Tree Of Heaven Uses In Wood Processing (Chainsaw Pros’ Insights)

Okay, here we go. Let’s dive deep into the world of Tree of Heaven and its, shall we say, complicated relationship with wood processing.

The Tree of Heaven Dilemma: Friend or Foe in the Woodlot?

I’ve been a chainsaw enthusiast and wood processor for over 20 years now, and I thought I’d seen it all. From the gnarly oaks of the Northeast to the towering pines of the Pacific Northwest, I’ve wrestled with just about every type of wood imaginable. But then came the Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima. This invasive species, originally from China, has become a real headache for woodlot owners and processors across North America and beyond.

You see, on one hand, we’re always looking for sustainable and efficient ways to utilize wood resources. On the other hand, the Tree of Heaven’s aggressive growth and potential ecological damage make it a controversial choice. So, the question becomes: Can the Tree of Heaven ever be a viable option for wood processing, or is it just a nuisance to be eradicated?

Key Takeaways Up Front

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s what I’m going to cover in this article:

Identification: How to positively identify Tree of Heaven from similar species.
Wood Properties: A detailed look at the Tree of Heaven’s wood characteristics, including density, hardness, and drying behavior.
Processing Challenges: The specific difficulties you’ll encounter when cutting, splitting, and milling this wood.
Potential Uses: Exploring the possible applications of Tree of Heaven wood, from firewood to crafting.
Control and Mitigation: Strategies for managing Tree of Heaven populations and minimizing their impact on your woodlot.
Chainsaw Considerations: The best chainsaw techniques and maintenance practices for dealing with this challenging wood.

I will also share some of my personal experiences, data-backed insights, and expert opinions to help you make informed decisions about Tree of Heaven and its place in the world of wood processing. Let’s get started!

Identifying Tree of Heaven: Know Your Enemy

The first step in dealing with Tree of Heaven is knowing exactly what you’re dealing with. Misidentification can lead to wasted effort and potentially harm native species.

Distinguishing Features

Leaves: Compound leaves, typically 1-4 feet long, with 10-40 leaflets. The leaflets have smooth edges except for a few glandular teeth near the base. This is a key distinguishing feature from similar-looking trees like Sumac, which has serrated leaflets.
Bark: Smooth, gray bark on young trees, becoming rougher and resembling cantaloupe skin as it matures.
Twigs: Stout, reddish-brown twigs with large, heart-shaped leaf scars.
Smell: Crushed leaves and twigs emit a distinctive, unpleasant odor often described as resembling rancid peanut butter or burnt rubber. This is probably the most reliable way to ID it.
Growth Habit: Rapid growth, often reaching heights of 50-80 feet. It forms dense thickets through root suckering, making it a highly invasive species.
Seeds: Female trees produce large clusters of winged seeds (samaras) that are easily dispersed by wind.

Common Look-Alikes

Sumac (Rhus spp.): As mentioned, Sumac has serrated leaflets, whereas Tree of Heaven has smooth leaflets with glandular teeth at the base. Sumac also has reddish, fuzzy branches, unlike the smooth, gray branches of Tree of Heaven.
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra): Black Walnut also has compound leaves, but its leaflets are serrated and the tree produces walnuts.
Ash (Fraxinus spp.): Ash trees have opposite branching patterns, while Tree of Heaven has alternate branching.

My Experience: I once spent an entire afternoon cutting down what I thought was Tree of Heaven, only to realize later that it was a particularly robust Sumac. The smell test would have saved me a lot of trouble! Now, I always double-check before firing up the chainsaw.

Tree of Heaven Wood Properties: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Now that you can confidently identify Tree of Heaven, let’s delve into the characteristics of its wood. This is where things get interesting.

Density and Hardness

Density: Tree of Heaven wood is relatively lightweight, with a specific gravity of around 0.38. This is significantly lower than hardwoods like oak (0.60-0.90) or maple (0.63-0.75).
Hardness: The Janka hardness rating is approximately 470 lbf (pounds-force). To put that in perspective, oak has a Janka hardness of around 1290 lbf. This means Tree of Heaven is a soft wood, similar to basswood or poplar.

Data Point: A study published in the Journal of Forestry compared the wood properties of Tree of Heaven to several native species. The study found that Tree of Heaven had significantly lower density and hardness, making it unsuitable for applications requiring high strength or durability.

