Ailanthus Altissima - Tree of Heaven - Ghetto Palm

[3rdfloordeck]

Herro.

I have a big ol' tree of heaven in the back of my property. It has recently sprung up a TON of little seedlings, or possibly suckers from the root system. The thing about this tree is how fast it grows. I have some that I cut down to the ground two years ago and then forgot about, and this year they are already 12 ft high.

I'm going to experiment with them this year as a couple have neat root structure and trunk bases from my constant chopping. Some smaller ones that I chopped low with the intention of digging up and discarding have already grown about 4 feet in just a few weeks. The leaves and branches are very brittle so I won't be wiring, just going to attempt heavy pruning.

Has anyone seen this used before? I imagine it's frowned upon because of its short lifespan and how brittle it is. I'm not one to sticking to the books so I'm going to have fun experimenting without the risk of remorse if it doesn't work out.

Cheers

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I have never seen one exhibited. But there are a huge number of marginally bonsai-able trees that are only rarely used. Some species are not used because they just haven't been experimented with in bonsai use.

You have correctly identified some of the weaknesses of using Alianthus. You have a ready source of free stock to work with. Go for it. Take progress photos. Keep at a few for 4 or 5 years. Then even if you find the flaws of their growth habits make them impossible, post your results. Good or Bad. Inquiring minds want to know.

I have thought about using fast growing tree species to get thick trunks for those of us in urban settings where getting yamadori is not convenient. (and too arthritic to consider collecting my own urban yamadori)

You might have trouble with the extreme rapid growth, but check what they do in the tropics to keep ficus in check.

I'm curious to know too.

 

[Poink88]

From here... http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/aial.htm

"Tree of heaven contains chemicals, including ailanthone, that have been found to have strong allelopathic (herbicidal) affects on the growth of other plants which help it establish and spread."

If you proceed, keep it away from your other bonsai.

With that fast growth, I personally won't bother with it.

 

[bougie nights]

Anything is worth a try, but keep in mind the large compound leaves. Also, some people get a contact dermatitis from the sap, so if your hands get itchy, you'll need gloves!
As an ecologist, I detest this tree. But I also admire its ability to survive in the most harsh situations.

 

[jk_lewis]

I would urge you to spray the tree and all the seedlings with Roundup. The tree is an invasive exotic pest plant. The mere fact that you have "a TON of little seedlings," is evidence of this fact.

It takes over natural woodlands and as others have said its sap can irritate skin.

For some reason, the Arbor Day people still distribute this tree, and they should be ashamed of themselves for doing it.

Besides it has foot long compound leaves. Terrible for bonsai.

 

[3rdfloordeck]

From here... http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/aial.htm

"Tree of heaven contains chemicals, including ailanthone, that have been found to have strong allelopathic (herbicidal) affects on the growth of other plants which help it establish and spread."

If you proceed, keep it away from your other bonsai.

With that fast growth, I personally won't bother with it.

Thanks, I noticed this too. As far as I know, the chemicals only transfer via the root systems. (a couple bushes died out nearby)

 

[3rdfloordeck]

I would urge you to spray the tree and all the seedlings with Roundup. The tree is an invasive exotic pest plant. The mere fact that you have "a TON of little seedlings," is evidence of this fact.

It takes over natural woodlands and as others have said its sap can irritate skin.

For some reason, the Arbor Day people still distribute this tree, and they should be ashamed of themselves for doing it.

Besides it has foot long compound leaves. Terrible for bonsai.

Yeah, we're making plans to exterminate the grandfather tree. I cant fight the urge to experiment with the younger trees.

 

[jk_lewis]

Yeah, we're making plans to exterminate the grandfather tree. I cant fight the urge to experiment with the younger trees.

Then if they ever bloom, do NOT let them seed, and when you get tired of them (which will be soon, I bet), please destroy them.

(And keep and eye on that backyard. Seedlings will be sprouting there for years to come.)

 

[minty]

is this the only thread on this? looking to see if any one has posted examples. Considering pulling some polluting public spaces and potting them for guilt-free experimentation.

 

[Ry2Tree2]

is this the only thread on this? looking to see if any one has posted examples. Considering pulling some polluting public spaces and potting them for guilt-free experimentation.

I'm also curious if anyone has an update. I found a volunteer tree of heaven in a community garden that has been repeated cut back and made an interesting stump. I plan to dig it in spring as they clearly don't want it. Not sure what I'll do with it yet but it already has nice taper and is certainly several years old.

 

[Crazy Diamond]

Probably one of the worst species (and bad smelling xD) for bonsai that I can think off