Tree of Heaven Removal in Kerrisdale – The Complete Guide by Ascent Yard Care

Meta Description:
Discover the ultimate guide to Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) removal in Kerrisdale. Learn why this invasive species is a threat, how Ascent Yard Care’s eco‑friendly, guaranteed treatment works, and get expert tips for a healthier yard. Get a free quote from arborist Jake Innes today!

What Is Tree of Heaven?
Why Tree of Heaven Is a Major Issue in Kerrisdale
Legal and Environmental Considerations
Ascent Yard Care’s Proven Removal Process
Post‑Treatment Monitoring & Maintenance
Practical Kerrisdale Tips for Homeowners
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Ascent Yard Care?
Get Your Free Quote Today

What Is Tree of Heaven?

Scientific name: Ailanthus altissima
Common names: Tree of Heaven, Chinese sumac, stink tree

Tree of Heaven is a fast‑growing deciduous tree native to central China. It was introduced to North America in the 1800s as an ornamental and shade tree, but its aggressive root system, prolific seed production, and tolerance of poor soils have turned it into a high‑impact invasive species across the Lower Mainland, including the residential neighbourhood of Kerrisdale.

Key identifying features

Feature	Description
Leaves	Pinnately compound, 3–7 leaflets, glossy dark green, turning yellow in fall
Bark	Light gray, smooth when young; develops distinctive ridges with age
Flowers	Small, greenish‑yellow, appear in early summer in large panicles
Fruit	Samara (winged seed) that can travel up to 2 km on wind currents
Odor	Strong, unpleasant “rotten cheese” smell when leaves or bark are crushed

Understanding these traits helps homeowners and professionals spot early infestations before they spread.

Why Tree of Heaven Is a Major Issue in Kerrisdale

Rapid Colonisation – A single tree can produce up to 100,000 seeds per year. In Kerrisdale’s mixed‑use streetscapes, seeds readily lodge in vacant lots, park edges, and under‑utilised garden beds.
Root Competition – The shallow, fibrous root network outcompetes native trees, shrubs, and lawn grasses for water and nutrients, leading to thinning of established plantings.
Structural Hazards – Tree of Heaven’s brittle wood can break during windstorms, posing safety risks to sidewalks and driveways common in the neighbourhood’s older heritage homes.
Impact on Municipal Green Initiatives – The City of Vancouver and surrounding municipalities have strict invasive‑species management plans; uncontrolled Tree of Heaven can result in fines for property owners.

Kerrisdale’s climate—mild, wet winters and dry summers—creates ideal conditions for this species to thrive, making early detection and professional removal essential.

Legal and Environmental Considerations

British Columbia Invasive Species Act: Requires landowners to control invasive plants that threaten local ecosystems. Failure to act can trigger municipal enforcement.
City of Vancouver By‑law 12‑11: Specifically lists Tree of Heaven as a “priority invasive species” requiring removal within 30 days of detection.
Wildlife Protection: While Tree of Heaven offers little habitat value, removal methods must avoid harming native pollinators and birds that may be nesting nearby.

As a certified service provider, Ascent Yard Care adheres to all provincial regulations and city bylaws, ensuring every treatment is legally compliant and environmentally responsible.

Ascent Yard Care’s Proven Removal Process

Owned and operated by Jake Innes, ISA‑Certified Arborist, Ascent Yard Care has been delivering science‑backed, eco‑friendly invasive plant eradication since 2017. Our Tree of Heaven removal protocol blends expert field assessment with targeted herbicide application, guaranteeing results while protecting surrounding flora and fauna.

4.1 Step‑by‑Step Treatment Overview

Step	Action	What Homeowners See
1️⃣ Site Inspection	Jake and a certified technician walk the property, map every Tree of Heaven individual, assess size, health, and proximity to desirable plants.	Detailed site diagram and a written recommendation.
2️⃣ Treatment Planning	Choose the optimal herbicide formulation (glyphosate‑based or triclopyr‑based) based on plant size and local environmental constraints.	Transparent explanation of product choice and safety data.
3️⃣ Targeted Application	Apply herbicide directly to the bark or leaf canopy using a precision spray system that limits drift. For larger specimens, we use a trunk‑injection method that delivers the active ingredient directly into the vascular system.	Minimal visible impact on neighbouring plants—only the Tree of Heaven is affected.
4️⃣ Immediate Follow‑Up	Document the treatment with photographs, record GPS coordinates, and schedule a 30‑day reassessment.	Homeowner receives a digital copy of the treatment log.
5️⃣ 30‑Day Evaluation	Return to verify mortality. If any part of the tree remains alive, we perform a free second treatment—no extra cost.	Peace of mind that the job is truly finished.
6️⃣ Disposal & Site Restoration	Remove dead wood, grind stumps, and recommend soil amendment if needed to prevent regrowth.	Clean, safe yard ready for re‑planting.

