Invasive Species in Leesburg, a Brief History

Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as the Tree of Heaven, has a fascinating history intertwined with its spread into Virginia and its connection to the invasive Spotted Lanternfly.

Originally native to China, Ailanthus altissima was introduced to the United States in the late 1700s as an ornamental plant due to its rapid growth and adaptability to various environments. It was initially planted in cities as a shade tree and later used for erosion control and as a street tree.

In Virginia, the Tree of Heaven was first introduced in the early 19th century, likely as a decorative addition to urban landscapes. Its resilience and ability to thrive in diverse conditions contributed to its rapid spread throughout the state. By the mid-20th century, Ailanthus altissima had established itself firmly in Virginia's ecosystem, often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, abandoned lots, and urban environments.

However, the spread of Ailanthus altissima brought with it another invasive species, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Originating from Asia, the Spotted Lanternfly was first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. This destructive insect feeds on the sap of various trees, including Ailanthus altissima, but also grapes, fruit trees, and other important agricultural crops.

The association between Ailanthus altissima and the Spotted Lanternfly poses a significant threat to Virginia's ecosystems and agriculture. The Tree of Heaven serves as a preferred host for the Spotted Lanternfly, providing both food and shelter for its life cycle. As Ailanthus altissima spreads, so does the potential for the Spotted Lanternfly to infest new areas, causing damage to native flora and agricultural crops.

Efforts to control the spread of both Ailanthus altissima and the Spotted Lanternfly are underway in Virginia and across affected regions. These efforts include monitoring and eradication programs, as well as public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the threats posed by these invasive species.

In summary, the history of Ailanthus altissima in Virginia is one of unintended consequences, where an introduced ornamental tree has become a pervasive component of the landscape, accompanied by the spread of an invasive insect species, the Spotted Lanternfly. Addressing the challenges posed by these invaders requires concerted efforts to manage their populations and mitigate their impacts on Virginia's ecosystems and agriculture.  

Invasive Species Investigation & Management Plan

In 2023 the Town announced a collaborative effort to combat the spread of invasive species, particularly the Tree of Heaven and the Spotted Lanternfly, within our community. These invasives pose a threat to our local ecosystems and agriculture, and it's crucial that we take proactive measures to address their presence.

To effectively manage these invasive species, we decided to utilize a crowd sourcing approach to locate instances of the Tree of Heaven and the Spotted Lanternfly throughout the Town. We encouraged all residents to participate by reporting sightings of these species using a user-friendly data entry form available on our Town website.  A QR code for this site was also distributed on posters across town.  This allowed residents to scan the QR code and report the sightings into an online GIS map, creating a comprehensive overview of the distribution of these invasives within our community.

We are pleased to announce that, thanks to the participation of our Town residents, we have received over 1400 reports detailing the presence of the Tree of Heaven and the Spotted Lanternfly in various locations throughout the Town. This wealth of data is invaluable in helping us develop a comprehensive plan to manage the problem effectively.

Working closely with the Town Urban Forester, we are using this data to develop a strategic plan that outlines targeted approaches for controlling and mitigating the spread of these invasive species. This plan will encompass various methods, including eradication efforts, habitat restoration, and community outreach and education initiatives.

In addition to developing the management plan, we are also in the process of establishing a budget for consideration in the next fiscal year budget cycle. This budget, if and when approved, will allocate resources towards implementing the strategies outlined in the management plan, ensuring that we have the necessary funding to address this issue effectively.

Town Staff are incredibly grateful to all residents who have contributed to this important effort thus far. By working together, we can protect our local environment and agricultural resources from the detrimental effects of invasive species. We encourage continued participation and vigilance in reporting sightings of the Tree of Heaven and the Spotted Lanternfly on our GIS map as we move forward with our management efforts.

YOU CAN HELP!  By logging any sightings of Tree of Heaven or Spotted Lanternfly.  Please scan the QR code on the posters from your smart device or click on the link below to report and track Invasive Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven in the Town.

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/9ab32e966d754a1f97a80fd02d41026c/

Other Invasive Resources 

Click below for more information about how the Loudoun County and the Loudoun Extension Office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension is dealing with Invasives.

https://www.loudoun.gov/spottedlanternfly

Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance (LIRA), has united over 30 Homeowner’s Associations (HOA’s) representing 200,000+ residents in Loudoun County.  LIRA's mission is to protect Loudoun County, Virginia, from the adverse effects of invasive plant species. To learn more about how LIRA is addressing the invasives in Loudoun County see the link below: