Ailanthus altissima, the tree of heaven, is one of the most aggressive invasive species in North America. Its root system can extend over 50 feet, and any attempt to cut the trunk triggers an explosion of root suckers that overwhelm your yard or garden. Standard weed killers barely touch it, and mechanical removal often makes the infestation worse by stimulating dormant buds along the shallow lateral roots.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time studying aggregated owner feedback, comparing herbicide active ingredients, and analyzing horticultural data to find what truly breaks the biological cycle of stubborn woody weeds like tree of heaven.
A dedicated herbicide for tree of heaven must contain systemic active ingredients that move through phloem and kill the entire root network, preventing regrowth from root fragments that remain active for years after the parent trunk is gone.
How To Choose The Best Herbicide For Tree Of Heaven
Tree of heaven is not killed by surface sprays alone. Its waxy leaf cuticle repels many aqueous herbicides, and its root system stores energy that fuels regrowth for years. Choosing the right product means understanding three category-specific factors that determine whether the tree dies completely or fights back harder.
Active Ingredient: Triclopyr vs Glyphosate vs 2,4-D
Triclopyr is the gold standard for cut-stump and basal bark treatments on tree of heaven. It penetrates bark and moves into the cambium layer more efficiently than glyphosate alone. Glyphosate at 41% concentration works well when applied immediately to a fresh cut stump, especially when mixed with a surfactant. Products containing 2,4-D alone are rarely sufficient for this species because root suckers recover too quickly.
Application Method Compatibility
Tree of heaven requires direct application to vascular tissue. Look for a product that is labeled for cut-stump, basal bark, or hack-and-squirt treatment — not just foliar spray. Concentrates in 1-gallon or 2.5-gallon jugs are cost-effective for multiple stumps. Pre-mixed ready-to-use formulas are available but become expensive when treating a large infestation.
State Restrictions and Residential Labeling
Some glyphosate and triclopyr concentrates are restricted to certified applicators or are not labeled for residential use. Check the product label for your state before purchasing — certain states like California, Oregon, Washington, and Montana restrict sale of specific herbicides. Many commercial-grade products specify “professional use only” and cannot legally be applied on residential properties.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Ag Crossbow | Selective Brush Killer | Mixed landscapes with desirable plants nearby | Triclopyr + 2,4-D formula | Amazon |
| Corteva Remedy | Triclopyr Concentrate | Basal bark on large trunks | Triclopyr — low odor | Amazon |
| Remedy Ultra | Pasture/ Fence Line | Large infestations in non-crop areas | Triclopyr 1 gallon | Amazon |
| Albaugh Gly Star Plus | Non-Selective Concentrate | Cut-stump on isolated trees | 41% glyphosate + surfactant | Amazon |
| Alligare Triclopyr 4 | Triclopyr Concentrate | Smaller stumps and spot treatments | Triclopyr 1 quart | Amazon |
| Glyphosate 4+ | Value Bulk Concentrate | Large-scale cut-stump operations | 41% glyphosate 2.5 gal | Amazon |
| Crossbow 1 Gal | Ready-to-Use Brush Killer | Quick spot spraying on small trees | Triclopyr + 2,4-D 1 gal | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Southern Ag Crossbow Specialty Herbicide
Southern Ag Crossbow combines triclopyr with 2,4-D in a low-volatile formula that delivers excellent bark penetration on tree of heaven trunks up to 6 inches in diameter. The triclopyr component attacks woody brush specifically, while the 2,4-D provides quick top-growth knockdown. Users report visible wilting within 48 hours of cut-stump application, and root sucker suppression lasting through a full growing season.
The 128-ounce jug covers roughly 15 to 20 medium-sized stumps when applied as a concentrated bark spray or paint-on treatment. Crossbow is labeled for use on fence lines, pastures, and rights-of-way, but the label also permits spot treatment in residential areas as long as you avoid desirable vegetation. The low-volatile ester formulation minimizes drift damage to nearby ornamentals compared to high-volatile alternatives.
One common frustration is the strong odor — it is less pungent than older brush killers but still noticeable during mixing. The product also requires mixing with a crop oil concentrate for optimal cut-stump performance, an extra step that some users miss on first purchase.
