Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a California Invasive Plant Council high-impact invasive and a host for spotted lanternfly. San Jose property owners must control it under SJMC weed-abatement rules, with detection coordinated by the Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner.
Cal-IPC ranks Ailanthus altissima as 'High' for invasiveness in California. The California Department of Food and Agriculture lists it as a host of concern for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an A-rated pest under CDFA detection programs. The Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner runs detection trapping and responds to suspected sightings. San Jose addresses tree of heaven through general weed-abatement and property maintenance authority under SJMC Chapter 17.08 and through tree-removal rules under SJMC Chapter 13.32. Removal of female trees and ongoing root suckers is necessary because cut stumps regenerate aggressively. Herbicide treatment of stumps is generally required for effective removal.
Allowing tree of heaven to spread onto public right-of-way or neighboring property can trigger weed-abatement orders, county pest-control directives, abatement liens, and re-inspection fees billed under SJMC Chapter 17.08 and county Ag Commissioner authority.
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