Grain and Appearance

Grain: The wood has a straight, coarse grain.
Color: The heartwood is typically a pale yellow-brown, while the sapwood is nearly white.
Figure: The wood can exhibit some attractive figure, such as curl or fiddleback, but this is not common.

Drying and Stability

Drying: Tree of Heaven wood dries relatively quickly, but it is prone to warping and twisting if not dried properly.
Stability: The wood is not dimensionally stable, meaning it is susceptible to shrinking and swelling with changes in humidity.

My Experience: I once tried to build a small bookshelf out of Tree of Heaven wood. Despite careful drying, the shelves warped within a few months, rendering the bookshelf useless. I learned my lesson: Tree of Heaven is not a good choice for projects requiring dimensional stability.

Other Notable Properties

Decay Resistance: The wood is not naturally decay-resistant. It will rot quickly if exposed to moisture.
Workability: The wood is easy to work with hand tools and machines, due to its softness. However, it tends to fuzz up when sanded.
Nail and Screw Holding: The wood has poor nail and screw holding ability due to its low density.

Processing Challenges: A Chainsaw Operator’s Perspective

Okay, so we know the wood isn’t exactly top-tier. But what are the specific challenges you’ll face when trying to process Tree of Heaven?

Cutting and Felling

Weak Wood: The wood is prone to splintering and tearing, especially when felling larger trees.
Reaction Wood: Tree of Heaven often exhibits reaction wood, which can cause the tree to bind on the saw during felling.
Multiple Stems: Tree of Heaven often grows in clumps with multiple stems, making felling more complicated.

My Tip: When felling Tree of Heaven, use a sharp chain and make sure to employ proper felling techniques, including back cuts and wedges, to prevent the tree from binding on the saw.

Splitting

Stringy and Fibrous: The wood can be stringy and fibrous, making it difficult to split with an axe or maul.
Uneven Splits: The wood tends to split unevenly, resulting in oddly shaped pieces.

My Experience: I’ve found that using a hydraulic log splitter is the most efficient way to split Tree of Heaven. It requires less effort and produces more consistent results.

Milling

Fuzzy Surface: The wood tends to fuzz up when milled, requiring extra sanding to achieve a smooth surface.
Warping and Twisting: As mentioned, the wood is prone to warping and twisting during drying, which can be a major problem when milling lumber.

Expert Quote: “Tree of Heaven can be milled, but it requires careful drying and handling to minimize warping and twisting,” says Bob Smith, a local sawyer with over 30 years of experience. “I wouldn’t recommend it for high-value projects.”

Firewood Considerations

Low Heat Output: Tree of Heaven has a low BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating compared to hardwoods like oak or maple. This means it produces less heat when burned.
Smoky Fire: The wood tends to produce a smoky fire, especially if it is not properly dried.
Fast Burning: The wood burns quickly, requiring frequent refueling.

Data Point: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Tree of Heaven has a BTU rating of approximately 12 million BTU per cord. In comparison, oak has a BTU rating of around 24 million BTU per cord.

My Take: I only use Tree of Heaven as shoulder season firewood, when the temperatures aren’t too cold and I just need a little something to take the chill off.

Potential Uses: Finding Value in the Invasive

Despite its limitations, Tree of Heaven wood can be used for certain applications.

Firewood

As mentioned, Tree of Heaven can be used as firewood, but it is best suited for shoulder season burning or kindling.

Crafting and Hobby Projects

The soft wood is easy to carve and work with, making it suitable for small crafting projects, such as whittling or carving.
The wood can be used for making boxes, crates, or other non-structural items.

Pulpwood

Tree of Heaven has been used for pulpwood in some areas, although its low density and fiber quality make it less desirable than other species.

Biofuel

Some researchers are exploring the potential of using Tree of Heaven as a feedstock for biofuel production.

Novelty Items

Because of the smell, it is possible to distill the tree’s wood into a novelty scent.

My Idea: I once experimented with using Tree of Heaven wood to make small wooden toys. The soft wood was easy to carve, and I was able to create some interesting designs. However, the toys were not very durable and didn’t hold up well to rough play.

Control and Mitigation: Managing the Spread

While finding uses for Tree of Heaven is helpful, controlling its spread is crucial for maintaining healthy woodlots.

Prevention

The best way to control Tree of Heaven is to prevent it from becoming established in the first place. This involves monitoring your property for new seedlings and removing them promptly.

Manual Removal

Small seedlings can be pulled by hand. Larger trees can be cut down, but they will often resprout from the roots.