What works
- Excellent bark penetration for cut-stump and basal bark methods
- Low volatile formula reduces drift to non-target plants
- Effective root suckers suppression for one full season
What doesn’t
- Requires crop oil concentrate for best results
- Strong odor noticeable during mixing and application
2. Remedy Specialty Herbicide (Dow AgroSciences)
Remedy Ultra from Corteva (formerly Dow AgroSciences) is a straight triclopyr concentrate built for rangeland, pasture, and fence line brush control. The one-gallon bottle treats a dense stand of tree of heaven when applied as a basal bark treatment during the dormant season. The low-odor formula is a welcome upgrade over older triclopyr products, making it less offensive when working near occupied homes.
The product is labeled for broadcast spraying and spot treatment, but the real value emerges when you mix it with an oil-based carrier for basal bark applications. A single gallon mixed with diesel or crop oil can treat over 100 small to medium stems, making it one of the most cost-effective options for sprawling infestations. Users consistently report complete top-kill within two weeks and no detectable root suckers by midsummer.
The main drawback is the restriction on residential use — the label specifies professional or agricultural applications, which means homeowners in some jurisdictions may not be able to purchase or apply it legally. The product is also not pre-mixed, so you need to calculate proper dilution ratios.
What works
- Concentrated triclopyr ideal for dormant season basal bark
- Low odor formulation reduces application discomfort
- Extremely cost-effective when mixed with carrier oil
What doesn’t
- Professional use label — not for casual residential application
- Requires mixing with oil carrier for basal bark treatment
3. Corteva Agriscience Remedy Herbicide
This liquid triclopyr concentrate from Corteva mirrors the performance of the classic Remedy Ultra but comes in a slightly different packaging SKU. It delivers the same systemic triclopyr acid that moves through tree of heaven bark and into the root system, preventing the aggressive root suckering that makes this species so resilient. Users who apply it with the hack-and-squirt method — making a series of downward cuts around the trunk and filling each with concentrate — report complete tree death within three weeks.
The product works best when ambient temperatures are above 60°F and the tree is actively transpiring. Late spring and early fall applications yield the highest translocation into roots. The 1-gallon size is adequate for treating roughly 30 to 50 medium-sized trunks depending on diameter, making it a solid mid-tier option for landowners facing a moderate infestation.
One limitation is the lack of a built-in surfactant — you must add one separately for foliar applications. The product also has a moderate odor that lingers for a few hours after mixing, though it is less intense than high-volatile ester formulations.
What works
- Systemic triclopyr moves deeply into root network
- Hack-and-squirt method delivers fast visible results
- Good value per ounce of active ingredient
What doesn’t
- No built-in surfactant — must purchase separately
- Moderate odor during application
4. Crossbow Herbicide Brush Killer 1 Gallon
The pre-mixed Crossbow brush killer in a one-gallon jug offers convenience for homeowners who want a ready-to-use solution without measuring concentrates. The same triclopyr and 2,4-D blend found in the concentrate is already diluted to application strength, so you can pour it directly into a spray bottle and treat small tree of heaven saplings or root suckers immediately after cutting the parent trunk.
This format is best for light infestations — a few scattered trees or a single stump with suckers. Users praise the simplicity of opening the jug, attaching a spray wand, and applying without math. The product penetrates the thin bark of young tree of heaven stems effectively, and visible dieback occurs within five to seven days on actively growing suckers.
The downside is cost per gallon of active ingredient — pre-mixed products are significantly more expensive per treatment than concentrates. The formula also has not had the low-volatile ester treatment found in the Southern Ag version, so drift risk is higher when applying in breezy conditions near gardens or lawns.
What works
- No mixing required — pour and spray directly
- Effective on young saplings and root suckers
- Convenient for homeowners with few trees to treat
What doesn’t
- High cost per treatment compared to concentrates
- Higher drift potential in windy conditions
5. Alligare Triclopyr 4 Herbicide 1 QT
The Alligare Triclopyr 4 in a quart bottle is a pint-sized powerhouse for those targeting a handful of tree of heaven stumps. The triclopyr concentration is identical to the larger jugs — 4 pounds per gallon — so you get full systemic activity in a more manageable container. For a single acre with three to five mature trees, this quart covers cut-stump treatments on all of them with plenty left over for follow-up sucker spraying.
The small size also means less chemical waste — important for homeowners who do not want to store a gallon of herbicide they may not use for years. Users report that a single quart mixed with crop oil treats approximately 40 to 50 small stumps when applied via paintbrush immediately after cutting. The triclopyr uptake is visible within a week as leaves curl and brown, and root sucker emergence is suppressed for the entire growing season.
