10 Weeds That Look Like Small Trees: Identification and Control

Weeds are the bane of every gardener’s existence. They can quickly take over a yard or garden and ruin the hard work put into creating a beautiful outdoor space.

While most people associate weeds with small, pesky plants that grow low to the ground, some weeds can grow tall and resemble small trees.

These weeds are often more difficult to control and can cause more damage to your garden or yard if left unchecked.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 weeds that look like small trees, how to identify them, and the best methods for controlling them.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you keep your outdoor space weed-free and thriving.

[Related Article: 5 Weeds That Look Like Parsley]

1. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

The Tree of Heaven is a fast-growing weed that can reach heights of up to 80 feet tall. It has a distinctive light gray bark with large, compound leaves that can grow up to three feet long. The Tree of Heaven also produces clusters of yellow-green flowers in the spring and summer.

Identification: The Tree of Heaven can be identified by its large leaves and gray bark. It also has a distinctive odor that can be described as similar to burnt peanut butter.

Control: The best way to control the Tree of Heaven is to remove it by the roots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

2. Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)

The Mimosa, also known as the Silk Tree, is a small tree-like weed that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It has fern-like leaves and produces clusters of pink or white flowers in the summer.

Identification: The Mimosa can be identified by its fern-like leaves and pink or white flowers. It also has a distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy.

Control: The best way to control the Mimosa is to remove it by the roots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

3. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

The Russian Olive is a shrub-like weed that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has silver-gray leaves with thorns and produces small, yellow flowers in the spring.

Identification: The Russian Olive can be identified by its silver-gray leaves with thorns. It also has a distinctive smell that can be described as similar to cucumber.

Control: The best way to control the Russian Olive is to remove it by the roots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

4. Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Privet is a small tree-like weed that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces clusters of white flowers in the spring.

Identification: Privet can be identified by its glossy, dark green leaves and white flowers. It also has a distinctive smell that can be described as similar to cat urine.

Control: The best way to control Privet is to remove it by the roots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

5. Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

Buckthorn is a small tree-like weed that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has dark green leaves with toothed edges and produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring.

Identification: Buckthorn can be identified by its toothed leaves and clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. It also produces small, black berries in the fall.

Control: The best way to control Buckthorn is to remove it by the roots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

6. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing weed that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers in the summer.

Identification: Japanese Knotweed can be identified by its large, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, white flowers. It also has a distinctive bamboo-like stem that is hollow and can grow up to three inches in diameter.

Control: The best way to control Japanese Knotweed is to dig up the entire plant, including the root system. This can be difficult as the roots can extend up to 10 feet deep, so it may be necessary to hire a professional to remove it.

Herbicides can also be effective, but should only be used as a last resort.

7. Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)

Siberian Elm is a small tree-like weed that can grow up to 40 feet tall. It has small, oval-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring.

Identification: Siberian Elm can be identified by its small, oval-shaped leaves and clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. It also has a distinctive peeling bark that reveals a lighter color underneath.

Control: The best way to control Siberian Elm is to remove it by the roots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

8. Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

Golden Rain Tree is a small tree-like weed that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It has compound leaves with toothed edges and produces clusters of small, yellow flowers in the summer.

Identification: Golden Rain Tree can be identified by its compound leaves and clusters of small, yellow flowers. It also produces small, papery capsules that contain black seeds.

Control: The best way to control Golden Rain Tree is to remove it by the roots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

9. Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Tree-of-Heaven is a fast-growing weed that can grow up to 80 feet tall. It has large, compound leaves and produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers in the summer.

Identification: Tree-of-Heaven can be identified by its large, compound leaves and clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. It also has a distinctive odor that can be described as similar to burnt peanut butter.

Control: The best way to control Tree-of-Heaven is to remove it by the roots.

This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

10. Sumac (Rhus spp.)

Sumac is a small tree-like weed that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It has compound leaves and produces clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers in the spring.

Identification: Sumac can be identified by its compound leaves and clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers. It also produces small, red berries in the fall.

Control: The best way to control Sumac is to remove it by the roots. This can be done by digging up the entire plant or by applying an herbicide specifically designed to kill woody plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 10 weeds that look like small trees can be a nuisance to homeowners and gardeners. They can be difficult to control and can harm the environment if left unchecked.

It is important to properly identify these weeds and take appropriate measures to control them, whether it be by removing them manually or using herbicides.

By doing so, we can help maintain a healthy and thriving ecosystem.