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Maumee volunteers and subcommittee target tree of heaven and spotted lanternfly; homeowners urged to treat cut stumps promptly
Summary
Subcommittee members reported volunteer mapping of invasive "tree of heaven," noted its role as a spotted lanternfly host and advised homeowners to apply brush killer within minutes after cutting to prevent resprouting.
Members of the Maumee Environmental Tree Advisory Commission tree subcommittee discussed efforts to identify and begin removing tree of heaven, an invasive species that can resprout quickly and is a preferred host of the spotted lanternfly.
Phil Kirk, who could not attend the meeting, is working with volunteers to map tree-of-heaven locations; John Fiscus is also assisting, members said. Committee members reported that volunteers have marked specimens around town with orange spray paint to document locations and that the Rotary Club will support a volunteer-led removal effort. The subcommittee described tree of heaven as "an invasive" that sprouts from stumps after cutting, making removal a recurring challenge.
Linda Lucas, a subcommittee member, advised homeowners to apply a brush killer immediately after cutting to prevent resprouting. "If you cut it down ... you need to use brush killer ... within 5 minutes of cutting it, you need to be dabbing that," Lucas said. The group discussed timing for removal and treatment, noting that treating during active growth in spring or summer will carry herbicide to the roots more quickly than cutting during dormancy.
The subcommittee also listed other nonnative plants of concern: Bradford pear, nonnative honeysuckle and autumn olive. Members said autumn olive can be controlled by cutting and pulling roots, while other species may require different treatments. The subcommittee plans to put information and a guidance article on the city website and to share the materials with local media.
Members warned that residents should not assume cutting alone will control tree of heaven and urged quick application of herbicide to stumps or, for small specimens, clipping and repeat follow-up.
The subcommittee plans to invite Phil Kirk to the next Environmental Tree Advisory Commission meeting to present the volunteer plan and coordinate any homeowner outreach or volunteer work.