4.2 Eco‑Friendly Herbicide Selection

Active Ingredients: We primarily use triclopyr for its selective action on woody dicots, leaving grasses and most native shrubs untouched. When necessary, a low‑concentration glyphosate blend is employed for mature trees.
Formulation: All products are biodegradable, meet Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) standards, and are applied at the lowest effective rate.
Drift Reduction: Our proprietary nozzle system creates a fine, directed mist that reduces off‑target movement to <0.5 m, far below the industry average.

4.3 Safety, Liability & Compliance

Insurance: $5 million in liability coverage plus Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) compliance.
Training: All technicians hold up‑to‑date pesticide applicator licenses and complete annual safety workshops.
Client Assurance: If any Tree of Heaven remains alive after 30 days, we guarantee a second treatment at no charge—a promise backed by our 250+ five‑star reviews across four locations.

Post‑Treatment Monitoring & Maintenance

Visual Checks – Inspect the treated area weekly for any new shoots. Tree of Heaven can resprout from roots if the initial herbicide missed a portion of the cambium.
Soil Health – After removal, the vacant soil often contains a seed bank of other invasive species (e.g., Canada thistle). Ascent Yard Care can apply a pre‑emergent eco‑herbicide to suppress future weed germination.
Re‑planting Recommendations – Native species such as Western Red Cedar, Salal, and Pacific Dogwood are excellent replacements that improve biodiversity and provide shade without the invasive risk.
Annual Review – Schedule a yearly site audit with Jake to ensure long‑term control and to adjust maintenance plans as the neighbourhood matures.

Practical Kerrisdale Tips for Homeowners

Know Your Neighbours: Many Tree of Heaven seedlings appear along the edges of shared driveways and community gardens. Coordinate with neighbours for a unified eradication effort—municipal bylaws often consider a “cluster” infestation a single violation.
Timing Is Key: The most effective herbicide application window is late summer (August‑September) when the tree’s sap flow is strongest, ensuring maximum systemic uptake.
Avoid Mechanical Disturbance: Digging up a mature tree without proper herbicide treatment can spread seeds and create a larger seed bank. Let professionals handle the removal.
Monitor Construction Sites: New housing developments in Kerrisdale can inadvertently transport Tree of Heaven seeds in soil moved from other sites. Request an invasive‑species assessment before any landscaping begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
How long does it take for a Tree of Heaven to die after treatment?	Most trees show visible dieback within 2‑3 weeks. Full death of the root system may take up to 8 weeks, which is why we inspect at the 30‑day mark.
Will the herbicide affect my garden vegetables or fruit trees?	Our targeted application method confines the herbicide to the Tree of Heaven’s bark or canopy. Non‑target plants remain unaffected.
Can I treat the tree myself with over‑the‑counter herbicide?	DIY treatments often miss the cambium, leading to regrowth. Professional injection ensures the active ingredient reaches the entire vascular system, guaranteeing eradication.
Do I need a permit to remove Tree of Heaven in Kerrisdale?	No permit is required for removal, but the City of Vancouver may require proof of treatment for compliance with By‑law 12‑11. We provide the necessary documentation.
What if the tree is on a steep slope or near a retaining wall?	Our arborist, Jake, assesses structural risks and can safely apply herbicide using rope access or low‑impact equipment to protect hardscapes.

Why Choose Ascent Yard Care?

Expertise Since 2017 – Over six years of specialized invasive‑plant management across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and beyond.
Arborist‑Led Service – Jake Innes holds an ISA Certified Arborist credential, ensuring every removal respects tree health and site ecology.
Trusted by Municipalities – The City of Victoria and the City of Langley contract Ascent Yard Care for large‑scale invasive‑plant eradication, reflecting our reliability and compliance record.
5‑Star Reputation – 250+ five‑star reviews across four locations attest to our professionalism, punctuality, and results.
Comprehensive Insurance – $5 million liability coverage and WCB compliance protect you and your property throughout the project.
Guarantee of Effectiveness – If any Tree of Heaven remains alive after 30 days, we treat it again for free—no hidden fees, no excuses.

Get Your Free Quote Today

Ready to reclaim your yard from Tree of Heaven? Fill out the form below to request a free, no‑obligation quote from Jake Innes. Our team will schedule a site inspection, provide a detailed treatment plan, and set a timeline that fits your schedule.

[Free Quote Form – Submit Your Details]

Ascent Yard Care – Your partner for a healthier, weed‑free landscape in Kerrisdale and beyond.

Kerrisdale Tree of Heaven Removal: Complete Expert Guide