Tools and Materials
Materials
- Mulch
Fertilizer
Plant growth regulator
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Rid of Tree Suckers
It’s essential to understand what root suckering is before you start removing
them. It is the phenomenon where new shoots emerge from the roots of a
tree, often near the surface of the soil. Here is how you can deal with them.
Recognizing the Suckers
The first
step in dealing with tree suckers is spotting them. Check the base of the trunk
and the surrounding soil for any signs of suckers. Early detection is key to
preventing the suckers from becoming too large or deeply rooted.
Use a flashlight
if you are inspecting your tree at night or in low-light conditions. Make sure
you are wearing gardening gloves.
Cut the Suckers at the Base
The most
effective way to remove tree suckers is to cut them off at the base. Suckers
are usually soft and easy to cut through. Use pruning shears or scissors
for smaller ones. For thicker, older suckers, you may need loppers or a pruning saw.
- Identify the base by looking at the bottom of the sucker and locate the point where it emerges from the tree or the ground.
- Make your cut as close to the base of the sucker as possible, ensuring you don’t leave any stubs. Leaving a stub can encourage new sucker growth.
While cutting, avoid
damaging the tree’s bark or trunk, as this can open up the tree to diseases or
pests.
Dispose of the Suckers
- After removing the suckers, make sure they are disposed of appropriately. Avoid leaving them near the tree, as they may occasionally reestablish growth if left in contact with the soil.
- If the suckers have a disease or pest infestation, make sure to dispose of them in a sealed bag to prevent the spread of infection.
If the suckers are
healthy and disease-free, you can compost them, but avoid composting diseased
material.
Apply Tree Fertilizer
Once
you’ve removed the suckers, you may want to fertilize the tree to help it
recover from the stress caused by the sucker growth. Fertilizer provides
essential nutrients that support the tree’s health and vitality.
- Choose a balanced tree fertilizer, ensuring it’s suitable for the specific tree species you are dealing with.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Typically, you’ll want to spread the fertilizer evenly around the tree’s root zone.
- Water the tree thoroughly after fertilizing to help the nutrients absorb into the soil.
Monitor for Future Growth
Tree
suckers can sometimes reappear, especially if the tree is stressed. It’s
important to continue monitoring the tree regularly and remove any new suckers
as soon as they appear. The sooner you catch them, the easier it will be to
manage them.
Regularly
check your tree, especially after periods of stress, pruning or weather
changes.
Practices to Prevent Suckers from Growing
While
it’s important to remove suckers, the best approach is to prevent them from
appearing in the first place. Here are a few tips for preventing sucker growth:
Proper Pruning Techniques
Pruning your
tree properly can help prevent the growth of suckers. When making cuts, always
prune above a healthy bud or lateral branch and avoid cutting too close to the
tree’s base. If you cut too deeply or leave stubs, you may encourage sucker
growth.
A pruning
saw or pruning shears will give you the precision you need when making cuts to
avoid encouraging sucker growth.
Don’t Overwater or Underwater
Proper
watering is crucial for preventing stress on the tree. Overwatering or
underwatering can weaken the tree and cause sucker growth. Make sure your tree
receives consistent, adequate water, especially during dry spells in winter or
hot summer.
Mulch Around the Base
Applying mulch
around the base of the tree helps retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds
and maintain a stable environment for the tree. A layer of mulch can help
prevent sucker growth by reducing soil disturbance around the roots.
Use Growth Regulators (If Necessary)
In
a few cases, if you have persistent sucker issues, you might consider using a
plant growth regulator. These chemicals can reduce sucker growth by affecting
the tree’s hormonal balance. Consult an arborist before using growth regulators
to ensure they’re suitable for your tree type.
Remove Damaged or Diseased Areas
If your tree
has suffered injury or disease, remove the affected areas promptly. Pruning
away damaged parts helps reduce stress and can prevent the tree from producing
suckers as a reaction to injury.