Photo courtesy of Nature Conservancy
Tree of Heaven
The City of Alexandria is beginning invasive species treatment across the City. Herbicide treatment and control methods will vary depending on the location and species type. Residents can expect to see signage at treatment sites with more specific details. Some areas will also have temporary fencing for extra caution.
Below is the current treatment schedule:
Friday, Oct. 10: Wilkes Street Tunnel (Between S. Royal St. and S. Fairfax St.)
- Focus: invasive vines
- Due to the sensitivity of native plants and the historical importance of the tunnel, treated vegetation will be left to decay naturally instead of being removed immediately.
Mid-October: Hensley Park (4200 Eisenhower Ave.)
- Focus: Broadleaf invasive trees, shrubs and plants
- The treatment will take place in the forested area east of the baseball field and broken into three sections. Treated species type include, but not limited to, Oriental bittersweet, Tree of heaven, Bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckles, Multiflora rose, and Mimosa tree. It is recommended this area receive additional follow-up treatments annually for three years.
End of October: Mount Jefferson Park (301 Hume Ave.)
- Focus: Tree of heaven and English ivy
- This treatment is part of a multi-phase plan. Tree of heaven and English ivy will be addressed first, with restoration to follow. Because Tree of heaven can resprout quickly if cut, multiple treatments may be needed, with reassessment 30 to 60 days after chemical application. All work will follow best practices in coordination with the Urban Forestry team.
Monday, Nov. 24: Goat Hill Park (35 Kennedy St.)
- Focus: Kudzu
- Kudzu will be cut near the base of the trunk and treated directly on the stump. For safety reasons and to avoid damage to trees, vines will not be pulled off and instead left to decay naturally over time.
Early 2026 (date TBD): Four Mile Run Park Kayak Launch
- Focus: Tree of heaven and maintaining clear sightlines along the boardwalk.
Once the full maintenance schedule is in place next year, additional invasive species treatments will continue throughout Alexandria. Please reach out to Oscar Mendoza, Division Chief, Natural Resources at Oscar.Mendoza@alexandriava.gov with any questions.
