Protect Your Vineyard: Why Mapping Tree-of-Heaven Matters & What Growers Can Do Now

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As California strengthens its preparedness for the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), one of the most effective actions vineyard managers can take right now is helping identify and map the invasive Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) across their properties and surrounding landscapes.

Tree-of-Heaven (TOH) is more than a fast-growing weed—it is the preferred host plant that supports SLF feeding and reproduction. By locating and reporting TOH early, growers contribute to a statewide effort to reduce future risk and better protect vineyard regions.

🗺️ Report Tree-of-Heaven Sightings

California’s EDDMapS reporting tool makes it easy to log TOH locations:

➡️ Submit sightings:
https://www.eddmaps.org/report/plants.cfm?state=CA

These reports help state and local agencies prioritize monitoring, response, and eventual removal efforts.

🔍 Reliable Tree-of-Heaven Identification Tools

If you need help confirming a suspected TOH tree, use any of these trusted resources:

These guides provide clear photos, distinguishing features, and comparisons with common lookalike species such as sumac and black walnut.

🌿 Key Identification Features for Vineyard Managers

https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/whitley/2023/08/identifying-tree-of-heaven.html

Tree-of-Heaven is often found along vineyard edges, riparian corridors, roadsides, and disturbed soils. Field characteristics include:

  • Leaves: Large pinnate leaves (1–4 feet), with 10–40 leaflets
  • Leaflets: Each leaflet has a distinctive glandular notch/tooth near the stem end
  • Odor: Crushed leaves or stems emit a strong rancid/peanut-butter-like smell
  • Seeds: Papery winged samaras in large hanging clusters
  • Growth Habit: Extremely fast-growing, aggressive resprouting, forms dense clonal stands
  • Bark: Smooth gray bark with vertical “stretch mark” striations on mature trees

If a plant matches several of these traits, it is worth reporting.

🍇 Why This Matters for the Wine Industry

Tree-of-Heaven is documented as the primary reproductive host for the Spotted Lanternfly. In every region where SLF has established:

  • Populations concentrate on TOH in late summer and fall
  • SLF uses TOH as a staging point before moving into vineyards
  • Vineyards near unmanaged TOH stands experience heavier pressure
  • Early SLF outbreaks are consistently tied to landscapes with abundant TOH

Removing or managing TOH before SLF arrives is one of the most effective preventative strategies available to growers.

🛠️ Technical Notes on Removal (For Planning Ahead)

Tree-of-Heaven removal requires strategic timing. Cutting alone will stimulate regrowth and expand the stand. Current best practices:

  • Late Summer–Fall:
    Apply systemic herbicide while the tree is moving energy downward into the root system.
  • Winter–Early Spring:
    Remove dead stems after herbicide has taken effect.
  • Following Growing Season:
    Monitor for and spot-treat resprouts.

For properties with large TOH stands, coordination with county Agricultural Commissioners or RCD staff may be appropriate.

🚜 Where Vineyard Managers Should Survey

During ranch walks or routine checks, inspect:

  • Property boundaries
  • Creek banks and riparian areas
  • Roadsides and rights-of-way
  • Unmanaged corners or fallow land
  • Neighboring parcels (especially unmanaged or wildland areas)
  • Equipment yards or disturbed soil from construction activity

TOH frequently takes hold in these areas and spreads quickly if unchecked.

📣 Grower Call to Action

  1. Walk your ranch edges and nearby corridors where TOH is likely to appear.
  2. Use the ID tools to confirm suspected trees.
  3. Report every TOH sighting at the EDDMapS link above.
  4. Plan for removal during the correct seasonal window if trees are on your property.
  5. Encourage neighbors and local landowners to participate—SLF risk is regional, not parcel-by-parcel.

Staying proactive now will help keep California vineyards resilient and better protected when SLF pressure begins to increase. Early identification and mapping of Tree-of-Heaven is a simple, high-impact step that benefits growers across the entire region.

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