fast growth rate and ability to spread quickly.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the Tree of Heaven was first planted in the United States, but it is believed to have been introduced in the late 1700s. One of the earliest references to the Tree of Heaven in America comes from Thomas Jefferson, who noted the plant's ability to reach tall heights in a short amount of time in his journal in 1786.

The Spread of the Tree of Heaven

After its introduction, the Tree of Heaven quickly spread throughout the United States, particularly in urban areas. It was often planted as a street tree because of its ability to withstand pollution, and its fast growth rate made it an attractive option for landscapers and city planners.

However, the Tree of Heaven's ability to spread rapidly also made it a difficult plant to control. As it grew, it displaced native vegetation, and its shallow roots systems often caused damage to sidewalks, roads, and buildings. Ironically, the Tree of Heaven was also found to be a poor choice for erosion control, as its shallow roots did not provide the necessary stability to prevent soil erosion.

The Tree of Heaven's Role in Pop Culture

The Tree of Heaven has also played a role in pop culture, particularly in literature. The author Betty Smith used the Tree of Heaven as a symbol of resilience and determination in her novel "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." In the book, the tree grows in the midst of poverty and struggle, serving as a symbol of hope for the protagonist, Francie Nolan.

The Tree of Heaven has also been used in various other books and plays, such as "Angelo" by Maxine Hong Kingston, "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams, and "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan.

Control and Removal of the Tree of Heaven

Due to its invasive nature, many efforts have been made to control and remove the Tree of Heaven from areas where it is unwanted. Herbicides are often used to kill the plant, but this method can be harmful to other vegetation in the area as well. Pulling the plant by hand is also an option, but the plant regrows quickly from its roots if not removed entirely.

One effective method of removing the Tree of Heaven is to cut the plant down and treat the stump with herbicide. This prevents the tree from regrowing, and the dead stump can be easily removed from the area.

In Conclusion

The Tree of Heaven has been present in the United States for over two hundred years and has had both positive and negative impacts on the environment. While it was originally introduced as an ornamental plant, it quickly became a nuisance due to its ability to spread rapidly and displace native vegetation. As efforts continue to control and remove the invasive plant, it remains a symbol of resilience and determination in literature and popular culture.