Are you noticing those persistent, unwanted shoots popping up around the base or even on the branches of your beloved trees? These are commonly known as ‘tree suckers,’ and while they’re a natural part of a tree’s growth cycle, they can quickly become a nuisance.
Left unchecked, suckers can drain valuable energy from the main tree, potentially weakening it and diminishing its aesthetic appeal. They can also lead to a crowded, messy appearance. Don’t worry, though! Getting rid of them is a manageable task with the right knowledge and tools. We’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring your trees remain healthy, vibrant, and beautiful.
Understanding Tree Suckers and Why They Appear
Tree suckers are essentially new shoots that emerge from the roots or the lower trunk of a tree. They are the tree’s way of trying to propagate itself or recover from stress. Understanding why they appear is the first step in effectively managing them.
Common Causes of Sucker Growth:
- Root Damage: Often, suckers are a response to damage to the tree’s root system. This can happen due to digging, construction, or even harsh weather conditions that disturb the soil. The tree senses the damage and tries to compensate by growing new shoots from the roots.
- Grafting: Many ornamental trees and fruit trees are grafted. This means a desirable variety (the scion) is attached to the rootstock of another tree. Suckers that grow from below the graft union are from the rootstock variety, not the desired ornamental or fruit type. If left to grow, they can eventually overpower the main tree.
- Stress: Trees experiencing stress from drought, disease, insect infestation, or improper pruning can also send up suckers as a survival mechanism. It’s their way of trying to ensure the continuation of the species.
- Species Tendency: Some tree species are naturally more prone to producing suckers than others. Examples include many varieties of maple, elm, lilac, and fruit trees like apple and cherry.
Methods for Getting Rid of Tree Suckers
The most effective way to get rid of tree suckers involves a combination of manual removal and understanding the underlying causes. Here, we’ll break down the best techniques.
1. Manual Removal: The Most Direct Approach
This is your go-to method for immediate results. The key is to remove the suckers as close to their origin as possible to discourage regrowth. You have a few options depending on the size and accessibility of the suckers.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Sharp Pruning Shears (Secateurs): For smaller, younger suckers. Ensure they are clean and sharp to make a clean cut.
- Loppers: For thicker, more established suckers that pruning shears can’t handle.
- Pruning Saw: For very thick, woody suckers or those emerging from the main trunk or large roots.
- Gardening Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Safety Glasses: Especially when using saws or dealing with thorny varieties.
Step-by-Step Manual Removal:
- Identify the Suckers: Locate all the unwanted shoots emerging from the base of the tree or the root flare.
- Choose the Right Tool: Select the appropriate tool based on the sucker’s diameter.
- Make a Clean Cut: For suckers at ground level, cut them as close to the ground as possible. If they are emerging from a root, try to cut them flush with the root surface. For suckers on the trunk, cut them right at the bark.
- Avoid Leaving Stumps: Leaving a stub will encourage new growth from that point. A clean, flush cut is crucial.
- Repeat Regularly: This is not a one-time job. You’ll need to inspect your trees regularly, especially during the growing season, and remove any new suckers that appear. Early detection and removal are key.
Special Considerations for Grafted Trees:
If you have a grafted tree, it’s vital to distinguish between suckers from the rootstock and new growth from the desired variety. Suckers from the rootstock will typically emerge from below the graft union (the swollen area where the two parts of the tree were joined). If you’re unsure, look at the leaves. Rootstock suckers will have different leaf shape, size, or growth habit than the main tree. Remove these rootstock suckers immediately and completely. (See Also: how to decorate a christmas tree)
2. Chemical Control: A Last Resort
While manual removal is the preferred and most environmentally friendly method, chemical treatments can be considered in specific, difficult situations, especially for stubborn rootstock suckers on grafted trees that are hard to reach or constantly re-emerging. However, this method should be approached with extreme caution.
Types of Chemical Treatments:
- Systemic Herbicides: These are absorbed by the plant tissue and kill it from within. Glyphosate-based herbicides are commonly used.
- Contact Herbicides: These kill the part of the plant they directly touch.
How to Apply (use with Extreme Caution):
- Targeted Application is Crucial: You must apply the herbicide *only* to the sucker itself. Avoid contact with the main tree’s bark or leaves, as this can cause severe damage or kill the tree.
- Cut and Treat: The most effective way to use herbicides is to cut the sucker back almost to the surface and then immediately apply the herbicide directly to the cut end. This allows the chemical to be absorbed into the root system.
- Follow Product Instructions Diligently: Always read and strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dilution, application methods, safety precautions, and environmental impact.
- Consider Timing: Apply during the active growing season when the plant is most receptive to the herbicide.
Warning: We strongly advise against using herbicides unless absolutely necessary and you are confident in your ability to apply them precisely. Misapplication can harm or kill your desirable tree and surrounding plants, and can also contaminate the soil and groundwater.
