Chinaberry Trees (China Grove: home, fence, poisonous)

[redhouse]

Our new property has a Chinaberry tree. I looked it up out of curiosity and was downright horrified. I can't find anything good about it. The ASPCA lists it as poisonous and to be avoided, as well as numerous other sites, including NCSU and UNC. It is apparently non-native, invasive and every part of the tree is toxic. Yikes!

My first thought is that my dog likes to graze. She's a landscaper at heart and pulls out the ivy coming through the fence from next door and prunes the hedges for us. She used to prune the houseplants too but I think we've trained her out of that. And we won't mention the antics that go on when the lawnmower comes out. Fodder for Funniest Home Videos!

Anyway.... So "Ode to the Chinaberry Tree" and China Grove notwithstanding, I think this tree needs to be removed.

What else do I need to know about Chinaberry trees before we make this decision?

[lamishra]

I've never even heard of it! Off to google!

[Chimp]

Don't you just love Google! :P

[Chimp]

Boy those look like nasty little buggers. I would get rid of it! I read it can spread so fast! I read some town waive any tree removal fee if it is an invasive plant. Just thought I would mention that....I don't know if they even have a tree removal fee in NC. I know some places require a permit or something.