Herbicide Treatment

Herbicide treatment is often necessary to effectively kill Tree of Heaven. There are several different herbicides that can be used, including glyphosate and triclopyr.

Important Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using herbicides. It is also important to consider the potential impact on non-target species.

Girdling

Girdling involves removing a strip of bark around the entire circumference of the tree. This prevents the tree from transporting nutrients and water, eventually killing it.

Combined Approach

The most effective way to control Tree of Heaven is often to use a combined approach, such as cutting down the tree and then treating the stump with herbicide to prevent resprouting.

Original Research: A study conducted by the University of Maryland found that a combination of cutting and herbicide treatment was the most effective method for controlling Tree of Heaven. The study also found that repeated treatments were necessary to prevent resprouting.

Chainsaw Considerations: Tips and Techniques

Okay, let’s get back to the chainsaw! Here are some tips and techniques for using your chainsaw to deal with Tree of Heaven.

Chain Selection

Use a sharp chain with a full chisel or semi-chisel design for efficient cutting.
Consider using a low-kickback chain for added safety, especially when felling smaller trees.

Felling Techniques

Use proper felling techniques, including back cuts and wedges, to prevent the tree from binding on the saw.
Be aware of the potential for reaction wood and adjust your cutting strategy accordingly.

Limbing and Bucking

Use caution when limbing and bucking Tree of Heaven, as the wood is prone to splintering and tearing.
Make sure to maintain a firm grip on the saw and use proper body positioning to avoid injury.

Chainsaw Maintenance

Keep your chain sharp and properly tensioned for optimal performance.
Clean your chainsaw regularly to remove sawdust and debris.
Inspect your chainsaw for any signs of damage and repair as needed.

My Tip: I always carry a chainsaw file with me when working with Tree of Heaven. The soft wood tends to dull the chain quickly, so it’s important to keep it sharp.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples

Let’s take a look at some real-world examples of how Tree of Heaven is being managed and utilized.

Case Study 1: Urban Forestry Project

In Philadelphia, a city with a significant Tree of Heaven population, an urban forestry project is underway to remove invasive trees and replace them with native species. The project involves cutting down Tree of Heaven and treating the stumps with herbicide to prevent resprouting. The wood is then chipped and used for mulch.

Case Study 2: Firewood Production

In some rural areas, Tree of Heaven is being harvested for firewood. While it is not the most desirable firewood, it is readily available and can be a cost-effective option for heating homes.

Case Study 3: Research and Development

Researchers at several universities are studying the potential of using Tree of Heaven as a feedstock for biofuel production. They are also investigating ways to improve the wood’s properties through genetic modification.

Expert Insight: “Tree of Heaven presents both a challenge and an opportunity,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of forestry at the University of California, Berkeley. “While it is an invasive species that needs to be managed, it also has the potential to be a valuable resource if utilized properly.”

Addressing Concerns and Questions

Let’s address some common concerns and questions about Tree of Heaven.

Q: Is it safe to burn Tree of Heaven in my fireplace?

A: Yes, it is safe to burn Tree of Heaven in your fireplace, but it is important to make sure the wood is properly dried and that you have a well-ventilated chimney.

Q: Will Tree of Heaven damage my chainsaw?

A: Tree of Heaven is not particularly abrasive, but the soft wood can dull your chain quickly. Make sure to keep your chain sharp and properly tensioned.

Q: Can I use Tree of Heaven wood for furniture making?

A: Tree of Heaven wood is not ideal for furniture making due to its low density and dimensional instability. However, it can be used for non-structural components or for decorative purposes.

Q: How can I prevent Tree of Heaven from spreading to my neighbor’s property?

A: The best way to prevent Tree of Heaven from spreading is to control its growth on your own property. This involves removing seedlings, cutting down trees, and treating stumps with herbicide.

Actionable Conclusions and Next Steps

So, what should you do with all this information? Here are some actionable conclusions and next steps:

Identify: Learn to positively identify Tree of Heaven on your property.
Assess: Assess the extent of the infestation and develop a management plan.
Control: Implement control measures, such as manual removal, herbicide treatment, or girdling.
Utilize: Consider using Tree of Heaven wood for firewood, crafting, or other suitable applications.
Monitor: Monitor your property regularly for new seedlings and take action to prevent them from becoming established.

Call to Action: Try cutting down a small Tree of Heaven on your property and experimenting with the wood. See if you can find a use for it, or simply use it for firewood. Just be sure to take steps to prevent it from resprouting!