A species of invasive tree is set to be discussed at a national conference.

The Property Care Association's (PCA) Invasive Weed Control Group says it is working to identify locations where Ailanthus altissima, otherwise known as the tree of heaven, is growing, and to "evaluate its impact nationwide."

Professor Max Wade, of the PCA's Invasive Weed Control Group, said: "The tree of heaven is a serious issue in some parts of Europe, for example on rail and road networks, and we need to establish the scale of the matter in the UK."

Results of the PCA's work are to be shared at the 2024 International Invasive Weed Conference (IIWC2024).

Daniel Docking of the PCA added: "Ahead of the conference, we have asked our members to look out for tree of heaven growing outside of parks and gardens, and to send in their records.

"We hope that this will indicate whether or not the tree is moving northwards, adding to the distribution map in the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s atlas."

The IIWC2024 is scheduled to take place at the University of Warwick on November 28.

For more information about the conference, please visit https://www.property-care.org/events/conferences/2024-invasive-weed-conference/17690