Ailanthus altissima, commonly called tree-of-heaven, is the primary host for the invasive spotted lanternfly and NYC Parks treats it under the Forest Management Framework with chemical and mechanical removal coordinated with the New York State DEC.
NYC Parks classifies tree-of-heaven as a removable invasive under Title 56 of the Rules of the City of New York and the Forest Management Framework. The species is listed on New York State 6 NYCRR Part 575 invasive plants regulatory list and serves as the obligate host plant for spotted lanternfly Lycorma delicatula. Parks crews treat trees with herbicide injection rather than cutting alone because stumps re-sprout aggressively. Property owners must keep tree-of-heaven and lanternfly populations off NYC Parks land and may receive Department of Parks notice to remove from private parcels under Admin Code section 18-147 if the tree threatens park resources. NYC Parks Stewardship Team and DEC coordinate citywide spotted lanternfly response.
Failure to address tree-of-heaven hosting spotted lanternfly near park land triggers NYC Parks orders under 56 RCNY 1-04 with fines up to $500. Selling Ailanthus violates 6 NYCRR 575.3 with DEC fines up to $250 and mandatory stock destruction.
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