Planting practices

Containerised stock (commonly in polybags, but also in root trainers) is planted in pits (15- 20 cm cube) at 2 m x 2 m spacing with the onset of rains, in the case of monospecific woodlots. To suit the requirements of intercropping, the row-to-row spacing can be altered. Ailanthus is ideal for planting in the homestead or farm boundaries either in single or staggered paired rows at a spacing of 2.5 m x 2.5 m. Two to three weeding may be necessary in the initial years to keep the plantation weed - free. Fertilizers may be applied @ 30-40 g N, 15-20 g P₂O₅ and 15-20 g K₂O per year per sapling from the second year to the fifth year and thereafter once in three years for a pure plantation.

In case too many lateral branches are produced, pruning may be practiced. The trees can be felled/harvested over a period of 8 to 10 years.