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| Tree suckers |
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Many trees produce sucker growth from their root system, and if allowed to grow unchecked they could, in time, develop into trees.
Among the most problematic trees are; Cherries, Lilacs Plums, and Poplars to name but a few.
Suckers can appear from roots near the surface which have been damaged by digging / hoeing.
Suckers should be removed as close as possible to their point of origin, scrape away soil to reach the base of the sucker, and tear, rather than cut it away, so that most of the dormant basal buds are removed, thereby reducing the possibility of re-growth.
If sucker removal is difficult, sever the root to isolate the sucker from the parent tree, and then treat with ammonium sulphamate
n.b. This chemical may also kill surrounding plants if used in borders or near lawns.
When suckers are too numerous, removal of the tree may be the only solution.
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