3. Preventing Sucker Growth: Long-Term Strategies
Prevention is always better than cure. While you can’t entirely eliminate the possibility of suckers, you can significantly reduce their occurrence by following good horticultural practices.
Key Prevention Strategies:
- Proper Planting and Mulching: Ensure trees are planted at the correct depth. Over-mulching or piling mulch against the trunk can suffocate the roots and encourage suckers. Maintain a mulch ring a few inches away from the trunk.
- Avoid Root Damage: Be mindful of any activities around your trees that could disturb the roots, such as lawn mowing too close to the trunk, excessive digging, or construction.
- Prune Wisely: Avoid excessive or improper pruning, which can stress the tree and trigger sucker growth. When pruning, make clean cuts just outside the branch collar.
- Water and Fertilize Appropriately: Ensure your trees receive adequate water, especially during dry periods, and are fertilized according to their specific needs. A healthy, well-nourished tree is less likely to be stressed into producing suckers.
- Choose Resistant Varieties: When planting new trees, consider varieties known to be less prone to sucker production.
Dealing with Suckers on Specific Tree Types
Different trees have different tendencies and require slightly varied approaches.
Fruit Trees (apples, Cherries, Plums, Etc.)
Fruit trees are often grafted, making sucker removal particularly important to maintain the desired fruit-producing variety. Suckers emerging from below the graft union are from the rootstock and will not produce the fruit you expect. They can also divert energy from the fruit-bearing branches. Remove them promptly and completely. (See Also: how to draw christmas tree)
Ornamental Trees (maples, Birches, Etc.)
Many ornamental trees, especially Japanese Maples and certain varieties of Maple and Birch, are also grafted. Similar to fruit trees, suckers from below the graft union should be removed. Even on non-grafted ornamentals, excessive suckering can detract from the tree’s shape and form. Regular pruning helps maintain their aesthetic appeal.
Shrubby Trees (lilacs, Serviceberry, Etc.)
Trees that naturally have a more shrubby form, like lilacs, can produce a lot of suckers from their base. If you want to maintain a single-trunked specimen, regular pruning to remove these basal shoots is essential. If you prefer a multi-stemmed effect, you can allow some to grow, but still prune to maintain an open, healthy structure.
Rootstock Suckers vs. Main Tree Growth
This is a critical distinction, especially for grafted trees. Rootstock suckers are genetically different from the upper part of the tree. They often grow vigorously and can have different leaf shapes, sizes, and textures. It’s crucial to identify and remove them as they compete with the main tree for resources and can eventually take over, rendering the desirable variety useless.
| Characteristic | Rootstock Sucker | Main Tree Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Below the graft union | Above the graft union or from established branches |
| Leaf Shape/Size | Often different (e.g., larger, differently lobed) | Consistent with the known variety |
| Growth Habit | Can be more vigorous and less refined | Typical for the desired variety |
| Purpose | Rootstock’s attempt to grow its own top | Normal growth of the desired variety |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Suckers
Even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can hinder your efforts or even harm your tree.
- Leaving Stubs: As mentioned, this encourages regrowth. Always aim for a clean cut at the source.
- Using Dull Tools: Dull tools tear the plant tissue, making it more susceptible to disease and slowing healing. Keep your pruners sharp!
- Over-Pruning the Main Tree: While removing suckers, be careful not to damage the main trunk or root flare.
- Forgetting Regular Checks: Suckers grow back. Consistent monitoring and removal are key to long-term control.
- Ignoring the Cause: If your tree is constantly producing suckers, there might be an underlying issue like root damage or stress that needs addressing.
When to Call a Professional
While most sucker removal can be handled by a homeowner, there are instances when seeking professional help is advisable: (See Also: how many magic tree house books are there)
- Large or Numerous Suckers: If you have a very large tree with extensive sucker growth, especially from the roots, a professional arborist has the equipment and expertise to handle it safely and effectively.
- Difficult Access: Suckers growing in hard-to-reach places or on unstable ground can be a safety hazard.
- Suspected Tree Stress or Disease: If you suspect the suckers are a symptom of a more serious underlying problem with your tree (e.g., disease, severe root damage from construction), an arborist can diagnose the issue and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Grafted Trees with Complex Issues: For valuable grafted trees where precise identification and removal are critical, a professional can ensure the correct parts are removed without damaging the graft union.
Arborists can also provide advice on long-term tree health management to minimize future sucker production.
Conclusion
Effectively managing tree suckers is an ongoing process that involves regular inspection and prompt removal. By understanding why they appear and employing the right techniques, you can keep your trees healthy, attractive, and free from these persistent shoots. Remember, clean cuts and consistent attention are your best allies in this horticultural endeavor.
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