"Bill" wrote in message
s.com...
NB: this is posted to uk.environment.conservation and uk.rec.gardening

"The toxic Tree of Heaven threatens England's green and pleasant land"

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_ne...874333,00.html

'...grows raipidly to heights of 80ft or more...'

'...amateur gardeners should be vigilant. Look out for sprouts and self
sown seedlings... remove them.'

'...Ailanthus leaks toxins into the ground which prevent the
germination and establishment of other species in its vicinity.'

'...is fiercly resistant to human intervention... responds to cutting
by throwing out underground suckers which can damage pavements,
drainage systems and foundations.'

'...the Environment Agency does not yet register Ailanthus as an
invasive species, but it is included in the top 25 alien invasive
plants by the European Plant Protection Organisation as posing 'an
important threat to plant health, environment and biodiversity'.'

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Just read this article in the Observer and was wondering where abouts
in the country these trees are and if people have had any experience
with them.

I have only ever seen one for certain and that was in the Irish Botanic
Gardens in Dublin.
It was a big handsome specimen tree that had leaves that looked like ash but
with crinkled bark.
The second time I saw one was the same tree in winter cobvered in Waxwings.
They can be hard to spot I think seeing as they look like native ash trees?

It is sad if this is true but please check this is not a practical joke
before killing any :-).

Des



I live in rural West Dorset and haven't seen any... yet.

Thinking perhaps a website clocking the spread of them could be set up.