Though pretty and fast-growing, this highly invasive species will quickly take over your entire yard.
Even farther west, a few counties in Washington have also reported sightings.
The species is prohibited from being sold and planted in Connecticut.
Credit:Evgeniya Vlasova / BHG
Find out why the empress tree is so invasive and what are good alternatives forflowering trees in your landscape.
The roots are strong and spread just as quickly as the tree grows above ground.
If planted close to a structure, the thick, large roots damage foundations and concrete.
Credit:Evgeniya Vlasova / BHG
Its roots grow outwards up to three times as wide as the tree is tall.
It is impossible to control the tree with pruning.
Like other fast-growing trees, the empress tree has brittle wood.
Its limbs break easily, creating a hazard and requiring cleanup.
Within a few minutes after cutting, apply a concentrated broad-spectrum herbicide such as glyphosate to the stump.
The tree will likely resprout.
A combination of mechanical and chemical methods is most successful in controlling any new growth.
Hand-pull any seedlings that emerge and spray any sprouts with a broad-spectrum herbicide.
Empress trees have a lifespan of about 70 years.
“Connecticut Invasive Plant List.
“Town of Old Saybrook.
