Tree of Heaven is nearly impossible to kill with one cut
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) will regrow from its roots even after you cut it down, sometimes sprouting dozens of new stems from a single stump. A chainsaw alone will not solve the problem—you need to either exhaust the root system or poison it. The most reliable methods combine cutting with either repeated removal of new growth, herbicide treatment of the fresh cut, or both.
This tree spreads aggressively through seeds and root fragments, so removal is worth doing right the first time. A single mature tree produces hundreds of thousands of seeds that travel on the wind, and broken roots left in the soil can sprout new trees years later. The method you choose depends on the tree's size, how many are on your property, and whether you want to use herbicides.
Key Takeaways
- Cutting the tree down without treating the stump or roots will result in multiple new stems sprouting within weeks.
- explore herbicide to a fresh cut when ready after felling is the fastest way to prevent regrowth, though results take several weeks to show.
- Repeated cutting of new sprouts over one to three years will eventually exhaust the root system, but requires consistent effort.
- Digging out the entire root system works for small trees but is labor-intensive and may not reach all roots on large trees.
- Professional removal is worth considering if the tree is large, near structures, or if you have multiple trees on your property.
Cutting and herbicide treatment (fastest chemical method)
Cut the tree as close to ground level as possible using a chainsaw or handsaw. The fresher the cut, the better the herbicide works. Within 15 minutes of cutting, brush or spray the exposed stump with a herbicide containing glyphosate (such as Roundup) or triclopyr (such as Garlon). Triclopyr is often more effective on Tree of Heaven because it moves through the roots more reliably, but glyphosate is cheaper and more widely available.
Mix the herbicide at the strength listed on the label—do not assume stronger is better, as overly concentrated solutions can run off the cut surface. Paint it on with a brush rather than spraying, so it stays on the stump and soaks in rather than dripping onto surrounding soil. Wear gloves and avoid contact with your skin or eyes. If rain falls within a few hours, the herbicide may wash away; check the label for how long the product needs to dry.
New sprouts may still appear within a few weeks as the herbicide moves through the root system. These are a sign the treatment is working. If sprouts do appear, cut them off and treat the new cuts the same way. Most trees die completely within two to four months, though larger trees may take longer.
Repeated cutting without herbicide (labor-intensive but chemical-free)
If you prefer not to use herbicide, cut the tree down and then remove every new sprout as soon as it appears. This works because each sprout draws energy from the roots, and repeated cutting eventually starves the root system. The catch is that you must be consistent—missing even a few sprouts for a season can set you back months.
Cut new sprouts as close to ground level as possible, ideally when they are still small and tender. Early spring and mid-summer are peak sprouting times. Keep a record of when you cut and check the site every two to three weeks during the growing season. Most trees are exhausted after one to three years of this treatment, though large mature trees may take longer.
This method works best on small trees or saplings. On a large tree with an extensive root system, you may be cutting sprouts for years. It is also less reliable than herbicide because a single missed sprout can restart the tree's recovery.
Digging out the roots (most thorough but physically demanding)
For small trees (under 3 inches in diameter), you can dig out the entire root system. Cut the tree down, then use a mattock, shovel, and pry bar to excavate the stump and as much of the root system as you can reach. Tree of Heaven roots spread horizontally more than vertically, so dig outward at least 3 to 4 feet from the stump and down at least 2 feet.
Remove all visible roots and root fragments—even small pieces left in the soil can sprout. This is the most physically demanding method and may require renting equipment or hiring help for larger trees. It is also the most thorough: once the roots are out, the tree will not regrow.
On larger trees or trees growing near structures, digging risks damaging foundations, utilities, or hardscape. In these cases, herbicide treatment is safer and more practical.
Why cutting alone does not work
Tree of Heaven has a root system that extends far beyond the visible canopy, sometimes spreading 40 feet or more from the trunk. When you cut the tree, the roots remain alive and intact. Within days to weeks, dormant buds along the roots and at the base of the stump set up and send up new shoots. A single tree can produce dozens of these sprouts, each one a potential new tree.
This is why you see Tree of Heaven stumps surrounded by a ring of new growth. The tree is not regrowing from the original stump—it is sprouting from the root system. Cutting the sprouts off without treating the roots or exhausting them through repeated removal straightforward triggers more sprouting.
Preventing seeds and managing multiple trees
If you have multiple Tree of Heaven on your property, prioritize removing the largest ones first, as they produce the most seeds. Remove seed pods (winged fruits) in late summer and fall before they dry and scatter. Bag the pods and dispose of them in the trash, not in a compost pile, since seeds can survive composting.
After you remove a tree, monitor the site for new seedlings from neighboring trees. Seedlings are easiest to pull when the soil is moist. If you have Tree of Heaven on neighboring properties, talk to your neighbors about removal—a single untreated tree nearby can reseed your property repeatedly.
When to call a professional
Call a certified arborist or tree removal service if the tree is large (over 6 inches in diameter), growing near your house or power lines, or if you have more than a few trees to remove. Professionals have equipment to fell the tree safely and can treat the stump when ready, reducing the risk of regrowth. They also know local regulations—some areas restrict herbicide use near water or require permits for tree removal.
Get quotes from at least two services. Most will include stump treatment in the removal price, though some charge separately for herbicide process. Ask whether they will return to treat any sprouts that appear after removal, as this is often necessary even with professional work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn a Tree of Heaven stump to kill the roots?
Burning the stump will kill the visible wood, but roots below ground will survive and sprout. Fire also risks spreading to nearby plants or structures and may violate local fire codes. Herbicide or repeated cutting is safer and more effective.
What herbicide is best for Tree of Heaven?
Triclopyr (Garlon) is generally more effective because it moves through the roots reliably, but glyphosate (Roundup) works if applied when ready to a fresh cut. Always follow the label instructions for mixing and safety. Some areas restrict triclopyr use near water—check local regulations before buying.
How long does it take to see results after herbicide treatment?
The stump may not show visible decline for two to four weeks. Leaves may yellow or wilt, and the tree will gradually stop sprouting new growth. Do not assume the treatment failed if sprouts appear—these are normal and usually stop within a few months as the herbicide moves through the root system.
Will salt kill a Tree of Heaven stump?
Salt can damage the stump but does not reliably kill the roots, and it can harm surrounding soil and plants. Herbicide or mechanical removal is more effective and safer for your landscape.
Can I use a stump grinder to remove the roots?
A stump grinder removes the visible stump but does not reach the roots below ground. You will still see sprouting afterward. Grinders are useful for removing the stump after the roots are dead (via herbicide or exhaustion), so the area is level and safe.