Tree of Heaven Care
Ailanthus altissima
WARNING: This species is considered invasive in Turkey. It spreads very aggressively by root suckers and seeds, destroys native vegetation and damages infrastructure. Planting it is not recommended; existing trees should be kept under control or removed.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Never.
- Fertilizing: Never.
- Pruning: While dormant, remove dry, broken, crossing and inward-growing branches so that air and light reach the inside of the crown.
- Pruning: A suitable time for uprooting and removal work.
- Plant protection: Not needed; it is very resistant to pests and diseases.
- General care: Identify the area of spread and make a removal plan.
- Pests & diseases: This tree itself is a pest.
- Frost risk: None; it is very hardy.
- Watering: Never.
- Fertilizing: Never.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Pruning: A suitable time for uprooting and removal work.
- Plant protection: Not needed; it is very resistant to pests and diseases.
- General care: Identify the area of spread and make a removal plan.
- Pests & diseases: This tree itself is a pest.
- Frost risk: None; it is very hardy.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
- Fertilizing: Never.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Pruning: Immediately and continuously cut or pull out newly emerging root suckers and seedlings.
- General care: Remove root suckers and new seedlings continuously.
- Pests & diseases: Minor pests such as aphids may be seen; do not intervene.
- Watering: Never.
- Fertilizing: Never.
- General care: Collect fallen leaves; many disease agents and pests overwinter under leaves.
- Pruning: Immediately and continuously cut or pull out newly emerging root suckers and seedlings.
- General care: Remove root suckers and new seedlings continuously.
- Pests & diseases: Minor pests such as aphids may be seen; do not intervene.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.
Browse all plant guides