trees

Controlling Non-Native Invasive Plants in Ohio Forests: Ailanthus

| Clifton Martin

This is yet another activity to add to your fall management and clean up activities: work on eliminating those tree-of-heaven infestations.  To understand your options, we have a great resource available here: Controlling Non-Native Invasive Plants in Ohio Forests: Ailanthus

Ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima), also known as tree-of-heaven, is a moderate sized (60 to 80 feet in height), deciduous tree first introduced into the United States from Asia in the late 1700s for use as an urban landscape tree and in strip mine reclamation in the Eastern United States. In many ways ailanthus is an ideal invasive—it grows rapidly (sprouts can attain a height of 6 to 12 feet the first year and grow 3 feet or more per year), is a prolific seeder, a persistent stump and root sprouter, and an aggressive competitor that thrives in full sunlight. It also produces an allelopathic compound that suppresses the growth of many native woody and herbaceous species. It will grow in relatively infertile, shallow soils of varying pH, and is highly tolerant of poor air quality.

Fall Weed Control

| Clifton Martin

The best time of year to manage biennial and perennial weeds is in the fall.  Hemp dogbane, ailanthus, poison hemlock are just the tip of the iceberg on the list of weeds effectively controlled now.  If you need a refresher, or need to dive in to start learning, here are some resources to get you started in the right direction:

Plants of Concern to Livestock in Summer | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter  

Biennial and Perennial Weed Control is Best in the Fall | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter 

Get After the Weeds Yet This Fall | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter 

Pasture and Forage Weed Control; Mow or Spray? | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter 

Scout now for cressleaf groundsel in hayfields, or pay the price in May | Agronomic Crops Network

2020 Ohio Weed Control Guide (PDF)

2020 Ohio Weed Control Guide (Bound Book)

 

Is it poison ivy?

| Clifton Martin

Poison-ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a native, woody perennial vine found all over Ohio and matter of concern for all home and property owners.  It spreads by seed, creeping roots and stems that root where the contact the soil.  Seeds are also dispersed by birds. Its a fairly common plant for client questions at an Extension Office.  As a plant in nature, it prevents very few problems, is a great source of food for songbirds, and provides beautiful fall color.  The real problem is when it comes into contact with human skin.  All parts of the plant contain resinous compounds called urushiols, which are the oils that cause inflammation of the skin.

Check out these useful videos below or see these Extension fact sheets for more information.

 

Information source(s):

Uva, R.H., Neal, J.C., and Ditomaso, J.M. (1997). Weeds of the Northeast. Cornell University.