Tree of heaven, planting guide and care work

Ailanthus altissima (the tree of heaven) is a flowering tree of the genus Ailanthus. He is originally from China. It grows to size II, has a truncated root, and forms a less branched, globular crown. It has a straight trunk, with smooth bark. It has thick, pubescent branches. The leaves are deciduous and large on young trees over 1 m long. They are imparipinnate-composed, with a large number of leaflets, which gives them an exotic look. They have an unpleasant odor. It blooms in May-June. The tree is polygamous and the flowers grow clustered in large, yellow-green panicles. The male flowers give off an unpleasant odor. The fruits are 3-4 cm long. At first, they are greenish, then they become reddish-brown. They fall off during the cold season. It can be planted alone or in alignments, on the edge of alleys. They can also be planted to support sloping lands, with the risk of landslide. They are fast-growing trees and develop many root suckers. However, they have a low lifespan.

Species and varieties

The species Ailanthus altissima has two known varieties:

  • erythrocarpa – the fruits are permanently colored in intense red.
  • albo-variegata – the leaf has white areas.

Besides A. altissima, another “tree of heaven” species found is Ailanthus vilmoriniana. It differs from the previous species by the existence of thorns on branches and petioles.

Environmental conditions

Light. They are heliophilous trees that should be planted in bright areas.

Temperature. They grow in areas with warmer climates and do not tolerate severe frosts or early frosts.

Soil. They require damp, light soils with good water drainage. They do not withstand very compact or calcareous soils. They are drought-resistant trees.


Fertilization

They do not have special requirements for soil fertility, but to stimulate their rich growth, during the vegetative growth period, it is recommended to apply specific fertilizers.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Pruning

Shape correction cuts can be done in February-March when the trees entered the vegetative dormancy period.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Planting

Planting should be done in spring or autumn, during the vegetative dormancy period, at temperatures above 5° C, if the soil is not frozen and there is no danger of frost. Be sure to purchase planting material from authorized nurseries. Immediately after planting, water abundantly, then keep the soil moist.

Propagation

Ailanthus altissima can be propagated through seeds, root suckers, or cuttings.

  • the seeds should be harvested in autumn, layered for 5-6 months, after which they have to be sown.
  • root suckers should be harvested in autumn or spring.
  • cuttings – root cuttings are used.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Diseases and pests

It is a tree quite resistant to diseases and pests.

In addition:
  • they are trees resistant to air pollution and can be planted in industrial areas.
  • due to its root suckers and rapid growth, they can sometimes become invasive. They can be controlled with a non-selective herbicide.
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