The quart bottle lacks a measuring cap or integrated dispenser, so you need a separate measuring cup. The product also has no built-in surfactant, so foliar applications require an additional purchase.
What works
- Compact quart size avoids excess chemical storage
- Full-strength triclopyr for small to medium infestations
- Excellent cut-stump performance with visible dieback
What doesn’t
- No measuring cap — need separate measuring tools
- No built-in surfactant for foliar applications
6. Plus Herbicide 41% Glyphosate with Surfactant 2.5 Gal
This 2.5-gallon jug of 41% glyphosate from Alligare is a no-frills concentrate designed for large-scale cut-stump work. The active ingredient matches the standard found in name-brand formulations, and the included surfactant improves leaf wetting and bark adhesion. For tree of heaven, the cut-stump method with undiluted or 50% glyphosate solution is effective when applied within 30 minutes of cutting the trunk — the window before the stump forms a protective callus layer.
The sheer volume makes this the most economical choice for landowners facing dozens of mature trees. Users report treating over 200 stumps from a single jug when using a squirt bottle or spray wand with a narrow nozzle. The glyphosate translocates through the phloem to the roots, reducing sucker emergence by roughly 80% compared to untreated stumps.
The primary limitation is that glyphosate alone is less effective than triclopyr when applied as a basal bark treatment because it does not penetrate intact bark as well. The jug is also heavy — over 25 pounds — and does not come with a pump or spigot, making it awkward to dispense.
What works
- Extremely economical cost per ounce of active ingredient
- Built-in surfactant improves application efficiency
- Treats hundreds of stumps from one jug
What doesn’t
- Heavy jug without pump spigot — awkward to dispense
- Glyphosate less effective on intact bark than triclopyr
7. Albaugh Gly Star Plus Herbicide 2.5 Gallons
Albaugh Gly Star Plus delivers the same 41% glyphosate concentration as the Alligare product but adds a fully loaded surfactant system that enhances droplet spread and reduces surface tension on waxy leaves. This makes it slightly more effective for foliar application on tree of heaven saplings, where the waxy leaf surface can cause standard glyphosate to bead up and roll off. The 2.5-gallon size targets users tackling a moderate infestation.
Users note visible results within two to four days on annual weeds and seven days on tree of heaven foliage, with complete root kill taking closer to two to three weeks. The surfactant system means you can skip the additive step for foliar work, though cut-stump applications still benefit from mixing with a wetting agent at full concentration. The lack of soil residual activity means you can plant grass or other vegetation in treated areas within days of application.
The biggest drawback is the geographic restriction — Gly Star Plus is not labeled for sale in California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming. The professional-use-only designation also means it is technically not approved for residential lawns in some states, so check local regulations before purchasing.
What works
- Fully loaded surfactant system improves leaf wetting
- Fast visible results on tree of heaven foliage
- No soil residual activity allows replanting quickly
What doesn’t
- Not for sale in six western states
- Professional-use label limits residential applicability
Hardware & Specs Guide
Active Ingredient Concentration
Triclopyr products typically carry 4 pounds per gallon (4 lb ai/gal), while glyphosate concentrates range from 41% to 53.8% active ingredient. For tree of heaven, higher concentration triclopyr formulas (over 40%) deliver better bark penetration during dormant-season applications, which is critical for killing the entire root network.
Surfactant Systems
Built-in surfactants improve adhesion to tree of heaven’s waxy leaves and bark. Products without a surfactant require an additional purchase of a non-ionic surfactant or methylated seed oil. The surfactant concentration in a product directly affects cut-stump uptake speed — fully loaded formulas achieve root kill up to 30% faster.
FAQ
Can I spray herbicide on tree of heaven leaves and expect it to die?
How long after cutting should I apply herbicide to the stump?
What time of year is best for treating tree of heaven with herbicide?
Is it safe to use these herbicides around pets and children?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the herbicide for tree of heaven winner is the Southern Ag Crossbow because its triclopyr and 2,4-D blend penetrates bark reliably, suppresses root suckers through the growing season, and carries a low-volatile formula that reduces drift onto desirable plants. If you want a dedicated basal bark treatment for large trunks, grab the Remedy Ultra. And for a compact, cost-effective cut-stump option on a few trees, nothing beats the Alligare Triclopyr 4 quart.