Tree-of-Heaven on invasive weed conference agenda
Members of a national trade body are tracking reports of an invasive tree which has been spreading rapidly in recent years and has taken hold in parts of the UK.
The Property Care Association’s (PCA) Invasive Weed Control Group is working collectively to identify those locations where Tree-of-Heaven is growing, to evaluate its impact nationwide.
The Tree-of-Heaven can cause significant damage to the nation’s ecosystems and property, appearing to thrive in some parts of the country, including south-east England and the Midlands.
As well as aggressively displacing native species the tree quickly scales the heights, reaching 15 metres in 25 years, although its short-lived trunk rapidly hollows, causing instability in high winds.
The tree produces attractive creamy-white flowers, which give off a strong, offensive smell, produces over 300,000 seeds per tree and sends out extensive underground suckers.
Professor Max Wade, of the Property Care Association’s Invasive Weed Control Group, said: “The Tree-of-Heaven is a serious issue in some parts of Europe, for example on rail and road networks, and we need to establish the scale of the matter in the UK.
“Records show we are not seeing the tree in most of Wales, in Cumbria, Yorkshire and Northumberland but given the effects of climate change, we need to establish if this is still the case.
“We need to establish if Tree-of-Heaven is spreading up the UK, and details from members of the Invasive Weed Control Group will help inform that.
“Legislation in England, Wales and Scotland is such that it is an offence to plant or cause this invasive non-native plant to grow in the wild and, if the tree is on your land, advice should be sought on how best to remove it.”
The PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group are currently collating records of the tree’s locations across the UK, the results of which will be reported at the trade body’s 2024 International Invasive Weed Conference (IIWC2024) shared with delegates at the event.
Daniel Docking added: “Ahead of the conference, we have asked our members to look out for Tree-of-Heaven growing outside of parks and gardens, and to send in their records.
“We hope that this will indicate whether or not the tree is moving northwards, adding to the distribution map in the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s atlas. If yes, then action can be taken now to avoid extensive damage to property, rail and road network and save considerable amounts of money.
“This information will be invaluable to a wide range of people and organisations including those with responsibility for highways and rail networks, arboriculture companies and local authorities.”
The IIWC2024 takes place at the University of Warwick, Coventry, on November 28.
It will include a session, entitled ‘Tree-of-Heaven or Tree-of-Hell’ from Dr Jan Pergl, from the Institute of Botany in the Czech Republic, who will be discussing the tree’s impact in Europe.
A discussion on aquatic invasive weeds, case studies on invasive weed management, a panel debate on dealing with invasive plants without glyphosate, and a session on guidance, policy and the law are also all on the agenda.
For more information about the conference, or to book, visit: property-care.org.
