You’ve seen the headlines, social media posts, and articles: if you spot a spotted lanternfly, stomp it!
Spotted lanternflies are very destructive to native trees and plants, feasting on fruit trees, hardwoods and grapevines alike. They also leave behind a substances called honeydew that limits the growth of fruit trees.
While it remains to be seen if a spray or other remedy for the spotted lanternfly menace will be developed, one preventative measure that Hudson Valley homeowners can take is to remove their preferred habitat: the Ailanthus tree, aka of Heaven.
Ailanthus tree removal can be tricky because more ailanthus can grow from a cut stump or leftover roots. Once they get going, ailanthus trees can grow up to 10 to 20 feet a year, and reach a height of over 80 feet. The following local organizations have all affirmed the need to remove ailanthus trees:
Cornell Creative Extension Dutchess County
Invasive Species Management Lower Hudson
Wallkill Valley Land Trust
How to Identify an Ailanthus Tree
The Ailanthus deceptively like several native species, which makes proper identification important before removal. Here are some key features to look for:
Leaves: Large, pinnate leaves (similar to sumac or walnut) with 10 to 40 leaflets. Each leaflet has smooth edges but a small bump (glandular tooth) near the base. When crushed, the leaves give off a strong, unpleasant odor, sometimes described as rancid peanut butter.
Bark: Light gray and relatively smooth on younger trees, becoming rougher with age.
Growth Pattern: Ailanthus often grows in clusters, spreading aggressively from the root system. Saplings can shoot up anywhere disturbed soil is present, from roadsides to gardens.
Seeds: Female trees produce large clusters of winged seeds (samaras) that can blanket the ground or blow far from the parent tree.
Why Removal is Difficult
In addition to the spotted lanternfly connection, ailanthus trees in general are very invasive and crowd out native plants and trees that you actually do want.
Professional removal is key, because merely cutting down an Ailanthus without treating the stump almost always leads to vigorous resprouting. A single tree can send up dozens of shoots from its root system, sometimes sprouting 50–90 feet away from the original trunk. This means “just cutting it down” can actually make the infestation worse.
The root system is extensive and aggressive, sometimes damaging sidewalks, driveways, or building foundations. Herbicide treatment is often necessary, but it must be carefully timed (late summer/fall when the tree is pulling nutrients into its roots).
Safer, Healthier Alternatives
The good news is that once Ailanthus is removed, you can replace it with hardy, native trees that strengthen the ecosystem instead of weakening it. Species like red maple, black cherry, hackberry, or serviceberry not only provide shade and beauty but also attract pollinators and wildlife. Choosing the right replacement tree ensures you’re helping restore balance to the local environment.
Take Action Now
If you’ve spotted Ailanthus on your property, don’t wait until it gets out of hand. Early removal is always easier and more effective than tackling a mature stand. Because Ailanthus is so difficult to manage, working with professionals who know the correct timing and methods is often the safest path forward.
By removing Ailanthus, Hudson Valley homeowners are protecting their yards, fruit trees, and gardens, while also contributing to a region-wide effort to keep the spotted lanternfly at bay. Every tree removed is one less breeding ground for this destructive pest.